Our Blog
What Is NCCCO Certification?
In the crane and rigging industry, safety, compliance, and operator knowledge are critical. One of the most recognized credentials in the lifting industry is NCCCO certification. But what exactly is NCCCO certification, and why does it matter for crane operators and...
Understanding Crane Brake Drift in Overhead Cranes: What ASME B30.2 Really Means
In overhead crane operations, braking performance is one of the most important safety considerations for maintaining control of bridge, trolley, and hoist movements. However, many technicians, inspectors, and maintenance professionals misunderstand the concept of...
Overhead Crane and Hoist Emergency Stops (E-Stops): Requirements, Standards, and Best Practices
Emergency stop (E-STOP) devices are one of the most critical safety components on overhead cranes and hoists. Their purpose is simple but essential: to allow personnel to immediately cut power to crane equipment during an emergency or maintenance activity, independent...
Are Regular Overhead Crane Inspections Actually Required?
Yes, regular overhead crane inspections are required. They are not simply a matter of whether we should or shouldn’t perform them; they are an essential part of maintaining safe and compliant crane operations. Regulatory agencies and industry organizations establish...
Trolley Bumpers: Key Safety Requirements Explained
Trolley bumpers play a critical role in overhead and gantry crane safety, yet they’re often overlooked during inspections. ASME B30.2-1.8.3 establishes clear requirements for trolley bumpers on power-operated trolleys, helping reduce impact forces, protect equipment,...
Overhead Crane Disconnects: What “Readily Accessible” Means
One of the most misunderstood requirements in overhead crane safety is the term “readily accessible” as it applies to crane disconnects. Misinterpreting this requirement can lead to unsafe conditions, lockout/tagout violations, and OSHA citations. At Qualified Crane...
Are Inspections Required for Standby Cranes and Cranes Not Used Regularly?
When an overhead crane sits idle for weeks or months, many facility managers assume inspections can be postponed until the equipment is needed again. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to compliance violations, safety risks, and costly downtime. One of the most...
OSHA vs. CAL-OSHA: Overhead Crane Compliance Differences You Need to Know
Understanding the difference between federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and California’s stricter Cal/OSHA regulations is critical for overhead crane compliance—especially for facilities operating in California. OSHA 1910.179:...
Remote Controlled Crane Warning Devices: What the Codes Require
There is ongoing confusion in the industry about whether remote controlled cranes are required to have warning devices. The answer becomes clear when you look directly at OSHA and ASME B30.2 requirements. OSHA Requirements OSHA 1910.179(i) states that a warning device...
Non-Destructive Testing Requirements for Crane Hooks Under ASME B30.10
Crane hooks are one of the most critical load-bearing components in any lifting operation. Because crane hooks are constantly exposed to repeated loading, environmental stress, wear, and fatigue, routine inspections are essential for maintaining safe operations. While...
Jib Crane Clearance Requirements: How They Differ From Overhead Cranes
A common misconception in the crane industry is that jib crane clearance requirements match those of overhead cranes. They do not. Understanding this difference is critical for proper design, inspection, and compliance. Overhead Crane Clearance Requirements OSHA...
Are Open Span Wires on Overhead Cranes Acceptable?
Yes — open span wires are currently permitted for overhead crane power supply, provided they are installed and properly guarded in accordance with applicable safety standards. That said, while allowed by code, they are not always the preferred solution for modern...
Overhead Crane Load Testing Basics: What ASME B30.2 Requires
Overhead crane load testing is a critical step in verifying safe operation and regulatory compliance. Whether a crane is new, reinstalled, repaired, or modified, understanding ASME B30.2 load test requirements helps crane owners and operators avoid unnecessary risk...
Are Runway Conductor Guards Required on Overhead Cranes?
When it comes to overhead crane inspections, one of the most debated questions is whether runway conductor guards are required. The confusion often stems from differences between OSHA regulations and ASME standards, along with varying interpretations by inspectors and...
Barricade Requirements for Overhead Crane Maintenance
ASME B30 & OSHA Compliance Explained Why Barricades Matter During Crane Maintenance Barricades are not optional during overhead crane maintenance—they are a critical safety control required by both ASME B30 standards and OSHA regulations. When maintenance work is...
Rail Sweeps, Inspection Reports, and the “Grandfathered” Crane Myth
Crane inspectors frequently face uncertainty over whether certain conditions should be documented in inspection reports. Writing up an issue can lead to customer pushback, while leaving it out may mean failing to fully meet professional and regulatory...
Overhead Crane Disconnects
What is Readily Accessible? Recently I was contacted by a customer requesting clarification of a statement I mentioned during one of our Overhead Crane Inspection Classes (ISP-301) regarding Bus Bars as a method of supplying power to the runway conductors on Overhead...
NFPA 79 IS IT REQUIRED FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY?
NFPA 79 IS THE INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY STANDARD. Compliance with this standard is critical for ensuring worker safety in industrial settings! NFPA 79 IS the U.S. Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery and is referenced by the National Electrical Code NEC under...
NFPA 70B IS NOW AN APPROVED STANDARD! IS THE CRANE INDUSTRY READY?
NFPA 70B establishes the need for an Electrical Preventative Maintenance program (EPM) for all electrical equipment including Cranes! Most people in the crane industry when asked about NFPA, they think about standards such as NFPA 70 which we know is NEC - National...
CRANE INDUSTRY PRODUCT RECALL NOTICES!
It is critical for the safety of your employees that you are aware of your crane equipment’s OEM Product recall notices!
Rigging Training – Why You Need it and Not Just Because it is Required
So often, in my experience, I see dangerous rigging practices in the field. Most often, people assigned to rigging tasks are either poorly trained or not trained at all. Aside from the regulatory requirements that riggers be trained, it is important, in order to...
How Often Should Slings be Inspected?
Sling inspection is not only a requirement by law, it is also of extreme importance to prevent severe injuries including possible devastating fatalities.
Is Crane Operator Training Really Required?
Crane Operator Training for overhead cranes is not only important for the safety of your employees; it is also required by law! If you own an overhead crane, it is important that you train your people how to operate that piece of equipment. No one reading this article...