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
 |
 |
| ASME/ANSI B30.5 |
PSCA Standard
No. 2 |
|