Compliance is critical in crane and rigging operations because they involve working with high-value equipment, materials, and inventory. Most importantly, these processes can create potentially dangerous working environments for personnel. Prioritizing safety and proper operational procedures with a few best practices is critical for keeping your business in good standing.
We explore mandatory compliance considerations and key strategies for maintaining a safe, efficient crane operation below.
The Importance of Crane Compliance and Safety
Working with cranes has inherent risks, from lifting and moving heavy loads to working at significant heights. Strict compliance standards help protect workers, the public, and property from hazards relating to crane operations. Supporting optimized personnel safety is a priority, and regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandate businesses take preventive action to combat potential risks and ultimately prevent injuries or fatalities.
Companies working with cranes must invest in thorough risk assessments and worker education to meet compliance standards while reducing the chances of:
- Safety and environmental incidents.
- Premature equipment failure.
- Loss of production.
- Breakdowns.
Failing to comply with regulatory standards can have serious consequences for your business. Potential penalties for compliance violations include:
- Fines.
- Legal fees.
- Injunctive relief.
- Criminal charges.
- Reputational damage.
- Increased workers' compensation rates.
Mandatory Standards and Regulations for Crane Compliance
Strict standards and regulations govern crane and rigging operations. Understanding these regulations is crucial for keeping your business running lawfully and protecting your staff. A subject-matter expert can help you interpret relevant rules and guidelines to support compliance so your business can continue operations with lower risks.
OSHA Standards
OSHA is a federal agency, and most employers in the U.S. must comply with its standards.
OSHA standards are in the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Title 29 outlines the legal requirements for employers to support safe crane operation in 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1919, and 29 CFR 1926.
Applicable OSHA requirements relating to crane safety and operation include:
- 29 CFR 1926.453: Aerial Lifts in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC: Cranes in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1436: Derricks in Construction
- 29 CFR 1910.181: Derricks in General Industry
- 29 CFR 1926.1433: Design, Construction, & Testing in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1434: Equipment Modifications in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1437: Floating Cranes/Derricks and Land Cranes/Derricks on Barges in Construction
- 29 CFR 1910.178: Forklifts in General Industry
- 29 CFR 1919: Gear Certification for Maritime Inspections
- 29 CFR 1926.1412: Inspections in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.602: Material Handling Equipment
- 29 CFR 1910.180: Mobile, Crawler, Locomotive, Truck Cranes, & Boom Trucks in General Industry
- 29 CFR 1926.1427: Operator Qualification & Certification in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1438: Overhead & Gantry Cranes in Construction
- 29 CFR 1910.179: Overhead & Gantry Cranes in General Industry
- 29 CFR 1926.251: Rigging Equipment for Material Handling in Construction
- 29 CFR 1910.184: Slings in General Industry
- 29 CFR 1926.1413: Wire Rope Inspection in Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1414: Wire Rope Selection & Installation in Construction
The type of crane used, your sector, and the specific operations performed dictate the applicable OSHA standards.
Other Important Compliance Considerations
In addition to OSHA standards, crane operations are subject to other important guidelines:
- State and local regulations: Your company must abide by state and local crane safety and use regulations.
- Manufacturer's instructions: Cranes may also have operational guidelines from the manufacturer to support the safest functioning.
- Industry: Compliance rules vary by industry. For instance, construction businesses must adhere to different guidelines than manufacturing facilities.
- Company policies: Workers should be aware of company policies regarding crane operation to support safe, healthy working environments.
Other regulatory bodies that are not federally mandated but provide robust standards and guidelines for crane operation include:
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- American Petroleum Institute (API).
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
- Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA).
- Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation (ITDF).
- Military Standard (MIL-STD).
- Power Crane and Shovel Association (PCSA).
- Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA).
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Staying current on the latest standards is critical as these regulations are subject to regular updates.
Maintaining Crane Compliance and Safety
Explore three important practices for meeting regulatory standards and keeping your crane operations compliant.
1. Crane Compliance Evaluations
Compliance evaluations are critical to confirm that lifting programs follow the necessary protocols to support safe operation and combat fines. There are several key elements to a comprehensive evaluation:
- Inspecting platforms
- Evaluating procedures
- Assessing lifting policies
- Testing personnel competence
- Checking paperwork and documentation
Thorough lifting compliance evaluations should answer the following questions:
- Is the crane used suitable for its intended purpose?
- Are all employees adhering to established procedures?
- Does documentation accurately demonstrate compliance?
- Are personnel adequately trained and qualified for their assigned responsibilities?
- Do programs and procedures meet the requirements of current regulatory standards?
- Are maintenance and inspection teams or contractors providing the services as required?
This process helps businesses determine the training needed to support optimal safety and reduce premiums.
2. Certification and Training Programs
Human error is the leading cause of crane-related accidents, so proper training and certification are imperative to reducing risks and keeping worksites safer.
Key personnel requiring training include crane operators, rigging specialists, and signalers. These individuals must understand:
- Proper crane utilization and operational best practices.
- Applicable safety standards specific to their crane type and model.
- Emergency procedures to minimize harmful impacts to workers and property if a crane malfunctions or an accident occurs.
Training provides workers with the knowledge needed to align crane operations with relevant regulatory standards to maintain compliance.
Crane operators should obtain certification from an OSHA-approved organization, such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). The NCCCO is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and extends certifications to individuals through expert training, testing, and exams.
3. Crane Inspections and Maintenance
Regular crane safety compliance inspections are necessary to maintain regulatory adherence. They support equipment safety, reliability, and longevity, helping businesses support optimal efficiency and protect their bottom line. Keeping detailed inspection and maintenance records is essential for proving compliance. Your company must also be fully cooperative for OSHA inspections and investigations.
In addition to routine inspections, lifting programs must prioritize preventive and prompt reactive upkeep. Maintenance protocols to support crane compliance should involve:
- Daily pre-operational checks to assess the safety mechanism and structural integrity of the crane.
- Monthly preventive care to identify and resolve potential issues or repair needs early.
- Comprehensive annual evaluations of electrical, structural, and mechanical systems by an expert.
Contact CICB for a Consultation Today
Material handling businesses can maintain a safer and more efficient working environment by investing in inspection, evaluations, and training. Turn to CICB for thorough crane compliance evaluation services.
We can help your team reduce risk, liability, and accidents with our seven-part consultative process. Our experts align your lifting program with industry best practices to meet all necessary regulatory mandates and avoid violations. A crane and rigging audit from CICB means guaranteed compliance and increased safety for your team.
Are you ready to learn more about our expert support, compliance evaluations, and training services? Contact us today for a consultation.
