What safety component must be inspected before operating a tower crane?

Before operating a tower crane, it is essential to inspect the load chart and safety devices. The load chart provides critical information about the crane's lifting capacity under various conditions, ensuring that the operator is aware of the maximum load the crane can safely handle. This information is vital to prevent overloading, which could lead to catastrophic failures or accidents.

Additionally, safety devices on the crane, such as limit switches, anti-collision systems, and overload protection, must be inspected to confirm they are functioning correctly. These devices are designed to prevent accidents and provide safety to both the operators and workers on-site. Ensuring these safety components are operational is a fundamental part of crane operation, as they help mitigate the risk of injury and damage during the lifting operations.

Inspecting fuel levels and tire pressures is more relevant to mobile cranes and not specifically to tower cranes, while reviewing operator’s licenses and insurance documents pertains to compliance rather than direct safety. Evaluating a site safety plan and first aid kit is important for overall site safety but does not specifically address the operational readiness of the tower crane itself. Thus, focusing on the load chart and safety devices is crucial for safe crane operation.