Crane Certifications

When buying or selling cranes you will the word "Certified" or "Inspected" comes up frequently. But describing the meaning of these varies depending on the type of certification or inspection being described. At CranesList we try to keep the meaning of these clear.

Typically when a Crane is certified there is an organization that has inspected the Crane and found that it meets their criteria for safety and/or functionality. These can be government organizations such as OSHA, CAL/OSHA or the Department of Transportation. Others are provided by Associations or Private Companies such as ANSI or the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Also it is important to know that an uncertified or un-inspected crane does not necessarily mean the crane has an issues. Many of the certifications are voluntary. Almost all require a fee to be paid so many "Uncertified" cranes simply are so because the owner didn't choose to spend the money to do so. Often the driving force for certification and inspections is when an agency, contract requirement, employer or insurance company mandates that it be done.

Additionally if is worth noting that Crane Operators are also often certified by these and similar organizations. 

OSHA Certification

Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

OSHA Crane Inspection Requirements

The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual inspections of hoisting machinery by a competent person who has thorough knowledge of the requirements, regulations and standards governing equipment operation. The inspection must occur before and during the use of the crane to ensure that it is operated safely. The owner of the crane is required to maintain a record of the dates and results of these inspections for each hoisting machine. Any deficiencies noted during the inspection must be corrected before the crane is operated.

OSHA Inspections are required to renewed annually.

CAL-OSHA Certification

CAL-OSHA is California's governing board for OSHA. CAL-OSHA certifications are done more frequently and to higher standards than some other states.

Independent Inspections

There are a number of Independent industry and safety groups that provide accreditation for crane inspectors. Though not associated with government entity they do assure cranes are meeting the standards of the body they represent. Independent inspectors are often used by buyers prior to crane purchase or to provide annual inspections to crane operators. 

Department Of Transportation

Since Cranes or their Carriers are vehicles there often certifications required by the DOT or State Motor Vehicle Department.

In House Inspections

Many companies train or employ in house inspectors to provide periodic inspections of their equipment.