This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

G14.1 Elevating Devices Safety Act repealed
G14.2-1 Standard - Tower cranes
G14.3 Identification
G14.5 Rated capacity indication
G14.13 Inspection, maintenance,
and repair
G14.29 Operator protection
G14.34.1 Operator certification
G14.64(3) Definition of "duty cycle work"
G14.71 Good engineering practices
G14.88(5) Alternative means of jib access

Issued August 18, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.1 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
In this Part:
"miscellaneous material hoist" means a permanently installed material hoist not described elsewhere in this Regulation and not governed by the Elevating Devices Safety Act;
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to clarify the definition of "miscellaneous material hoist"
in the Regulation as a consequence of the repeal of the Elevating Devices Safety Act.
Elevating Devices Safety Act repealed
The Elevating Devices Safety Act has been repealed. The current applicable Act is the
Safety Standards Act. The reference to the former Elevating Devices Safety Act in the
definition of "miscellaneous material hoist" is considered to be a reference to the Safety
Standards Act and regulations made under that Act, as applicable, including the
Elevating Devices Safety Regulation.
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Subsection 14.2 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
(6) A tower, hammerhead crane or self erecting tower crane must meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z248-2004, Code for Tower Cranes.
(7) A portal, tower or pillar crane must meet the requirements of ANSI Standard ASME B30.4-2003, Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes.
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to clarify the scope and application of CSA Standard Z248-2004, Code for Tower Cranes and ANSI Standard ASME B30.4-2003, Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes.
Application of the Regulation
Both subsections 14.2(6) and 14.2(7) set out standards applicable to tower cranes. However, the application of each subsection is determined by the difference in the "Scope" description in each standard. The scope of the CSA Standard Z248-2004 makes it applicable to all tower cranes, irrespective of use or industry service. The scope of the ANSI Standard ASME B30.4-2003, as it applies to tower cranes, is limited to a tower crane not used in construction.
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.3(2) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
Each major interchangeable structural component of a crane or hoist must be uniquely identified and must be legibly marked to enable confirmation that the component is compatible with the crane or hoist.
Purpose of this guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on identification of interchangeable structural components for cranes or hoists.
Identification
This requirement is applicable to, but not limited to, lattice boom mobile cranes and tower cranes. Generally the lattice boom on a mobile crane is made up of several boom sections connected together. The configuration of the boom can be varied to meet the needs of the particular lifting task. The crane manufacturer will specify what components must be used to make up the boom to achieve any particular allowable boom configuration. Some components will be interchangeable, and may be shared between similar equipment from the same manufacturer.
Similarly, a tower crane is made up using tower and jib sections. The configuration of the crane at each setup can be varied, within limits set by the manufacturer, to suit the needs of the location. As with the mobile crane boom, it is possible to interchange components from similar equipment. To ensure that only the components that the manufacturer approves for use with the configuration are used, it is necessary to identify the components.
A catalogue or part number is sufficient for the purpose of identifying compatibility, but there are also strict inspection and certification requirements for these components. Unique identification allows cross-referencing with the inspection or certification documents to ensure the component in use is the component inspected or certified. Ideally, the identifier on each component will be a serial number provided by the manufacturer. However, interchangeable components are usually only identified by the manufacturer with a part number. This satisfies one reason for the requirement (identifying interchangeable components) but not the need to correlate documents to specific components. An additional and unique identifier is required. The identifier must be legible and durable.
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.5(1) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
Subject to subsection (3), the rated capacity of a crane or hoist system must be permanently indicated on the superstructure, hoist and load block of the equipment.
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on the term 'superstructure' and supporting structure.
Superstructure and supporting structure
With respect to a bridge crane, the "superstructure" refers to the bridge girders. It is not necessary to mark the safe working load on the crane runways or the supporting structure for the bridge crane runways.
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.13(1) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
Each crane and hoist must be inspected and maintained at a frequency and to the extent required to ensure that every component is capable of carrying out its original design function with an adequate margin of safety.
And section 14.13(3) of the Regulation states:
Any repair to load bearing components of a crane or hoist must be certified by a professional engineer or the original equipment manufacturer as having returned the component to a condition capable of carrying out its original design function with an adequate margin of safety.
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information about the frequency of inspections and load bearing components.
Frequency of inspections
Inspection and maintenance must be done to the extent and frequency recommended
by the original equipment manufacturer or the applicable standard referenced
in Part 14 of the Regulation, whichever is more stringent, and as required
based on the frequency and nature of use. (See section 14.2(1) of the Regulation
for a list of the relevant standards.)
Load bearing components
"Load bearing components" include any component that transfers load through the crane or hoist to the surface supporting the crane or hoist.
Issued September 1999; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008; Editorial Revision May 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.29 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
The operator of a crane or hoist must be protected against hazardous conditions such as falling or flying objects and excessive heat or cold that could adversely affect the health or safety of the operator.
And section 26.13.1(1) of the Regulation states:
(1) Protective guards must be provided and used on a self-loading log transporter or similar equipment unless
a) it is not practicable to do so, and
b) the absence of guards does not pose a hazard to the equipment operator.
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to discuss the application of section 14.29 to self-loading log trucks under section 26.13.1(1).
Self-loading log trucks
Section 26.13.1(1) of the Regulation provides an exception to the requirements of section 14.29 that is applicable to self-loading log trucks and similar equipment. Under section 26.13.1(1) the equipment may only be used without overhead protective guards if the absence of such guards does not present a risk of injury to the operator.
Issued January 1, 2007; Editorial Revision May 3, 2007
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.34.1 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") provides:
On and after July 1, 2007, a mobile crane, tower crane or boom-truck must be operated only
(a) by a person with a valid operator's certificate issued by a person acceptable to the Board, and
(b) in accordance with any conditions stipulated on the certificate by the issuing person.
Purpose of guideline
This guideline identifies the association WorkSafeBC considers to be "a person acceptable to the Board" under section 14.34.1. It also specifies the types of equipment operators who are required to be certified and provides an overview of the certification program.
Background
Prior to 2007, the Regulation required that crane operators have an appropriate trade qualification, be an indentured apprentice, or have a qualification determined by the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission ("ITAC"). For employers and prime contractors, ensuring crane operators were appropriately trained, qualified, and competent has been very challenging. While there have been a number of programs available for training and apprenticeship, there has been no easy means to evaluate crane operator qualifications or competence levels. With the dissolution of ITAC compliance with the Regulation industry-wide evaluation of operators became even more difficult.
After wide industry consultation, a program for assessment and documentation of crane operators' competency was developed. The British Columbia Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) was then formed to administer the program and issue crane operator certificates.
Person acceptable to WorkSafeBC
Operators of mobile cranes, tower cranes, and boom trucks must possess a valid operator's certificate issued by a person acceptable to WorkSafeBC. The BCACS is currently the only person acceptable to WorkSafeBC to issue operators' certificates for these types of cranes.
The BCACS includes representatives of employers and workers from many of the industries that use this type of equipment, as well as representatives of WorkSafeBC and other government agencies. The BCACS has developed a program for assessing mobile and tower crane and boom truck operator competency and the issuing of a "proof of competency" document (operator's certificate) to a person who successfully completes the assessment processes.
WorkSafeBC would also consider other persons to be acceptable issuers of operators' certificates under section 14.34.1 if they meet criteria established by WorkSafeBC. This would include criteria around the assessment of candidates and the qualifications of assessors.
Types of equipment operators covered
Section 14.34.1 applies to operators of all mobile cranes, boom trucks, and tower cranes with a rated capacity equal to or greater than five tons or with a boom length of 25 feet or greater. WorkSafeBC considers this equipment to include the following:
Mobile Cranes and Boom Trucks:
As described in
The certification program
BCACS will issue operators' certificates to competent operators following the completion of a competency assessment. BCACS does not offer crane operator training, nor is a specific training program required. Training, if required, may be undertaken through an employer's in-house program or through a third party program provider or training agency.
Operators' certificates will be specific to certain types of equipment as set out on the operator's certificate. Operators who are certified for one type of equipment will be restricted to operating that type of equipment until they pass an assessment for another type as well.
Interim certificate
For all types of equipment, new candidates may qualify for an interim certificate if they pass a basic theory test. This certificate will be temporary and will restrict the types of situations under which the candidate may operate a crane, and require the candidate to operate under the direct supervision of a certified operator.
Theory assessment
Every operator of a mobile crane, tower crane, or boom truck must pass an assessment on the theory, operating principles, and regulatory requirements relating to the type of equipment they intend to operate. For certain types of equipment, the successful completion of an assessment will permit the operator to operate that equipment with full independence. For other types of equipment, there may be restrictions, such as a requirement to work under the direct supervision of a certified operator, until a practical assessment is completed.
Practical assessment
For certain types of equipment, in order to operate the crane independently without direct supervision, the operator will be required to demonstrate their operating skills in a practical test on the equipment.
Implementation
The BCACS program begins in January 2007. By July 1, 2007, operators covered by section 14.34 must have obtained an appropriate certificate and be operating in accordance with that certificate or be registered with the BCACS and in the process of obtaining an appropriate certificate.
See http://www.bcacs.ca for further details of its certification program.
Issued August 16, 2000; Editorial Revision February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.64(3) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
A crane being used for duty cycle work is exempt from the requirements of subsection (1) if the load applied to the crane is safely below the rated capacity of the crane and if the possibility of an unexpected overload does not exist.
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on the concepts of 'duty cycle work,' and 'safely below the rated capacity of the crane.' The guideline also discusses pulling and repositioning a pile, and support activities.
Duty cycle work
"Duty cycle work" means the use of a crane to do dragline, clamshell, dynamic compaction, or pile driving work, or with an electromagnet such as for handling scrap metal. Pile extraction using a vibrating pile extraction device is also considered duty cycle work. In duty cycle operations the loads are generally known and/or can be maintained "safely below the rated capacity" for the crane. Pile extraction without a vibrating extraction device is not to be considered within the scope of the exemption of section 14.64(3), as the load applied to the crane cannot be assured of being safely below the rated capacity of the crane.
Safely below the rated capacity of the crane
The phrase "safely below the rated capacity of the crane" means the total load being handled should not exceed 75% of the rated capacity of the crane. The rated capacity of a mobile crane varies with the configuration of the crane, such as the length of boom installed, and the boom angle/load radius. Good craning practice requires the operator to accurately know the weight of the total load to be lifted, and the rated capacity of the crane for the full range of movement of the lifted load. Typically the lifting tasks needed to support duty cycle work should involve loads of less than 50% of the rated capacity of the crane.
Pulling and repositioning a pile
When starting to drive a pile, occasionally the lower end of the pile will drift or move off of its intended position to the extent the crew will need to stop driving that pile, pull the pile back out, and reposition it before resuming driving that pile. Typically the need to do this will arise once or twice a shift, and the decision to pull and reposition the pile will be made before about 10% of the intended pile depth in the ground has been achieved. Pulling a pile in these circumstances is not typically considered a "pile extraction" operation. Generally the friction load from the soil acting on such a short length of a pile which has just been driven should be low relative to the weight of the pile. Provided the total lift needed in these circumstances can be reasonably determined to be safely below the rated capacity of the crane, it may be done by the crane being used for driving the pile without installing a load weight indicating device on that crane.
Support activities
During operations such as clam shell dredging and pile driving there are generally other lifting tasks to be performed to support the pile driving or dredging function. For example, piling material may need to be off-loaded from a truck or repositioned on the worksite or a welder or air compressor may need to be repositioned. Provided such support activities involve lifts of known weight that are safely below the rated capacity of the crane, they may be done by the crane being used for the duty cycle work without installing a load weight indicating device on that crane.
A crane on site not being directly used in the duty cycle application must conform to the requirements of sections 14.64(1) and (2) of the Regulation.
Issued February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.71 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
(1) A mobile crane or boom truck must be inspected at least once every 12 months in accordance with good engineering practice to ensure it meets(a) the crane or boom truck manufacturer's specifications,
(2) A mobile crane or boom truck must not be used after an inspection under subsection (1) unless a professional engineer certifies it is safe for use on the basis of that inspection.
(b) the requirements of the applicable design or safety standard specified in section 14.2, and
(c) the requirements of this Regulation
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to outline some of the factors that should be considered when determining if an inspection has been conducted in accordance with "good engineering practice" under section 14.71. It also provides information on who is authorized to certify that the inspection has been done and that the crane or boom truck is safe for use.
The concept of good engineering practice
An annual inspection and certification of a mobile crane or boom truck is required by the Regulation. This inspection and certification is to be done in accordance with good engineering practice. The concept of good engineering practice as it applies to section 14.71 means inspection, assessment, repair (if necessary), and certification of the equipment and it is to be done in consideration of
Who may do the certification
Certification must be done by a professional engineer. If the inspection, assessment, and any necessary repair work is done in BC, the engineer, as required by the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, must be licensed to practice in BC. If this work is being done outside BC, for example in Alberta, the engineer must be licensed to practice in that jurisdiction.
The inspection and certification process
The employer or owner of the equipment should consult the certifying engineer in advance to arrange the location of the inspection, testing, and necessary repair work, and to ensure qualified people and adequate facilities are used. Generally the "hands on" part of inspection, testing, and repair will be done by mechanics, service technicians, non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians, and other qualified workers as necessary (for example, welders), working under the direction of the certifying engineer. Inspection and certification requires assessment of the "critical components," meaning the structural, mechanical, and control system components that affect the safe operation of the equipment. The specific identity of these components will vary from one type of equipment to another, depending on the design and configuration of the equipment.
The frequency of inspections of individual components and the extent of inspections, including dismantling, assessment, and NDT or other testing, will be determined by the certifying engineer. The factors relevant in making these determinations include
Based on the outcomes of the inspection, the certifying engineer will determine any necessary repair work.
The certification document will include a statement that the equipment is "safe for use" at the completion of the inspection and any necessary repair. This means that the equipment should then reasonably be expected to perform safely until the next inspection and certification is required if operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If the certifying engineer deems it necessary to provide a restricted certification statement (for example, that some components are currently acceptable for safe use but will likely require replacement or renewal before the next annual inspection), the engineer will ensure the owner or employer is made aware of these concerns. He or she will also note the concerns on the equipment inspection and maintenance records. It is not acceptable for the certifying engineer to provide a certification when there are outstanding deficiencies affecting the safe performance of the equipment or compliance with the Regulation.
Issued February 1, 2008
Regulatory excerpt
Section 14.88 of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") defines "access" as follows:
Purpose of guideline
The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on
For some tower cranes it may not be practicable to attach a walkway to the jib in a manner that would meet the requirements of section 14.88(3) & (4). For example, in some cases, there may be a walkway that can extend only as far as the trolley drive assembly, and on others it may not be feasible to fit a walkway at all.
Under section 14.88(5), other options for access can be considered, as long as they provide a safe means of access.
The function of the walkway
When designing safe means of access as alternatives to walkways it is important to recognize the functions or purposes served by walkways.
The walkway is intended to provide a means of safe access by a worker to all points along the jib. Access along the full length is needed for the purposes of inspections, maintenance, and any repairs on the jib or its support system. The walkway also provides access to the operator's cab, if mounted on the jib. In addition, it may provide an emergency access route if it is necessary to rescue a worker from the jib.
The CSA Standard Z248-2004 Code for Tower Cranes lists the types of inspections that must be done on the components of the crane, and their frequency. Inspections typically done from the walkway include
If the crane will be in place for an extended period of time, annual inspections are needed of the jib structure using nondestructive testing methods, all load carrying equipment (including sheaves, blocks, rings, shackles and hooks), and all wire ropes.
Possible alternatives to walkways
When provision of a walkway required by section 14.88(3) & (4) is not practicable on a tower crane there may be a number of other options for inspection and maintenance of components. Examples include
Issues that need to be addressed with alternative means of access
When designing and implementing a means of alternative access it is essential to ensure issues such as those listed below are addressed. The issues listed under item A would apply in all circumstances. Those listed under item B are more specific to work platforms attached to trolleys. Neither list is intended to be complete as in the final analysis a hazard assessment specific to the equipment needs to be done and appropriate protective measures implemented.
A. Issues of general application
B. Additional issues specific to work platforms attached to trolleys