To ensure the safety of those working on or around overhead hoists, hoists must meet the manufacturer’s requirements for inspection, maintenance, and operation (IGSHS 281.06(c), OSHA 1926.554(a)(6)).  Inspections shall conform to ASME/ANSI consensus standard B30.16, which defines frequent inspections as those done before each use, and periodic inspections as those done annually.   In addition to maintenance and inspections, both sides of a hoist must be clearly marked with the hoist’s rated load capacity (OSHA 1910.179(b)(5)).

Periodic inspections:  These annual inspections must be performed by a designated person and the documentation kept on file for safety inspections.

Frequent Inspections:  It is not necessary to keep records of the frequent inspections.  Instead, each operator must be knowledgeable of the criteria for frequent inspections, and/or know where to find them.  It is a good idea to have all operators sign that they have read and understand the criteria.

Most common Department of Building Safety (DBS) citations:  Lack of inspection documentation; failure to clearly mark both sides with the hoist’s rated load capacity.

Checklists for both the frequent and periodic inspections are available on the Forms tab of this page.  Consider keeping a checklist for frequent inspections in an easily accessible place near the hoist as a reminder to conduct the inspection.

Annual Inspection Checklist

Frequent (Daily) Inspection Checklist