Maintenance, Inspection and Thorough Examination of Mobile Cranes

21.0 Practical Issues for Thorough Examination on Site
21.1 Introduction
The thorough examination of mobile cranes is most effective when carried out in a
workshop or depot yard.
Carrying out a thorough examination of a mobile crane away from a depot presents a
particular set of issues when compared with carrying out a thorough examination in a
workshop or depot yard. These issues are best addressed at the planning stage
before the crane arrives on site and is taken into use. The effective thorough
examination of mobile cranes on site will require the cooperation of the user and an
example of a document informing users of the issues they should consider when a
thorough examination is being undertaken is given at Annex 4.
21.2 Downtime During Thorough Examination
The main purpose for a mobile crane being on site is to carry out lifting operations as
part of the construction process. Site managers are understandably reluctant to stop
the crane whilst a thorough examination is carried out. If thorough examination
downtime is not scheduled into the construction programme it is pushed to the back
of the queue and ends up being carried out hurriedly in unsafe conditions such as
poor light.
It is therefore essential that mobile crane owners make clear to those hiring their
cranes that thorough examination is the user’s legal obligation and that adequate
downtime must be built into the site programme. Hirers must be informed at the
planning stage of the frequency of thorough examination and probable time required.
In certain circumstances it may be of benefit to substitute another crane to allow
thorough examination to be carried out off site.
Construction projects in built up areas often have environmental restrictions imposed
on them which severely limit working time and such restrictions must be taken into
account when planning thorough examinations.
21.3 Site Inductions
Competent persons should have undertaken suitable and sufficient health and safety
training applicable to their activity before arriving on site. Such training should be
sanctioned by an appropriate industry body for the work function being carried out.
(e.g. SAFed Safety Passport for Engineers undertaking thorough examinations). To
supplement their trade specific health and safety training, visiting personnel must
attend an appropriate site specific safety induction focused on the specific hazards
that may be present in the vicinity of the intended work,
The induction must be of sufficient length to cover the relevant risks, however it is
anticipated that it would normally take 20 – 30 min, and where necessary be
specifically prepared by the Principal Contractor in control of the site. The time of the
induction should be agreed in advance. The induction should be given by the
Principal Contractor’s Manager who will oversee the thorough examination activity.
This will help build relationships and a joint understanding.
21.4 Lines of Communication
Those planning and carrying out the thorough examination of mobile cranes on site
must ensure that they have effective lines of communication with the site for initial,
periodic and exceptional thorough examinations including preparation. This will avoid
much frustration and misunderstanding on both sides.
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