Since its initial release in 1996, the B30.2 ASME standard has undergone several iterations over the years. The most recent update, ASME B30.2-2022, went into effect in 2023.
This update includes important revisions and additions for any organization using power-driven and hand-operated overhead and gantry cranes, and familiarizing yourself with these changes will help you mitigate risk and improve operations in your workplace.
What Is the ASME B30.2 Standard?
ASME B30.2 Overhead and Gantry Cranes is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard providing guidance for the following operations involving overhead and gantry cranes:
- Construction
- Installation
- Inspection
- Operation
- Maintenance
These provisions are also relevant for cranes that share key characteristics, such as:
- Cantilever gantry cranes
- Wall cranes
- Semi-gantry cranes
The full text of the updated edition, as well as the previous two iterations, is available for purchase in both hard copy and downloadable PDF formats from the ASME online store.
Why Did ASME Change the Standard?
ASME and other similar organizations update their standards every few years to adapt to the evolving needs of the industries they serve. With new advances in crane technology, for example, setting a new standard that addressed these overhead and gantry crane updates was essential for guiding workplace safety improvements in organizations that use this equipment.
What Is New in the Update?
This most recent update saw some substantial changes to key areas of the standard, especially in the middle sections. Here is a brief overview of the B30.2 ASME changes in the 2022 edition.
Chapter 2-0 Scope, Definitions, References, and Personnel Competence
The 2022 edition revised two definitions in section 2-0.2:
- Lifting device: This definition now differentiates lifting devices from load blocks. It also clarifies that operators should only include a lifting device in the rated load if it is not attached to the hoisting ropes.
- Load block: This definition removed a reference to appurtenances reeved into hoisting ropes.
The new edition also updated the reference list in section 2-0.3 to include more current sources. One important addition is ASME P30.1, which outlines a documentation methodology for planning and oversight related to a hoisting operation. This source appears in multiple sections throughout the document, so some degree of familiarity with it will be important moving forward.
Chapter 2-1 General Construction and Installation
While Chapter 2-1 received many updates, these changes mostly involved minor wording adjustments to better clarify the standard's requirements. The changes include:
- 2-1.3.1 Foundations and Anchorage: Subparagraph (g) received a wording revision that changed “all outdoor cranes” to “cranes used outdoors."
- 2-1.3.2 Crane Runways: Subparagraph (a)(1) now references the ANSI/AISC 360-16 standard instead of the AISC Manual of Steel Construction. Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) now include gantry structures.
- 2-1.8.1 Trolley Stops: Subparagraph (b) removed the reference to mounted bumper pads.
- 2-1.8.2-3 Bridge and Gantry and Trolley Bumpers: Section 2.1.8.2's title changed from Bridge Bumpers to Bridge and Gantry Bumpers. Subparagraph (b)(3) in all three sections contains a new sentence concerning the omission of the elastomeric bumper retention requirement.
- 2-1.9.1-3 Bridge, Trolley, and Gantry Rail Sweeps: A new subparagraph (b) in all three sections states that sweeps must be longer than the rail.
- 2-1.13.3 Controllers: The new edition removed subparagraph (i), which stated that all crane motion should cease if the automatic control fails. All following subparagraphs were redesignated to accommodate the change.
- 2-1.13.5 Disconnecting Means: Subparagraph (b) removed the word “required" in reference to disconnecting means that may be omitted. A new subparagraph (d) now states that the control circuit can continue supplying power to the crane in order to prevent issues with uncontrolled movement.
- 2-1.13.8 Crane Powered Lifting Devices: The entire section, originally named Cranes With Lifting Magnets, received heavy revisions.
Chapter 2-2 Inspection and Testing
This chapter received minor changes to two sections. Section 2-2.3.1 Operational Tests revised two subparagraphs:
- Subparagraph (b)(4): The phrase “hoist-limit devices” now reads “hoist limit devices (switches)."
- Subparagraph (b)(4)(-a): The subparagraph removed all references to hooks and hook speed.
In Section 2.3.2 Load Test, Subparagraph (a) now states that all new cranes must undergo load testing before initial use. All language concerning existing cranes and load testing — including those with alterations, repairs, and other modifications — are now in the new Subparagraph (b). The new subparagraph also specifies that a qualified person may exempt a crane from load testing.
All following subparagraphs have been redesignated and revised to reflect the changes.
Chapter 2-3 Operator Training and Operation
This chapter received extensive updates, especially in the following sections:
- 2-3.4.1 Lift Planning: Two new paragraphs were added to this section that briefly discuss the criteria for a critical lift, citing ASME P30.1 as a beneficial tool.
- 2-3.4.2 Planned Engineered Lifts: This section was completely revised to expand on the requirements for calculating loads and creating lift plans. Additionally, the restriction on planned engineered lifts, which limited this category to powered cranes with load ratings of at least 5 tons, was removed.
The new edition also added a new section to this chapter titled 2-3.3.6 Responsibilities of Signalpersons. This section outlines the minimum duties of a signalperson assigned to a load-handling activity.
Other sections received minor wording changes for clarification, including:
- 2-3.3.1 Scope of Crane Operation
- 2-3.3.2 General Requirements
- 2-3.3.3 Responsibilities of Management (Owners/Users)
- 2-3.3.4 Responsibilities of Crane Operators
- 2-3.3.5 Responsibilities of Riggers
- 2-3.4 Planning for Load Handling Activities
Chapter 2-4
ASME B30.2-2016 section 2-4.1.2 condensed the original paragraph into one sentence stating that all crane maintenance personnel must possess the competencies and capabilities outlined in section 2-04 Personnel Competence.
What Is the Impact of This Update?
Most of the updates in this edition of the standard provide additional clarity into its requirements, which can help guide organizations more effectively in creating safer workplaces for crane operators, maintenance personnel, and other employees working onsite.
The changes to Chapter 2-3 are especially significant, as they directly impact how an organization must plan engineered lifts. For example, in situations where a lift exceeds 125% of the crane's rated load, or the project requires more than two engineered lifts within one year of each other, the crane manufacturer or another qualified person must first inspect the crane and approve it for use.
Refresh Your Team's ASME B30.2 Knowledge With CICB
Keeping up with new and evolving standards can be challenging, especially in highly technical industries such as construction and manufacturing. At CICB, we strive to provide world-class training experiences and ongoing support services for crane and rigging professionals so you can verify compliance with updates to all applicable standards for your workplace.
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