OSHA ISSUES PROPOSED RULE ON CRANE SAFETY
10/9/2008
(Federal Register) 29 CFR Part 1926

OSHA ISSUES PROPOSED RULE ON CRANE SAFETY

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Oct. 9 published a proposed rule that will update the existing 40-year-old crane regulations by requiring employers to follow a multiple-step process to establish a safe environment where employees can operate cranes.

The first step in the proposed rule would require employers to analyze the ground at the site and determine if it is stable enough to support the weight of the hoisting equipment and the associated loads. Next, employers would have to consider any other hazards present in the work zone that could inhibit the safe operation of a crane, including objects or personnel that are within the swing radius of the hoisting equipment. Finally, the employer would be required to train employees to recognize hazards and would have to inspect the equipment being used in order to ensure that it was safe to operate.

The proposed rule would also require all crane operators to be certified and trained either through an accredited testing organization, by the U.S. military, by a licensed government entity or through an audited qualification program offered by the employer.

In addition to the proposed rule, OSHA also implemented a National Crane Safety Initiative designed to address safety hazards while operating a crane. OSHA launched the initiative in an effort to raise awareness of crane safety issues and to increase enforcement of the current standards. The agency plans to launch local emphasis programs that will incorporate increased targeted inspections of construction worksites and promote compliance with workplace crane safety requirements.

Comments must be submitted to OSHA by the Dec. 8 deadline. ......Extended to 1/22/09.

To read a copy of the rule, click /editorFiles/osha_cfr29part1926.pdf

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