What process must be followed prior to inspecting an overhead crane?

What process must be followed prior to inspecting an overhead crane?

• A. Lift hoist to highest level
• B. Notify supervisor
• C. Turn off power
• D. Use a lockout procedure

Answer: (D)

Controlling hazardous energy before inspecting ensures the crane cannot move or energize unexpectedly during the check. The proper approach is to use a lockout/tagout procedure, which isolates and secures all energy sources—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and stored or gravitational energy. By applying lockout devices and tags, you prevent re-energizing the crane while you inspect it, and you typically verify that zero energy remains before proceeding. Simply turning off power isn’t enough because a supply could be re-energized or stored energy could cause movement. Notifying a supervisor or lifting the hoist to a high level doesn’t provide the necessary energy control for a safe inspection. After the inspection, only then are the locks removed and the crane re-energized per procedure.

Controlling hazardous energy before inspecting ensures the crane cannot move or energize unexpectedly during the check. The proper approach is to use a lockout/tagout procedure, which isolates and secures all energy sources—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and stored or gravitational energy. By applying lockout devices and tags, you prevent re-energizing the crane while you inspect it, and you typically verify that zero energy remains before proceeding. Simply turning off power isn’t enough because a supply could be re-energized or stored energy could cause movement. Notifying a supervisor or lifting the hoist to a high level doesn’t provide the necessary energy control for a safe inspection. After the inspection, only then are the locks removed and the crane re-energized per procedure.