Requirements For Inspecting Cranes Three Ton and Below In California

Since I have been working out of California, I have had a lot of questions regarding the inspections and maintenance on equipment that is below three ton capacity. Because the CALOSHA Title 8 Article 100 specifies hoisting equipment over three tons. This article states that all equipment over three ton shall be quarterly inspected and have a load test performed every four years. Because of this many people do not inspect or have any maintenance plan of any kind on their equipment that is below three tons. I was very surprised by this since in reality it made no sense at all. Typically most manufacturing plants main lifting equipment is below three tons. Also this equipment is generally what is most widely used in the plant. So why not have a maintenance and inspection schedule on them?

Recently I was introduced to a letter from CALOSHA that written back in 1993. This letter was regarding proof load testing on cranes less than three tons capacity. It does state that equipment over three tons only requires quadrennial load testing. However is required that all equipment below three tons still be on a maintenance schedule regardless of the rated capacity. Many contractors in the state of California will tell you that you do not need to worry about inspecting your equipment that fall at three tons or less rated capacity. These inspectors and contractors are ill informed.

When you are putting together your inspection program on your overhead lifting equipment in the state of California, make sure that you include all lifting equipment regardless of the rated capacity. Doing your equipment over three tons is not satisfying CALOSHA requirements. Even worse, it is extremely dangerous to not have a maintenance schedule for your lifting equipment. Please let me know if you need help putting together a maintenance schedule. I will gladly help you put together a program that is economic, efficient, safety conscious, and CALOSHA satisfied, all while keeping your production needs in the forefront!