3.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR MOBILE CRANES

3.1 OSHA Construction Requirements

A review of the OSHA crane standards provide a basis for a crane inspection. Construction crane standards requirements are found in Subpart N, 29 CFR 1926 550. Some key requirements state that: 

(1) The employer shall comply with the manufacturer's specifications and limitations applicable to the operation of any and all cranes and derricks. Where manufacturer's specifications are not available, the limitations assigned to the equipment shall be based on the determinations of a qualified engineer competent in this field and such determinations will be appropriately documented and recorded. Attachments used with cranes shall not exceed the capacity, rating, or scope recommended by the manufacturer.   

(2) Rated load capacities, and recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, or instruction, shall be conspicuously posted on all equipment. Instructions or warnings shall be visible to the operator while he is at his control station.   

(5) The employer shall designate a competent person who shall inspect all machinery and equipment prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies shall be repaired, or defective parts replaced, before continued use.   

(6) A thorough, annual inspection of the hoisting machinery shall be made by a competent person, or by a government or private agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. The employer shall maintain a record of the dates and results of inspections for each hoisting machine and piece of equipment.   

(15) Except where electrical distribution and transmission lines have been de-energized and visibly grounded at point of work or where insulating barriers, not a part of or an attachment to the equipment or machinery, have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines, equipment or machines shall be operated approximate to power lines only in accordance with the following:   

(i) For lines rated 50 kV or below, minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the crane or load shall be 10 feet;   

(ii) For lines rated over 50 kV, minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the crane or load shall be 10 feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kV over 50 kV, or twice the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet;   

(iv) A person shall be designated to observe clearance of the equipment and give timely warning for all operations, where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the desired clearance by visual means;    

(vi) Any overhead wire shall be considered to be an energized line unless and until the person owning such line or the electrical utility authorities indicate that it is not an energized line and it has been visibly grounded.

(16) No modifications or additions which effect the capacity or safe operation of the equipment shall be made by the employer without the manufacturer's written approval. In no case shall the original safety factor of the equipment be reduced.

To supplement the OSHA standards for Cranes and Derricks, references are made to applicable ASME/ANSI and PCSA standards. The ASME/ANSI "B30" series of standards address: "Cranes", "Cableways", "Derricks", "Hoists", "Hooks", "Jacks" and "Slings". For the purpose of this document ASME/ANSI B30.5, "Mobile and Locomotive Cranes" will be the reference document for the crane inspection criteria.

References also are made to the Power Crane Shovel Association (PCSA), Standard No. 2, "Mobile it Hydraulic Crane Standards."

3.2 ASME/ANSI and PCSA Requirements