OSHA watch

Final rule on cranes and derricks

OSHA's long-awaited final rule on cranes and derricks was formally published in the Federal Register on August 9. Updating the standards for the first time in nearly 40 years, the regulation is scheduled to go into effect Nov. 8. Among the major changes:

• Crane operators must be certified.
• The standard does not pre-empt local or state certification requirements.
• Tower crane parts are required to be inspected before erection.
• New procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines are included.

The Fairfax, VA-based nonprofit organization National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators recently published a guide on the personnel qualification requirements in the new rules.

Spanish translations of respiratory protection documents now easier to find online

Direct links to Spanish translations of two documents on respirator use are now on OSHA's Respiratory Protection Safety and Health Topics page.

Spanish versions

"Medical Evaluation Questionnaire" Cuestionario de Evaluacion Medico obligado por la OSHA

"Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under Standard"
Informacion Para los Empleados Que Usan los Respiradores Cuando No lo Exige el Reglamento o Norma.