What should you do if you hear abnormal grinding or squealing from the crane?

• A. Ignore and continue operation.
• B. Lubricate the bearings immediately without inspection.
• C. Hire a non-qualified worker to listen and decide.
• D. Stop, inspect for mechanical faults, and have a qualified technician assess and repair.

Answer: (D)

Abnormal grinding or squealing from the crane signals a mechanical fault that could lead to a sudden failure, so the safest move is to stop all movement, isolate the power, and have a qualified technician assess the situation. This kind of noise usually means worn bearings, misalignment, lubrication failure, or damaged gears, and continuing to run the crane can worsen the damage, overheat components, or cause a load drop. An initial inspection should look for obvious faults and overheating, then a trained technician should diagnose and repair. Lubricating without inspection can mask underlying problems, and bringing in someone who isn’t qualified to diagnose or repair increases the risk of incorrect fixes. Ignoring the noise or proceeding with operation is unsafe.