Overhead and gantry cranes - New Hampshire

New Hampshire follows federal OSHA regulations for overhead and gantry cranes.   

However, there are certain state-specific requirements for employers.  

Employer inspection, wheel stops, and marking requirements. The employer must ensure compliance with the following requirements:

• All functional operating mechanisms, air and hydraulic systems, chains, rope slings, hooks, and other lifting equipment must be visually inspected before each use by the operator.
• Complete inspection of the crane must be performed at least once per year.
• The inspection must include the following:
  • Identifying deformed, cracked, corroded, worn, or loose members or parts; and
  • Ensuring the good working order of the following:
    • Brake system;
    • Limit indicators;
    • Power plant; and
    • Electrical apparatus.
• Overhead cranes must have stops at the limit of travel of the wheels.
• The rated load of the crane must be plainly marked on each side of the crane as follows:
  • If the crane has more than one hoisting unit, each hoist must have its rated load marked on it or its load block; and
  • The marking must be clearly legible from the ground or floor.

(N.H. Admin. Rules, Lab 1403.42).

Additional employer requirements. The employer must also ensure compliance with the following requirements:

• The employer must comply with the manufacturer's specifications and limitations as supplied by the manufacturer.
• Rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, and special hazard warnings or instructions must be conspicuously posted on all equipment and complied with. Instructions or warnings must be visible from the operator's station.
• Equipment must be inspected by a competent person before each use and during use, and all deficiencies corrected before further use.
• Accessible areas within the swing radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure must be barricaded to prevent employees from being struck or crushed by the crane.
• No part of a crane or its load may be operated within:
  • 10 feet of a line rated 50 kV or below;
  • 10 feet + 0.4 inches for each 1 kV over 50 kV for lines rated over 50 kV; or
  • Twice the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet.
• The requirements above do not apply where electrical distribution and transmission lines have been de-energized and visibly grounded at point of work, or where insulating barriers have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines.

(N.H. Admin. Rules, Lab 1403.15).