INSPECTION CERTIFICATE –ASSET OR LIABILITY

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE –ASSET OR LIABILITY
By: John W. Davis, PE

Crane surveyors (inspectors, certifiers) are usually required to provide some record of the inspection/testing that they perform. This record is usually in the form of a certificate testifying as to the condition of the crane. The information contained on the certificate may be either an asset or a liability to the surveyor.

On the asset side, the certificate can clearly define the scope of the inspection/testing and state the limitations involved, thereby specifying the limits of responsibility for the surveyor. On the liability side, an incomplete or inaccurate certificate leaves the surveyor subject to assumptions about the thoroughness of the inspection and, subsequently subject to potential lawsuits. Some jurisdictions, such as Federal Maritime, specify the form of the certificate, but many, maybe most, areas of the nation leave it to the surveyor to develop his own. Even if the form is specified or supplied, there are usually items or spaces on the form that allow adequate definitions and limitations to be noted. However, it is vital that the surveyor use such forms carefully and thoroughly.

The following elements, while not exhaustive, may help the surveyor create an asset rather than a liability.

1. Identification information. The owner or user must be identified accurately so that there is no doubt about the recipient of the certificate. It’s equally important to accurately specify the make, model, and serial number of the crane so that the certificate only applies to one crane. Many surveyors fail to accurately define the configuration of the crane as presented to them. The boom length, extensions, jib, auxiliary winches, counterweight and carrier that are subjected to inspection must be specified in order to limit the scope of the surveyor’s exposure to liability.

2. Inspection criteria. It is important, if the certificate does not specify the criteria or authority, to include a clear description of the authority or basis of the inspection. In many cases, the jurisdictional authority such as a state OSHA may be definitive. Frequently, however, an ANSI B30 standard may be the criterion along with the OSHA regulation. In some circumstances, the criteria could be the surveyor’s own check list. In any case, the criteria must be
defined so that there are no assumptions about the authority for the inspection

3. Tests performed. Completeness suggests that all tests be noted on the certificate so that there is no doubt as to the thoroughness of the survey. Most authorities that specify tests express or imply that “such other tests as the surveyor deems appropriate” should be done. Therefore, the certificate should include notation of all tests such as no load, partial load, full load proof, line pull, and any tests done to accessories such as jibs and auxiliary hoists. If proof tests are not required, the surveyor is wise to use the partial load functional test at an authorized radius for the load and line pull tests for diagnostic purposes, thus demonstrating due diligence (this applies to mobile cranes).

4. Limitations/Comments. This is the space to note any caveats or disclaimers. Such topics as single line limitation, no jib or extensions, less than full counterweight, or special accessories can be noted. If a regulatory body has granted a variance from a rule, it could be noted here. If the crane is authorized to pick “on rubber” but is not used and wasn’t tested in that mode, that exception should be noted in the comments space. Any limitation of the authorized operational capacity of the crane should be noted here.

5. Certification statement. The authority of reference, compliance verification, date of inspection/certification and the surveyor’s qualification should be included in this section. Forms required by regulatory bodies usually have this section pretty well laid out so that all these elements are detailed. It
is most important that the authoritative regulation or standard be specified so that the surveyor is not held to inappropriate criteria. The statement should indicate that the crane “…meets the inspection/testing requirements…” of the noted authority. In conclusion, it is most important to demonstrate due diligence and a reasonable standard of care in order to make the certificate an asset rather than a liability. Due diligence means that the surveyor has used the methods and practices that a reasonably competent practitioner would employ for the task, and reasonable standard of care means that the surveyor has exercised the level of care that is typically expected in the industry. The certificate may be the only indication that these standards were met if the quality of the inspection is ever questioned. Make sure your certificate is an asset, not a liability.