Crane/Hoist Safety Program

UC Berkeley’s Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) manages Crane Safety to ensure Cal/OSHA compliance by campus Departments, Field Stations, and Contractors using University-owned overhead cranes, hoists and rigging. Administrative requirements, training requirements, recordkeeping requirements, inspection criterion and procedures, “Operator” and “Standby Person” safe-work procedures are included for all types of cranes and hoists that are used for lifting/moving equipment and materiel.

There are two classes of cranes/hoists defined according to rated load capacities: “Three Tons and Under (≤3Ton)” and “Over Three Tons (>3Ton)”. The larger cranes are subject to more-stringent inspections, load tests and scheduled maintenance. Smaller cranes / hoists must have initial load tests and documented inspections leading to routine maintenance. This program applies to any research, construction, and maintenance activities that utilize such lift equipment.