The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) has revised its Specification 70 and Specification 74. Revisions include major changes in structural, mechanical and electrical design elements of these specifications.

Specification 70 is the CMAA specification for top running bridge and gantry type multiple girder EOT cranes. Specification 74 is the CMAA specification for top running and under running single girder EOT cranes using under running trolley hoist.

The CMAA has also revised its Crane Operator’s Manual to include more advice and more glossary definitions.

Copies of all documents are available from the CMAA (tel: +1 704 676 1190 or via www.mhia.org/cmaa). Specification books cost $50 each and the Crane Operator’s Manual costs $5.

CMAA also reports that some publications can be downloaded for free from its website (in pdf format). These include:

• The CMAA consensus of the National Electrical Code. The 1996 National Electrical Code has a number of paragraphs affecting cranes. Some of these paragraphs are subject to varying interpretations. This document represents the consensus of interpretation by CMAA members.

• Selecting the right overhead crane. This publication concentrates on the owner’s responsibility to select a qualified crane supplier.

Similar material can also be downloaded from the website of sister organisation, the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (www.mhia.org/hmi). HMI has also produced a new Hoist Operator’s Manual. For details, tel: +1 704 676 1190 or visit the website.