Cranes, Material Handling, and Tools
Cranes
Subpart CC (1926.1400 series) governs construction cranes. Operators must be certified for the type of crane they run; signal persons and riggers must be qualified. A load chart must be available in the cab or with the operator, and rated capacity is never exceeded. Pre-shift inspections are required, plus monthly and comprehensive annual inspections. Outriggers fully extended on properly sized pads, ground conditions assessed, swing radius barricaded, anti-two-block and load-moment indicators functioning, and no employee under a suspended load except where the standard narrowly allows.
Power lines: 1926.1408 sets minimum clearances starting at 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV and increasing with voltage; options include de-energizing, maintaining the distance, an encroachment plan, or a dedicated spotter.
Material handling and tools
Stored material must be stable and stacked to a safe height, with clear aisles and adequate clearance from edges and openings. Rigging is inspected before use. Tools must be guarded, with point-of-operation guards and switches that are not taped down; electrical tools need GFCI protection and undamaged cords. Powder-actuated tools require a trained, certified operator, eye and hearing protection, and loading only when the tool is to be used.
Traps
Operator certification versus a qualified rigger and signal person, and confusing the crane clearance table with the flat 10-foot rule used for other equipment.
Rule of thumb: chart first, then lift - and never a load over a person.