Overhead Crane Inspection Books - 25 Checklists

Overhead cranes are critical pieces of equipment in many industrial environments, and their safe operation is essential to prevent accidents, equipment damage, and operational downtime. To comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), overhead cranes must undergo a thorough examination at least once every twelve months by a competent person. However, relying solely on the annual LOLER inspection is not enough to ensure safety on a day-to-day basis. Regular pre-use visual and functional checks are equally important to identify defects before they develop into serious, costly, or potentially dangerous issues.

Statistics show that approximately 25% of crane-related incidents involve a dropped load, with an estimated 60% caused by poor maintenance and 15% resulting from failure of wire ropes or cables. These figures highlight the importance of ongoing inspection routines and preventative maintenance. The Good to Go Safety crane inspection system is designed to support companies in establishing a consistent and practical approach to crane safety, allowing operators to carry out pre-use checks, record observations, and identify potential faults early.

Implementing a structured programme of pre-use checks, regular inspections, and servicing schedules is essential for safe crane operation. Checks should be conducted in line with the manufacturer?s guidance and take into account the risks associated with each crane and its attachments. Operators should be encouraged to report any defects or safety concerns immediately. Any safety-critical issues must be rectified without delay, with the crane or relevant attachments taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Each Good to Go Safety check book contains 25 individual inspection checklists, covering all key components and mechanical systems of an overhead crane. Operators complete a checklist before each use, allowing early detection of wear, damage, or operational faults. A duplicate carbon copy of each completed checklist is retained within the book for management records, creating a clear and traceable audit trail. This ensures that maintenance history and safety compliance can be easily demonstrated during audits or inspections.

The checklists also include practical guidance notes, helping operators understand what to look for during each inspection. Items covered typically include hoist mechanisms, wire ropes, hooks and shackles, load chains, electrical systems, safety devices, limit switches, brakes, and structural components. By following these systematic checks, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of dropped loads, mechanical failures, and accidents, while also extending the service life of their cranes and lowering long-term maintenance costs.

In summary, combining regular pre-use inspections with annual LOLER examinations provides a comprehensive safety strategy. The Good to Go Safety system ensures that all operators are empowered to carry out their checks efficiently, record findings accurately, and maintain compliance with legal obligations, ultimately creating a safer working environment for everyone involved in crane operations.