159. (1) An engineer or a competent worker designated by an engineer shall visually inspect for defects the structural elements and components of a tower crane, (a) after the crane is erected and before it is used; and (b) after the inspection under clause (a), at intervals not greater than twelve months. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 159 (1); O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (2) No tower crane shall be used until any defects found during an inspection are repaired in accordance with the instructions of the crane’s manufacturer or an engineer. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 159 (2); O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (3) An engineer or a competent worker designated by an engineer shall inspect a tower crane that has been repaired to ensure that the defects are corrected. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 159 (3); O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (4) The engineer conducting an inspection or under whose direction the inspection is done shall prepare a written report of the test results. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 159 (4); O. Reg. 85/04, s. 18; O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (5) The constructor shall keep the report at a project while the crane is erected. O. Reg. 213/91, s. 159 (5). Note: On January 1, 2024, section 159 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 14) 159. (1) An engineer shall ensure that the climbing system for a tower crane is inspected in accordance with the performance standards for inspecting a tower crane as prescribed by Ontario Regulation 260/08 (Performance Standards) made under the Professional Engineers Act, (a) prior to the initial climbing operation of the tower crane at the project; and (b) thereafter at intervals not greater than 12 months while the tower crane is erected at a project. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 14. (2) The engineer conducting the inspection or under whose direction an inspection is done shall prepare a written report of the inspection in accordance with the performance standards for inspecting a tower crane as prescribed by Ontario Regulation 260/08, including confirmation that all components are in adequate condition. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 14. Note: On January 1, 2025, the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15) 159.1 (1) An engineer shall ensure that a tower crane’s structural elements, its electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components and its control systems that may affect the structural integrity, stability or motion of a tower crane or its load are inspected in accordance with subsection (2), (a) before the tower crane is erected at a project, if 10 years have elapsed since the time the tower crane was manufactured; and (b) thereafter at least once every 10 years after the date of the last inspection under this section before the tower crane is erected at a project. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15. (2) The inspection required in subsection (1) shall include the following: 1. Inspection of structural components including, i. visual inspection of all welds and non-destructive testing of a sampling of welds determined by an engineer, and ii. measurements of the consistency of wall thickness within the closed section of the structural components to confirm the sections are compliant with the original design requirements. 2. Inspection of the rotating shafts, gears, hook blocks and mechanical linkages for signs of cracks, damage or wear using non-destructive testing. 3. For hydraulic components, i. measurement of the pressure at which pressure relief valves actuate, and ii. testing of hydraulic holding valves used to stop movement in the case of pressure loss. 4. Measurements to confirm that components that routinely wear due to use including clutch plates, brake pads, sheaves, wire ropes, bushings and pins, are within tolerances specified by their manufacturers. 5. Inspection of non-structural components that may be subject to cracking, damage or wear. 6. Performance of operational tests on the components listed below in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that the components are in adequate condition and operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications: i. Brakes. ii. Slew ring. iii. Hydraulic motors. iv. Hydraulic pumps. v. Valve blocks. vi. Hoist and luff drums. vii. Gearboxes and drive shafts. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15. (3) The operational tests required under paragraph 6 of subsection (2) do not require the components to be dismantled. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15. (4) The engineer conducting the inspection or under whose direction an inspection is done shall prepare a written report of the inspection including test results, observations, measurements and records. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15. (5) Any defects identified in the inspection that may affect the structural integrity, non-structural components, stability or motion of the tower crane or its load shall be corrected or repaired in accordance with the instructions of the tower crane or component manufacturer or an engineer. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15. (6) An engineer shall confirm in a written report that any defects identified have been corrected or repaired and that the corrected or repaired components are in adequate condition. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 15.