OSHA Moves to Update Crane and Derrick Safety Standard

July 16, 2002
In response to requests from industry representatives, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it has begun the process of updating the construction safety standards for cranes and derricks through the Negotiated Rulemaking Process.

"Changes in technology and work processes over the past 30 years call for new, revised crane and derrick safety requirements," said John Henshaw, assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

The existing rule (29 CFR 1926.550) dates back to 1971, and was based in part on industry consensus standards from 1967 to 1969.

The agency expects that work zone control; crane operations near power lines; qualifications of individuals who operate, maintain, repair and assemble cranes and derricks; and requirements for fail-safe operation, warnings and other safety-related devices and technologies will be addressed during the rulemaking process.

With publication of its intent to enter into negotiated rulemaking - scheduled for today's Federal Register - OSHA outlines the basic procedures involved in forming a negotiated rulemaking advisory committee to develop a draft proposed rule, identifies the stakeholders who may be affected, solicits nominations for committee members and ask for public comments regarding any aspect of the negotiated rulemaking process. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following the Federal Register notice.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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