We were recently asked about boom trucks equipped with a personnel platform and the need for operator certification under OSHA when the personnel platform is strictly being used as an aerial lift. Here’s the question and our response:
Q: “Select employees of ours use an Elliott Boom Truck that is equipped with a man-lift basket as an aerial lift. If these employees are not using it for its picking abilities but solely for its aerial lift capabilities are they required to possess a Crane Operators Certification?
A: If your Elliott boom truck is identified as being ASME B30.5 compliant, as defined on the manufacturer’s name plate, and the maximum capacity of the crane is more than 2000 pounds, then crane operating training, testing and certification applies as defined in the proposed OSHA 1926 Subpart CC crane operator certification requirements. This regulation applies regardless if the boom truck/crane is equipped with a personnel platform or not.
What Does the Manufacturer Say?
Prior to publishing this response in the Hooked On Crane Tech Blog, we reached out to the manufacturer. They confirmed our stance. For more on Elliott Boom Truck and HiReach products, check out their site, www.elliottequip.com
What Does This Mean for You?
If you or your employees are operating a boom truck under the OSHA 1926 Subpart CC regulations, then your operators MUST be certified by November 2017, according to the proposed regulations. The next eight months will fly by and you don’t want to wait till the last minute to become certified in order to meet compliance.
Remember Safety through Education is more than just our motto, it is our guiding principle. If you require operator training or certification preparation course for your boom truck or mobile crane operations, contact Crane Tech 800-290-0007 or request a quote and we will help get you on track to be compliant.