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Crane monthly inspection certification record.
A printable monthly certification record for overhead and gantry crane hooks, hoist chains and running ropes, with the date, signature and identifier OSHA 1910.179 requires. Free, no signup.
Quick answer. OSHA 1910.179 requires a monthly inspection with a certification record for three crane components: hooks, hoist chains and running ropes. Each record must show the date of the inspection, the signature of the person who did it, and the serial number or other identifier of the item inspected. Hooks and hoist chains also get a daily visual check.
Reviewed October 16, 2026 against the regulation text on osha.gov. Not legal advice: your AHJ, insurer or the manufacturer can require more.
The form
Blank form below. Print it, or choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog.
Overhead and gantry crane: monthly certification record (hooks, hoist chains, running ropes)
| Date | Item (hook / hoist chain / rope) | Serial number or identifier | Condition (OK / defect) | Defect and action taken | Inspector signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certification records under 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iii), (j)(2)(iv) and (m)(1). Keep on file where readily available. Template from hovermarks.com.
What the regulation says
“Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected.”
“Hoist 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 a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected.”
“A thorough inspection of all ropes shall be made at least once a month and a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier for the ropes which were inspected shall be kept on file where readily available to appointed personnel.”
Three components, one monthly record
OSHA lists many frequent inspection items for overhead and gantry cranes, but only hooks, hoist chains and running ropes carry a monthly certification record. The record is short: a date, a signature and an identifier for the item. What makes it fail an inspection is usually the identifier. A line that says "hooks OK" does not identify which hook, so it does not meet the standard.
The form below has one line per item per month, with a column for the hook serial number, chain identifier or rope identifier, and space to note any defect and what was done about it.
Daily, monthly and periodic
Hooks and hoist chains get a daily visual check by the operator, which OSHA does not require to be written down. The monthly inspection is the one that must be certified. Separately, 1910.179(j)(3) requires a complete periodic inspection of the crane at intervals set by its activity, severity of service and environment.
What the monthly check covers
- Hooks: deformation or cracks
- Hoist chains, including end connections: excessive wear, twist, distorted links that interfere with proper function, or stretch beyond the manufacturer's recommendations
- Running ropes: a thorough inspection of all ropes
Frequently asked
- Which crane inspections need a certification record under OSHA?
- The monthly inspections of hooks, hoist chains and running ropes on overhead and gantry cranes, under 1910.179(j)(2)(iii), (j)(2)(iv) and (m)(1). Each record must include the date, the inspector's signature and an identifier for the item inspected.
- Is the daily crane inspection required to be written down?
- OSHA 1910.179 requires daily visual inspection of hooks and hoist chains but attaches the certification record to the monthly inspection. Many sites keep a daily pre-use log anyway, because it is the easiest way to show the daily check happened.
- Does 1910.179 apply to mobile cranes?
- No. 1910.179 covers overhead and gantry cranes. Crawler, locomotive and truck cranes in general industry fall under 1910.180, and cranes used in construction under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC.
- What identifier should I use for a hook or rope?
- The manufacturer's serial number where there is one. Where there is not, assign a durable ID, mark or tag it on the item, and use the same ID every month so the record shows one item's history.
Skip the paper
Hovermarks gives each crane, hook and rope its own QR-tagged record, so the monthly certification is tied to the item's identifier automatically. The inspector signs on the phone, a defect raises a tracked action against that item, and the month a certification is missed shows up as overdue.
From $19 per user per month. 30-day free trial, no card.
Stop chasing paperwork.
Start proving compliance.
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