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.
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:
These provisions are also relevant for cranes that share key characteristics, such as:
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.
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.
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.
The 2022 edition revised two definitions in section 2-0.2:
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.
While Chapter 2-1 received many updates, these changes mostly involved minor wording adjustments to better clarify the standard's requirements. The changes include:
This chapter received minor changes to two sections. Section 2-2.3.1 Operational Tests revised two subparagraphs:
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.
This chapter received extensive updates, especially in the following sections:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Contact us today or call us at 888-327-4320 to learn more about our services and course offerings.