Do cranes need to be certified before they can be used on a jobsite?

Yes. Any crane exceeding three tons of rated capacity must be certified before it is put into service. Operating an uncertified crane puts your crew at risk and exposes your company to serious OSHA violations and liability.

How often does a crane need to be inspected?

OSHA requires frequent inspections before each shift and periodic inspections at least once a year. High-use equipment or cranes operating in harsh conditions may require more frequent inspections depending on the application.

What is the difference between a crane inspection and crane certification?

An inspection evaluates the condition and safe operating status of a crane. Certification confirms the crane meets all applicable OSHA and ASME standards and is approved for use. Certification typically follows a successful inspection and includes full documentation.

What types of cranes do you inspect and certify?

We inspect and certify all crane types including mobile cranes, overhead cranes, tower cranes, harbor cranes, and aerial lifts.

Who is qualified to certify a crane?

Crane certification must be performed by a qualified inspector with demonstrated knowledge of applicable OSHA and ASME B30 standards. Our inspectors are CAL-OSHA and FED-OSHA licensed with hands-on experience across all crane types.

Do you offer on-site inspections?

Yes. We come to your jobsite, facility, or port. There is no need to transport equipment. We handle everything on location so your operation stays on schedule.

Pre-Test Procedures For Tower / Derrick Cranes - Crane Certification ServicesCrane Certification Services

box3 Determine that lifting gear to be used with the crane in normal duties or for the purpose of testing the crane has already been tested independently. Check that all lifting attachments are clearly marked with their safe working load.

Review previous tests and inspection certificates and deficiency reports and determine that any necessary corrections have been made. Determine the appropriate standards by which the crane should be inspected and tested.

Review periodic inspection reports, maintenance records and documentation of repairs to determine that all work was in order.

Determine that the rated loads for the crane are presented on a chart or in the owners manual on the crane and select appropriate test loads from this data.

Check that an owner’s manual with operating instructions is available for the crane.

Choose appropriate loads for the test based on the manufacturers load ratings for the condition of use. A 25% minimum partial load, the rated load and proof loads exceeding the rated loads as required by the regulatory authority shall be used. Reeving configuration must be recorded.

Rigging should be arranged for the test loads which conforms to good rigging practice for a safe lift.

Barriers should be set up around the operating perimeter if there is any possibility that personnel or vehicles will intrude into the operating region.

A pre-test conference should be arranged with the operator, the riggers, and the signalman to establish how the test will be conducted and to review the signals to be used.

Inspect the crane in its entirety according to the checklist normally used for that type of crane. Particular attention should be given to the structural elements of the crane which will be subjected to stress during the load testing procedure. Any evidence of degradation among the structural elements should be evaluated and a determination made as to the suitability of the crane’s condition for load testing and the need for nondestructive testing or dismantling for detailed examination.

Conduct a visual examination of the crane supports, runway, track, power conductors, collectors and switch gear as applicable prior to commencing the test.

The crane should be operated without a load through its full range of operation and all safety devices should be checked. The 25% partial load should then be applied and required adjustments made for appropriate function. (i.e. limit switches, soft starts, etc.)

Foundations, walls and structures on which the crane is mounted or attached must be checked for soundness and freedom from sinkage, wastage or detects.

In the case of electric power operated equipment, all supply, current collecting systems, control gear, valves, “fail-—safe” mechanisms, limit mechanisms, protective and running equipment must be examined for correctness, safety and proper operation.