California Safety Board Considers Crane Rule Revisions

June 15, 2005 • According to a recent edition of the SC&RA Newsletter, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is considering a proposal to limit overloading to 105% of a crane's weighted capacity — or less if suggested by a crane's manufacturer. Federal OSHA noted the proposal raises concerns whether it was at least as effective as the federal standard regarding the automatic stop switch. Currently, California allows cranes to be overloaded because audible warning signals and an automatic stop do not activate until 105% and 110% of the rate load is reached, respectively.

An advisory panel to the board, which included crane manufacturers, developed the state proposal. Under the proposal, which would become a performance standard, tower cranes would have a warning light that activates when a crane reaches 95% of its rated load, an audible signal that goes off at 100% capacity, and a shut-off feature that kicks in at 105%. The proposal also sets performance standards for the attachment points of crane test weights used for proof load-testing of cranes and derricks.