Responsibilities.

TB 43-0142

(a) Daily inspection of lifting devices shall be performed by the operator before use. Also,

prior to use, lifting devices which have been idle for one month or more, but less than six (6) months,

will be given an inspection in accordance with daily inspection criteria, plus a thorough, documented

inspection of wire ropes, crane hooks, and crane hoist chains in accordance with the criteria in

Appendix A, paragraph A-2. Daily inspections should comply with the criteria specified in the

appropriate technical manual for the device or the applicable appendix of this bulletin. Manufacturer's

manuals will also be used for commercial equipment as available.

(b) For cranes, monthly documented inspections shall be conducted on critical items in

use such as hooks, wire ropes, brakes, and hoist chains. Operator or Unit Maintenance personnel

who are technically experienced and qualified may be designated to perform these inspections.

Specific inspection requirements are indicated in Appendix A of this bulletin.

(c) Periodic inspections shall be conducted by Unit Maintenance personnel, assisted by

Operator/Crew personnel, at least every twelve (12) months and prior to the use of lifting devices

which have been idle for six (6) months or more. Periodic inspection criteria in the appropriate

appendix, manufacturer's documentation, and applicable equipment TMs shall be used to determine

serviceability of the equipment.

(d) Periodic inspections of lifting devices for handling hazardous materials such as

ammunition and explosives, molten metals, acids. strong caustics, and flammable and toxic materials

shall include a functional test. The periodic inspection and functional test procedures shall be

repeated before handling any load heavier than that lifted in the last functional test. The heaviest load

shall never exceed the load rating of the lifting device.

(e) Inspection and test results, excluding daily inspections, shall become part of the

maintenance record of the lifting device. Refer to paragraph 6e.

Responsibilities.

a. The director of Installations and Services, Headquarters, and Major Commands, is responsible

for overall supervision and management of the program.

b. The commander of each DA Major Subordinate Command (MSC), installation, and activity is

responsible for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all authorized lifting devices which are

authorized his/her command, and will designate the appropriate support activity to perform these

services.

c. The Chief, Safety Office or the military equivalent, i.e., safety officer, will assist/advise the

commander and equipment manager in establishing programs for inspection and testing of lifting

devices.

d. Immediate supervisors of operations that use the lifting devices shall assure that the operators

perform daily inspections as required by paragraph 4.b.(2)(a).

e. The Operator and/or Unit level of maintenance may inspect and test tool set components that

are secondary items when required by paragraph 4. These include hydraulic jacks, rings, hooks,

spreader bars, "A"-frames, lifting clamps, and inspection stands.

Procedures. At the installation level, the equipment manager shall:

a. Ensure that only qualified personnel are assigned to the inspection, testing, and maintenance

of lifting devices.

b. Ensure that test operators are carefully selected, and thoroughly trained before they are

permitted to test-operate powered materials handling equipment.

c. Ensure that signalmen/operator helpers, or personnel supervising load test lifts, are

thoroughly knowledgeable of standardized hand signals.