While not new, they are updated and it once used to be a mobile crane up to 8-tons in capacity is now 5-tons or to paraphrase:

In ALBERTA:

Certification is required when operating:

  • Booms (including telescoping booms and articulating booms possessing live lines) capable of swinging, hoisting and booming up and down with a lifting capacity of greater than 5 tons (4.5 tonnes) and equal to or less than 65 tons (59 tonnes)

So how do you interpret this information?

  1. For telescopic straight boom cranes, the lift capacity is based on the winch installed on the crane, the manufacturer specifications but in most cases (always refer to your specific crane information), winches are typically ‘limited’ to 9,000 pounds SINGLE LINE PULL rated capacity.
  2. In the case of a Broderson IC80-3.  This is what is classified as a mobile crane with a lift capacity of *18,000 pounds, over the front only and on outriggers using a 2-part hook block to obtain this capacity. See load chart HERE for more.
  3. If you do not have or use a 2-part hook block as originally supplied by the manufacturer, your capacity in a single part configuration, using the 90-pound down-haul weight, your stated capacity is now 9,000 pounds no matter where on the load chart you are as a maximum lift capacity.
  4. This is not a lesson in reading a load chart, however you would need to understand lift dynamics, load weight, radius, outrigger position, etc to ensure you are lifting within the capacity of the crane.
  5. Your LMI/RCI (load moment indicator-Rated capacity indicator), must also be current as in calibrated within the last 365 days to ensure accuracy, however knowing the weight of the load is not an option, it is a must.
  6. You must also know your tire type (air, foam filled-solid rubber), PSI of tire, etc to understand on-rubber, pick and carry as well as on outriggers, over the front and over the side.

Do you need a trade registered operator at the controls for this crane then?

If you are NOT using nor have any access to a 2-part hook block, be it available in a shop hanging on the wall, or in the front trunk area of the crane, you are then limited to a reduced capacity or UNDER the 5-ton threshold of lifting.

So for companies that have pipe-fitters/steam-fitters operating the crane you DO need to provide a form of equipment specific training as outlined in Alberta OHS Section 6, 59(1) HERE, where; “This Part applies to lifting devices, including cranes and hoists, with a rated load capacity of 2000 kilograms or more.”

It does not mean you do nothing either, this is the worst scenario.

We highly recommend you obtain specific training for any equipment you offer your employees, as well as in the case of cranes of any type, a rigging course should also be offered to those working with the cranes to ensure proper knowledge of hoisting and rigging.

As always, there are many brands of carry deck cranes on the market place today, it is up to you to identify your crane type, winch capacity, operator requirements and always confirm by contacting both OHS officers as well as your location AIT centre to ensure you have all the latest information available.

For information regarding this or any of our programs, please do not hesitate to contact us at (587) 209-2589 or send us an email HERE.