OSHA eyes compliance-date extension of crane operator certification requirements

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) announced its intent to extend the compliance date for the crane operator certification requirement by three years – to Nov. 10, 2017. OSHA issued a final standard on requirements for cranes and derricks in construction work on Aug. 9, 2010. The standard requires crane operators on construction sites to meet one of four qualification/certification options by Nov. 10, 2014. After OSHA issued the standard, a number of parties, including the propane industry, raised concerns about the qualification/certification requirements, OSHA noted in a press release. OSHA says it will consider addressing the concerns through a later, separate rulemaking. Meanwhile, the National Propane Gas Association has been working with OSHA to shield the propane industry from the rule. To satisfy OSHA’s general industry requirements, the Propane Education & Research Council offers a mobile crane safety video and employee training program, available at www.propanemarc.com.