FAQ >> Crane Certification

Crane Certification

What is crane certification?

How often does a crane have to be certified?

Who can certify a crane and just what is involved? Good questions. Lets start with exploring just what crane certification is. Aside from cranes used in the maritime industry, "crane certification" doesn't really mean a whole lot. At best, it merely serves to satisfy the normal record keeping requirements of OSHA, which should not be confused with "crane certification". But wait a minute! There are firms that offer crane inspections and certification. Some even advertise they are accredited by the United States Department of Labor to provide such certification services. Is this false advertising? Well, not technically. But what it does mean is that the certification they give you for your crane that is used in general industry (or construction) carries less weight at OSHA than you might think. Why? Because OSHA does not actually require cranes used in construction or general industry to be certified. Furthermore, the Department of Labor does not give any accreditation to any firm for the purpose of certifying cranes used in construction or general industry (ie: cranes covered under 29 CFR 1926 or 29 CFR 1910). Such accreditation is provided only for certification of certain types of material handling equipment used in the maritime industry where, under 29 CFR 1919, such certification is required. So, what does crane certification mean for cranes outside of the maritime industry? It means only what the certifying entity says it means. It is, quite simply, a form, a letter, or other document that states, for the record and in writing, just what services have been rendered on a particular piece of equipment and/or its condition. It might mean that the certifying entity is "certifying" that the crane has been inspected and is in good condition; or "certifying" that the crane has been satisfactorily load tested; or "certifying" that the crane has been analyzed and modified for an increase in capacity. To get ridiculous, we could certify that the crane is yellow in color. When it comes to "certification" of cranes used in construction or general industry, remember this: It carries no governmental stamp of approval. It satisfies no federal regulations, laws, or standards regarding such "accredited certification " (since there are none). And it does not mean your crane is in absolute compliance with any and all governmental requirements. In addition, it is interesting to note that OSHA actually prohibits any firm from using the maritime certification forms for "certifying" equipment outside the maritime industry. Although the basic format of these forms can be used, it must include wording to the effect that such "certification" is not mandated by OSHA and it cannot contain the Department of Labor heading. As for the other questions initially raised above (aside from the maritime industry), the answers are never; anyone; and anything.

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