In the event of a suspected damaged lifting component, who should inspect and repair?

• A. The crane operator only.
• B. A qualified technician.
• C. The site security staff.
• D. The tool room clerk.

Answer: (B)

When a lifting component is suspected to be damaged, the task of inspecting and repairing it must be done by someone with the proper qualifications and authority to do safety-critical work. A qualified technician has the training to identify damage such as cracks, wear, deformation, or misalignment, knows how to determine whether a repair is possible or a replacement is needed, and can perform or oversee the repair using the correct tools and procedures. They also ensure the work meets manufacturer specifications and applicable safety standards, verify proper torques and clearances, handle lubrication if needed, and conduct post-repair testing before the equipment is returned to service. The crane operator can assess operation and safety and may initiate the shutdown, but cannot certify or repair structural or lifting components. Security staff or a tool room clerk generally lack the specialized training to evaluate lifting hardware, so they are not appropriate for inspection or repair in this context. Returning the crane to service should only occur after a qualified technician has inspected, repaired if possible, and signed off on the equipment.