By: Tony Calderelli, Crawford Custom Consulting

OSHA, as it does from time-to-time issues guidance on its inspection and enforcement criteria.  At the end of June, 2021, OSHA issued new “Enforcement Inspection Guidance for Tree Care and Tree Removal Operations.” We thought we would highlight some of their comments here.

QUALIFIED OR CERTIFIED?

When working from Aerial Devices (what OSHA currently calls Mobile Elevated Work Platforms – MEWPs), OSHA wants to ensure that employers are complying with their Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms standard, 29 CFR § 1910.67.  Two considerations when working from MEWPs is the fitness of the machine, and the fitness of the operators.  In other words, the machine must be inspected and deemed serviceable, and the operator must receive training to be qualified.  

Under the new guidelines OSHA published in 2020, operators must receive training on the group of machine that they will be operating; scissor lifts (Group A) or boom lifts (Group B).  Both Group A and Group B machines have Types 1, 2 and 3.  In addition to the training an operator receives on the appropriate group of machines, he or she must complete a practical exercise each Group and Type of machine they will operate.  The practical exercise must include performing a periodic shift inspection, appropriate use of fall protection, and operating the machine.

Crawford Custom Consulting has classes available that will qualify operators on all types of Aerial Lifts.  These classes can normally completed in one work shift or less, to include the practical exercise and can be done at your location.  Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, in addition to the competent person frequent shift inspection, are also required to have a qualified person yearly periodic inspection, with documentation.  Again, Crawford Custom Consulting has qualified inspectors available to come to your locations and perform these required periodic inspections. 

That brings us to mobile crane and articulating crane (“knuckle boom”) operation.  OSHA, at this time, does not require crane operators working strictly in the tree care industry to be certified as long as the crane is never operated for any purpose other than tree work.  However, OSHA is in the process of consolidating and standardizing its requirements across industries and it is possible that in the near future crane operators in the tree industry will need to be certified to operate mobile cranes and articulating cranes.  Regardless, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) strongly encourages crane operators in the tree industry to seek certification.

Crawford Custom Consulting has classes available that can help operators pass their National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) exams.  These classes are held regularly at our three locations in Meadville PA, Lakewood NJ, and Spring Hill TN (please check the schedule on the CCC website for exact dates) and will assist candidates with the written exams and provide practice time on the appropriate crane(s) to prepare the candidate for the practical exam(s).  

Additionally, both the NCCCO written and practical exams can be completed at those locations and tests are scheduled conveniently for the day after the classroom preparation is completed.  Additionally, if you have a number of operators who require certification, we may be able to come to your location and conduct the preparation, and testing. Also, Crawford Custom Consulting has qualified inspectors available to come to your locations and perform the required periodic (annual) inspections on your cranes and other lift and access machines.  Just call or email us and let us know how we can help.