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New OSHA regulations for cranes go into effect in November, 2010 The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published new regulations, PDF file, for the construction industry’s use of cranes. The regulations, according to OSHA affecting approximately 267,000 businessess employing 4.8 million workers, went into effect November 5, 2010.According to reports, the new rules, which replace standards 40 years old, address advances in crane and derrick design, update specific industry work practices, adopt new qualifications for equipment operators, and help minimize hazards. OSHA’s goal is to prevent electrocutions, crushed-by/struck-by dangers, collapses and overturned equipment, and other lethal hazards. These rules are minimum safety requirements. . Significant requirements in these new rules include: - Inspection of tower crane parts prior to assembly; - Use of synthetic slings in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions during assembly and disassembly; - Assessment of ground conditions to determine if the ground is sufficiently stable to support the anticipated weight of the equipment; - Procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines. Also included in the new rules are requirements for qualification or certification of crane operators. Reportedly, employers will be responsible for the relevant training, including paying for certification, and will have up to four years to ensure that their operators are qualified or certified unless they are operating in a state or city that has existing operator qualification requirements. If a state or city has its own licensing or certification program, OSHA allegedly mandates compliance with that city’s or state’s requirements only if they meet the minimum criteria of the new federal rules. State plans must issue job safety and health standards that are at least as effective as comparable federal standards. The new regulations apply to the construction industry only; however, a “general industry” employer performing construction-related work will be covered by the regulations. OSHA is expected to provide additional materials to aid compliance. It will publish a series of guidance and outreach documents before the regulations become effective. For more information, visit OSHA's cranes and derricks Web page. County Web sites || City/Town/Village Web sites || State Portal || Build Your Business The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529. |