Subparts N–O: Cranes, Hoists, and Motor Vehicles
Cranes and hoists
Subpart N covers cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors. 1926.550 requires frequent and periodic crane inspections, load charts, qualified operators, and signal persons. Loads must not exceed rated capacity, and outriggers must be fully extended and supported. For power lines, maintain at least 10 feet of clearance up to 50 kV and greater clearance above that.
Motor vehicles and equipment
Subpart O covers motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, and marine operations. 1926.601 requires seat belts, horns, brakes, and safe operating conditions for motor vehicles. 1926.602 covers earthmoving equipment, including ROPS, backing alarms, and no riders unless seated. Equipment must be inspected and maintained; parking on grades requires blocking or setting brakes.
Worked example
A crane will lift a steel beam near a 12.5 kV distribution line. The required minimum clearance is 10 feet, so the operator must maintain that distance or have the line de-energized and grounded by the utility. A spotter and a clearly understood signal system are required, and the load chart must be checked for boom length and radius.
Traps
Six feet is not the crane power-line clearance; 10 feet applies at lower voltages. A load chart is not a suggestion-capacity changes with radius. Backup alarms do not replace a spotter. Riders on earthmoving equipment must have a designated seat and seat belt.