SC&RA Submits Comments to Cal/OSHA on Crane & Derricks Standard

(May 26, 2021) - SC&RA submitted comments last week to the California Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board in support of the proposal to move the Cranes & Derricks standards into the General Industry Safety Orders. However, the Association has concerns regarding proof load testing in excess of manufacturer’s stated maximum loaded ratings.

In the comments, SC&RA noted that proof load testing at capacity levels in excess of the manufacturer’s stated maximum load ratings is unsafe, places undue and unnecessary stress on the crane and boom and has the potential adverse effect of encouraging hoisting operations at capacities in excess of the maximum rated capacity of the crane. Anytime a crane is operated at the limits of its rated capacity presents an increased risk of accident or equipment failure. Previously, SC&RA had sought formal guidance from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) Crane Technical Committee (CTC), in regard to proof load testing utilizing loads that exceed the rated capacity of a crane. AEM’s Crane Technical Committee does not recommend proof testing on mobile cranes beyond what is required by the United States Department of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Federal Standard for Cranes and Derricks in Construction, 29 CFR §1926.1433.

Based on AEM’s feedback, and other subject matter experts, SC&RA respectfully requested that Cal/OSHA change the proof load testing capacity limit provisions in Section 5022(c) to not exceed 100 percent of the maximum load ratings of the crane. SC&RA, in its comments emphasized that requiring load testing beyond manufacturer established maximum rated capacity limits should be stopped and this proposed regulation should be revised to align with industry safe practices.

For more information, contact Beth O’Quinn.