North Carolina eyeing operator certification and crane safety rules

October 2, 2008 -- Crane operator certification by a national accrediting organization is a major provision in a package of crane safety rules proposed by State labor officials in North Carolina. Based on the federal OSHA proposed rule for cranes and derricks, the North Carolina rules would account for changes in crane technology over the last 30 years, according to an article in The News & Observer, of Raleigh, N.C.

           

The North Carolina proposed rules would also require a qualified person to address hazards in assembling and disassembling cranes; to make sure ground conditions are adequate; and to outline power line proximity precautions. After public comment and hearings, the new state standard could go into effect April 1, 2009.