Fed OSHA issued its new crane & derrick standard today, July 28, 2010. On the same day, OSHA held a live chat and discussed these new changes that supersede and replace old crane standard (from 1971). I know I complain about the things that OSHA does that I don’t like, so to be fair, I appreciate and enjoy these live chats.
This standard has some sweeping changes. However, these changes only affect cranes used in construction or cranes that are used for construction activities. The rule goes into effect November 8, 2010. Certain provisions have delayed effective dates from 1 to 4 years.
Revisions include:
• Operator certification and qualification requirements.
• Qualification for signal persons are specified.
• Requirement added for the use of qualified rigger when employees are in the fall zone to handle the load and for rigging operations during assembly/disassembly.
• Information exchange requirements between employers are specified regarding ground conditions.
• Pre-erection inspection of tower training.
• Employers must pay for the cost of operator certification for operators who they employ on the effective date of the final rule
• All pole work performed with digger derricks related to power transmission and telecommunications work are excluded and are covered by 1910.269.
• Operator certification test may be administered in a language understood by the operator candidate.
• Employers must comply with local and state licensing laws which will be considered to meet requirements of this final rule.
• Employers must comply with manufactures recommendations for the use of synthetic slings.
If you would like to review the 1070 pages of the crane standard. it's found here
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