OSHA crane standard and inspection requirements 

Modern crane safety practices stem from OSHA crane standard 1926 (Subpart CC). This detailed regulation covers the ins and outs of crane safety and provides guidelines for things like crane:

• Inspections
• Training
• Fall protection
• Maintenance and repair employee qualifications
• Equipment modifications
• Operation
• Signal requirements
• Design and construction

This standard also provides clarification on the types of modifications that call for an inspection. They include changes to:

• Braking systems
• Safety devices
• Operating mechanisms like levers, devices, and tools
• Structural components that carry loads
• Components of the control system
• Power plants
• Load hooks

The goal of this standard is to prevent common safety hazards related to crane operation, modification, and inspection. By regulating these inputs, construction companies can better ensure safe operations and standard work.

If you are starting a new construction company, read the detailed crane and derrick OSHA standard in its entirety. You will want to look at Subpart CC.

OSHA crane inspection requirements

Standard 1926 also outlines several requirements for crane inspections to be OSHA-approved. This is one of the most crucial elements of the OSHA standard. That’s because without regular inspections, you may be putting workers in danger without realizing it.

Cranes and derricks are complex pieces of machinery that require consistent oversight. This includes oversight on safety mechanisms, control systems, cables, joints, and more.

According to standard 1926.1412, inspections must:

• Be completed by a qualified individual
• Include a functional test of the crane
• Establish whether the organization needs to hire a registered professional engineer (RPE) to create guidelines for completing changes
• Demonstrate that all modifications are safe per manufacturer specifications

A major focus of this standard is the inspection of cranes and derricks that have undergone modifications.

Even the slightest changes can have a major impact on worker safety if left unchecked. This regulation protects workers from fatal injuries that may result from cranes that malfunction or break onsite. Inspecting before putting a repaired or modified crane back into operation ensures that all changes have been done safely and correctly.

It’s important to note that no one can use the equipment until it has cleared the inspection requirements. The OSHA standard gives details about the inspection process. For more details, read the section on crane inspections here. There, you will find further information on daily, monthly, and annual crane inspection requirements.

Crane safety considerations

When following OSHA crane guidelines, you should feel confident in the safety of your equipment. Even still, safety must always be top priority. During the offseason, when cranes and derricks are out of use, it’s equally important to perform regular maintenance and inspections.

Not only does this prevent repair expenses, but it also reduces the chance of missing a major safety hazard. Be sure to also update training materials whenever there has been a change to how the cranes are operated. That way, new workers will have the instruction they need to safely operate the equipment.