The US state of Montana has passed a law that allows a state-appointed crane inspector to have the power to tag out a crane that does not conform with American National Standards Institute operating and safety standards. Those violating the rule would be breaking the law.
By requiring up-to-date versions of national standards, Montana requires much more than the Federal law, which refers to more vague crane and hoist standards dating from the 1960s.
The new law also requires that operators of hoists and cranes with capacity over 6 US tons (5.4t) be licensed by the state. The law describes three classes of crane and hoist engineers: a third class for operating truck cranes, a second class for operating cranes with capacities up to 17.5 US tons (16t); and a first class for any cranes.
First and second class operators must have a year’s worth of experience, be 18 years old, pass a written test, and have a physical exam every two years. The bill also mentions that accreditation by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators would meet the standard. Licences are renewed every five years.
The bill, HB 401, was sponsored by representative Jim Keane, of Butte.
