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Crane Operation Requirements

Q:

I would like to ask about the qualifications required to operate cranes in Ontario and Quebec. We have a small construction company using 5 hydraulic cranes (the biggest is 50 tons). We have provided training and a apprentice program but would like to know what the laws require for training. Are there minimum amounts of formal training and hours of experience.

As well, we would like to understand the OH&S act150.(1) requiring additional qualifications if lifting in excessive of 7260 kilograms hoisting engineer.

Thanking you in advance

A:

Thank you for your question. In Ontario, the basic crane training requirements are in Sec. 150 of the Construction Projects Regulation. Sec. 150(1) applies to cranes or similar hoisting devices that are capable of raising, lowering or moving material that weighs more than 7,260 kg. Sec. 150(2) spells out the training requirements for all other cranes and hoisting devices. The regulation doesn’t specify minimum hours of training or experience. The IHSA’s Construction Safety Group may be able to provide information on how to comply with these requirements.

In Quebec, Sec. 254.1 of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety spells out the training requirements for the operator of a travelling overhead crane. Sec. 3.10.4 of the Safety Code for the Construction Industry says that all construction equipment, which would include cranes, must be used by a competent operator. A person is competent by virtue of his training, knowledge and experience as to the equipment in question.