Crane Power Line Safety Cards Available from NCCCO

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has developed Power Line Safety cards to help crane operators understand and apply federal OSHA’s new guidelines for operating cranes around power lines. The cards, issued in conjunction with the Florida Crane Safety Alliance, also provide references for best practices based on both consensus standard ANSI B30.5 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC. 

Now in their second printing, the laminated cards fold to the size of a credit card for easy use. The cards feature a "compliance flowchart" with the latest OSHA requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC on one side. The flowchart takes operators through an extensive decision tree to determine exactly which precautions are necessary according to OSHA requirements. Table A from OSHA “Minimum Clearance Distances” rule is also included for easy reference. 

The other side covers items to check before starting to lift, including: 

• Knowing the load
• Crane configuration and set up
• Boom configuration
• Radius of load
• Proper rigging
• Environmental concerns
• External obstacles
• Communication with riggers
• Qualified lifting personnel 

To better implement best practices, these items are cross-referenced by role, indicating which apply to lift directors, crane operators, riggers, signal persons, oilers/trainees, and management/supervision.

“Studies show that electrocution from contact with power lines account for a large percentage, if not the majority, of crane-related fatalities,” said NCCCO Executive Director Graham Brent. “While OSHA’s new crane rule provides comprehensive guidance for operating cranes near power lines, applying the new rules can be challenging. NCCCO is distributing these power line safety cards as a handy reference for operators, lift directors, and others responsible for job site safety.”

NCCCO distributes the reference cards for a nominal charge to cover the costs of printing and mailing.

• Read more or order Power Line Crane Safety Cards cards from NCCCO here.
• Browse crane hand signal training cards, crane safety signs and other materials at ComplianceSigns.com.