Crawler locomotive and truck cranes

Scope

This applies to crawler cranes, locomotive cranes, wheel mounted cranes of both truck and self-propelled wheel type, and any variations which retain the same fundamental characteristics. These types of cranes are powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors and utilize drums and ropes. Cranes designed for railway and automobile wreck clearances are excepted.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.180 — Crawler locomotive and truck cranes

Key definitions

• Crawler crane: A rotating superstructure with power plant, operating machinery, and boom, mounted on a base, equipped with crawler treads for travel. Its function is to hoist and swing loads at various radii.
• Designated: Selected or assigned by the employer or the employer’s representative as being qualified to perform specific duties.
• Locomotive crane: A rotating superstructure with powerplant, operating machinery and boom, mounted on a base or car equipped for travel on railroad track. It may be self-propelled or propelled by an outside source. Its function is to hoist and swing loads at various radii.
• Superstructure: The rotating upper frame structure of the machine and the operating machinery mounted thereon.
• Swing: The rotation of the superstructure for movement of loads in a horizontal direction about the axis of rotation.
• Truck crane: Rotating superstructure with powerplant, operating machinery and boom, mounted on an automotive truck equipped with a power-plant for travel. Its function is to hoist and swing loads at various radii.

Summary of requirements

In general, the standard requires covered employees to:

• Permit only designated personnel to operate a crane.
• Follow the maximum load ratings (percent of tipping loads) where stability governs lifting performance.
• Provide a substantial and durable load rating chart with clearly legible letters and figures and securely affix it to the crane cab in a location easily visible to the operator while seated at the control station.
• Inspect cranes frequently at daily to monthly intervals.
• Conduct a more thorough crane inspection at 1- to 12-month intervals, or as specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
• Ensure that after adjustments and repairs have been made all guards are reinstalled, safety devices reactivated, and maintenance equipment removed.
• Make a thorough inspection of all ropes in use at least once a month and a prepare a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, and an identifier for the ropes.
• Follow the requirements for handling the load, including attaching the load, moving the load, and holding the load.
• For operations near overhead electric lines, see 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3).