Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 13. Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment
Article 96. Tower Cranes

§4965. General.

(a) The requirements of this Article shall apply to cranes of the general type such as those having a revolving boom with counterweight on a single vertical mast, and mobile tower cranes.

(b) Each crane shall be provided with a descriptive booklet, written in English, containing a comprehensive summary of design characteristics, erection procedures, operation techniques, repair recommendations, and safety precautions. This booklet shall be available on every job site where such cranes are in use.

(c) A durable, clearly legible load rating chart shall be provided with each crane and securely affixed in the cab or operator's station easily visible to the operator while at the controls. The chart shall include load ratings and restrictions as specified by the certified agent for specific lengths of components, counterweights, swing, and radii. Where load ratings for cranes are governed by structural competence, the limitation on loading shall be such that no structural member is overstressed, and load rating charts shall be subject to this limitation.

(d) Each crane shall be equipped with a device which will effectively prevent overloading beyond the certified agent's recommendations at any load, boom radius, and counterweight position.

(e) Each crane shall contain a means which will cause the boom swing to be started and stopped gradually to prevent damaging effects of torsion in the mast section.

(f) Each crane shall be equipped with a brake system, or equivalent, which will prevent any movement when the power is lost, or at any time desired by the operator.

(g) Parts of the crane requiring adjustment or maintenance shall be provided with access walkways, handholds, footholds, safety lines, or other safeguards as necessary to eliminate the hazard of falling from the crane.

Exception: Mobile tower crane adjustment or maintenance that can be achieved from the ground.

(h) Signs. The size and location of signs installed on tower cranes shall be in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Where these are unavailable, a certified agent familiar with the type of equipment involved shall approve in writing the size and location of any signs.

(i) Cranes shall be tested, maintained, inspected, and operated as specified by the certified agent and these Orders. Luffing boom tower cranes used in the construction industry shall comply with the requirements of ASME B30.3-1990, Hammerhead Tower Cranes, herein incorporated by reference.

(j)(1) If a tower crane remains on a project over twelve months, tests required by subsection (i) of this section shall be performed following dismantling and prior to its next use.

(2) Records of the most recent nondestructive tests and the test procedures shall be maintained by the owner of the crane and provided to the Division upon request.

Credits

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

History

1. Renumbering of former article 96 (sections 4970-4987) to article 97 (sections 4970-4987) and new article 96 (sections 4965-4969) filed 8-29-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 39).

2. Amendment of subsection (i) and new subsections (j)-(j)(2) filed 4-16-93; operative 5-17-93 (Register 93, No. 16).

3. Editorial correction of printing error restoring article 96 heading (Register 93, No. 20).

4. Amendment of subsections (a) and (g) filed 1-3-2002; operative 2-2-2002 (Register 2002, No. 1).

5. Amendment of subsection (h) filed 7-26-2022; operative 7-26-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 30). Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.