Federal OSHA revised its rules for cranes and derricks used in construction to update and specify industry work practices necessary to protect employees during the use of cranes and derricks in construction.

Following are highlights of provisions of the new rules that apply to employers and other entities in control of crane and derrick equipment during construction operations.

Crane operator certification in states and municipalities with operator licensing rules. All crane and derrick operators in states and municipalities with operator licensing laws must be licensed to operate by the effective date of such laws.

Crane operator training in states without operator licensing rules. From November 8, 2010 until November 10, 2014 (i.e., the phase-in period), operators must be trained to operate the equipment and must be evaluated to confirm that the operator understands the information provided in the training. See the CRANE PERSONNEL TRAINING CHART for information.

Qualifications for rigger, signal person, and other personnel. Riggers and signal persons must meet specific qualification requirements in order to perform their tasks. Other personnel in the work zone must be trained to recognize hazards associated with the use of the equipment and any related duties that they are assigned to perform. See the CRANE PERSONNEL TRAINING CHART for more information.

“Controlling entities” and other employers. There are new duties for the “controlling entity” (i.e., employer that is a prime contractor, general contractor, construction manager or any other legal entity which has the overall responsibility for the project), and other employers in authority when there is no controlling entity.

Ground conditions. The controlling entity or other employer in authority is responsible for determining whether the ground is sufficient to support the anticipated weight of hoisting equipment and associated loads.

Equipment inspections. There are new inspection requirements for the competent person and qualified person, and the frequency of inspections required by such persons (e.g., before and during work shift).

Overhead power lines. Employers must implement a systematic approach to power line safety for crane/derrick operations. For example, if an employer’s work zone assessment shows that a crane could get closer than 20 feet for lines rated up to 350 kV, then requirements for additional action are triggered.

Fall protection. There are new fall protection requirements, including requirements for employee training and for equipment manufactured after the effective date of the rule.

Tower crane inspection. Employers must conduct a pre-erection inspection of tower crane parts.

Synthetic slings. When using synthetic slings, use them according to manufacturer’s instructions during assembly and disassembly work.

“Construction” activity defined. Construction includes the assembly, disassembly, attachment, stabilizing, deconstruction or demolition of a portion, or all, of a structure. For the purposes of construction, cranes are defined as “power-operated equipment used in construction that can hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load.”

The following provisions of the new rules that will take effect on the dates specified.

Insulating link/device. By November 2011, an insulating link/device or alternative measure must be installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load to protect workers from electrocution. Employers with existing inventory of non-approved links may use them until November 2013 if the same protections remain in place.

Crane operator certification in states without licensing laws. By November 10, 2014, crane and derrick operators must be certified, qualified, or meet the criteria for operator-in-training before they are allowed to operate such equipment.

Crane operator-in-training. As of November 10, 2014, all crane operators who are not certified or qualified to operate must meet the criteria for operator-in-training (e.g., prequalification/certification training, trainer monitoring, multiple-lift rigging operations) before they are allowed to operate such equipment.

Training costs. The employer must provide all training of employees required under the crane and derrick rules at no cost to the employee.

Refresher training. The employer must provide refresher training in relevant topics for each employee when there is an indication that retraining is necessary on the basis of the employee’s actions or an evaluation of the employee’s knowledge.

Training evaluation. Employers must evaluate each employee who has been trained in crane and derrick operations to verify that he or she understands the information provided in training. The rule allows the employer to determine the most appropriate method of evaluation.