Multiple crane lifts can be tricky business. One source described two crane lifts as being more than twice as risky as single crane lifts with even more disproportionate increases in risk as more cranes are added. This is generally due to the load interaction between the cranes.

If you own a crane, and especially if you’re in the business of renting it out, you’ve likely had requirements to raise a worker in a manbasket. If so, you should be familiar with section 153 of OHSA’s Regulations for Construction Projects. However, if this section means nothing to you, then you’re not alone. Even though this section was amended nearly ten years ago to allow manbaskets to be used on cranes, we still get requests for information on the applicable rules.

Don’t let your crane hold up the project. Here’s a checklist to help ensure your crane operations satisfy the Construction Regulations so you can turn the inspector away with a smile.

The CSA standards covering scissorlift platforms (B354.2-01) and boom type aerial platforms (B354.4-02) were updated in the last two years after last being published in 1982. The B354 series is cited in Ontario’s construction regulations as being the minimum requirements for design, construction, and operation of aerial work platforms in this province.