Bridge inspections exist for one reason. Safety.
Structures change over time. Loads increase. Weather causes wear. If these changes are not checked, small problems grow quietly.
In the United States, the National Bridge Inventory was created so inspection findings could be recorded and reviewed over time. These records help agencies decide when repairs are needed and when risks are increasing.
To complete inspections properly, inspectors must reach areas that are not easy to access. Many parts of a bridge are high above the ground or located underneath the deck. Because of this, lifting equipment is required. Structural inspection lift solutions are used so inspectors can work close to the structure while remaining stable.
Zo-Air provides bridge crane inspection services that support this type of work. Their inspections focus on equipment condition, safety, and readiness for use.
1. Identify inspection areas before selecting equipment
Inspection work should begin with understanding what needs to be inspected. This includes knowing which components are critical and which areas are difficult to reach. Without this step, equipment selection often becomes guesswork.
Reviewing drawings and previous inspection reports helps teams understand access challenges. Once this is done, the correct structural inspection lift solutions can be selected. This reduces changes on site and avoids unsafe access methods.
This step is often overlooked, yet it affects every other part of the inspection process.
2. Use lifting equipment designed for bridge inspections
General-purpose lifts are not always suitable for bridge work. Many bridges require access underneath the structure or around curved surfaces. In such cases, a bridge inspection crane is commonly used.
This equipment allows controlled movement under the bridge while maintaining balance. It gives inspectors the ability to stop, adjust position, and inspect details closely.
Typical equipment used for this work includes:
- Under-bridge inspection units
- Articulating boom lifts
- Truck-mounted access platforms
Using equipment that matches the task reduces stress on both the lift and the operator. Zo-Air inspects and services this equipment so it can be used with confidence.
3. Ensure operators understand how the lift behaves
Lifting equipment responds differently depending on load, reach, and position. Operators must understand these changes. Training is not only about controls. It is also about knowing what the lift should not do.
Operators should be aware of how speed changes at full extension, how weight affects stability, and how emergency systems work. When this knowledge is present, structural inspection lift solutions perform as expected, and risks are reduced.
4. Check equipment before use and on a regular schedule
Before using a lift, a visual check should be completed. This check is meant to identify visible damage or obvious problems. Even minor issues can affect safety.
In addition to daily checks, periodic inspections are required. These inspections are more detailed and usually performed by trained technicians.
Everyday items reviewed include:
- Platform condition
- Guardrails and access points
- Control response and safety devices
Zo-Air provides these inspections as part of their bridge crane inspection services.
5. Keep written records for all inspection activity
Inspection and maintenance records help track equipment condition over time. Without records, issues may repeat without being noticed.
Records should clearly show when inspections were done, what issues were found, and how they were resolved. Over time, this information improves decisions about maintenance and replacement. It also supports the reliability of structural inspection lift solutions.
6. Use qualified professionals for repairs and approval
Repairs to lifting equipment should always be handled by qualified personnel. Structural inspection equipment operates under load and at height. Poor repairs increase safety risks.
Zo-Air provides professional inspection and repair services for equipment used as a bridge inspection crane. After repairs, equipment should be tested before returning to service.
Why proper lift use matters
Inspection results depend on access. If access is unsafe or unstable, inspections suffer. Proper equipment use allows inspectors to focus on the structure, not the risk.
Benefits include:
- Safer working conditions
- Better inspection accuracy
- Fewer interruptions
- Improved compliance
Conclusion
Bridge inspections depend on safe and reliable access. Equipment must be suitable, well-maintained, and correctly operated. Structural inspection lift solutions play a key role in making this possible.
Zo-Air supports inspection teams by providing professional inspection and maintenance services for lifting equipment. With proper planning and qualified support, inspection work can be completed safely and consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
A structural inspection lift allows inspectors to reach areas that cannot be accessed from the ground. This includes high surfaces and areas under bridges. The lift provides stability so inspections can be performed safely and carefully.
Inspection lifts should be checked before each use to identify visible problems. In addition, they should undergo periodic inspections at set intervals. These inspections are more detailed and help confirm that the equipment remains safe to operate.
A bridge inspection crane is used when access is required underneath or around bridge structures. Standard lifts may not provide safe positioning in these areas. The crane allows controlled movement and close access.
Operators can perform basic pre-use checks. However, detailed inspections and repairs should be completed by trained technicians. Companies such as Zo-Air provide these services to ensure safety standards are met.
Skipping inspections increases the risk of equipment failure. This can lead to injuries, inspection delays, and compliance issues. Regular inspections reduce these risks and support safe inspection work.
