(1) Inspection classification.

(a) Initial inspection. You must perform an initial inspection prior to initial use all new and altered cranes to ensure compliance with the provisions of these standards.

(b) Inspection procedure for cranes in regular service is divided into two general classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as "frequent" and "periodic" with respective intervals between inspections as defined below:

(i) Frequent inspection - Daily to monthly intervals.

(ii) Periodic inspection - 1 to 12 month intervals.

(2) Frequent inspection. You must inspect the following items for defects at intervals as defined in (1)(b) of this section or as specifically indicated, including observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. All deficiencies such as listed must be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:

(a) All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily.

(b) Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems. Daily.

(c) Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with signed reports. For hooks with cracks or having more than 15% in excess of normal throat opening or more than 10° twist from the plane of the unbent hook refer to WAC 296-24-23523 (3)(c)(i).

(d) Hoist or load attachment chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with signed report.

(e) Rope slings, including end connections, for excessive wear, broken wires, stretch, kinking, or twisting. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with signed report.

(f) All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components.

(g) Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.

(3) Periodic inspection. You must complete inspections of the crane at intervals as generally defined in (l)(b)(ii) of this section, depending upon its activity, severity of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. These inspections must include the requirements of (2) of this section and in addition, the following items. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:

(a) Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.

(b) Loose bolts or rivets.

(c) Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.

(d) Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices.

(e) Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.

(f) Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.

(g) Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety requirements.

(h) Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.

(i) Crane hooks. Magnetic particle or other suitable crack detecting inspection should be performed at least once each year.

(j) Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit switches and pushbutton stations.

(4) Cranes not in regular use.

(a) You must inspect a crane which has been idle for a period of 1 month or more, but less than 6 months, in conformance with requirements of (2) of this section and WAC 296-24-23525(2), before placing in service.

(b) You must completely inspect a crane which has been idle for a period of over 6 months in conformance with requirements of (2) and (3) of this section and WAC 296-24-23525(2) before placing in service.

(c) You must inspect standby cranes at least semi-annually in accordance with requirements of (2) of this section and WAC 296-24-23525(2). Standby cranes exposed to adverse environment should be inspected more frequently.