Tower Crane Pre-Operation Inspection

Pre-operation inspection template for tower cranes covering load chart verification, wind speed limits, slewing brake condition, tie-in integrity, and other critical safety checks before use.

Inspection Setup and Operating Conditions

• Operator and competent person identified for this shift
  Verify the inspection is being completed by the assigned operator or a competent person authorized to inspect the tower crane.
• Crane is parked in a safe inspection condition
  Boom/jib, hook block, and controls are in a stable condition for a safe walk-around with no active lifting in progress.
• Area around crane base and access points is clear
  Access ladders, platforms, and the crane base area are unobstructed and free of slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Current weather and site conditions reviewed
  Confirm wind, lightning, visibility, and other site conditions have been reviewed before operation.
• Wind speed measured at crane location
  Record the current wind speed at the crane location and compare it to the manufacturer’s operating limit and site procedure.

Load Chart and Lifting Capacity Verification

• Correct load chart available at operator station
  The current manufacturer-approved load chart for the crane configuration is present, legible, and accessible to the operator.
• Crane configuration matches load chart
  Verify jib length, counterweight, reeving, radius, and any other configuration factors match the applicable load chart.
• Planned lift weight within rated capacity
  Confirm the planned load, including rigging and attachments, is within the rated capacity for the intended radius and configuration.
• Load radius and lift path verified
  Verify the planned radius, travel path, and landing area do not exceed chart limits or create contact hazards.
• Anti-collision / special lift restrictions reviewed
  Confirm any site-specific restrictions, exclusion zones, or anti-collision requirements have been reviewed before lifting.

Structural Integrity and Tower Connections

• Tower sections show no visible deformation or damage
  Inspect mast sections, bolts, pins, and connections for cracks, bending, missing hardware, or other visible defects.
• Tie-in integrity verified
  Confirm tower tie-ins, anchors, brackets, and associated fasteners are secure, properly installed, and free from visible movement or damage.
• Foundation or base support condition acceptable
  Verify the base, ballast, rails, or support structure shows no settlement, shifting, or other instability indicators.
• Jib, counterjib, and tower interface secure
  Inspect the jib and counterjib connection points for secure pins, bolts, and visible structural integrity.
• Access platforms and guardrails intact
  Verify ladders, platforms, toe boards, and guardrails are intact and secure with no missing or damaged components.

Mechanical and Brake Systems

• Slewing brake condition acceptable
  Verify the slewing brake engages and holds properly, with no abnormal noise, slippage, or delayed response.
• Hoist brake holds load without drift
  Confirm the hoist brake functions correctly and the load does not drift when held at rest.
• Trolley travel and slewing motions operate smoothly
  Check for abnormal vibration, binding, jerking, or unusual sounds during movement tests.
• Wire ropes, sheaves, and drums show no visible defects
  Inspect wire ropes, sheaves, and drums for broken wires, kinks, crushing, improper spooling, or other visible damage.
• Limit switches and overload protection functional
  Verify upper/lower limit devices and overload or load moment protection systems are present and functioning as intended.

Controls, Safety Devices, and Communication

• Control functions respond correctly
  Test hoist, trolley, slewing, and emergency stop controls for correct response and return to neutral.
• Audible warning device functional
  Verify horn or other warning device is audible and operational from the operator station.
• Anemometer or wind indicator functional
  Confirm the wind measuring device is present, readable, and operating correctly if required by the manufacturer or site procedure.
• Communication method established with signal person
  Verify radio, hand signals, or other approved communication method is established and understood before the lift.
• Emergency stop and shutdown procedure reviewed
  Confirm the operator knows the emergency stop and shutdown procedure for unsafe conditions or equipment malfunction.