SC&RA to Advise Ohio on Divisible-Load Requirements for Mobile Cranes

A working group from the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), Fairfax, Va., has begun compilation of a document to help Ohio remedy confusing and inconsistent enforcement of divisible-load requirements for the movement of mobile cranes within the state. The group agreed to compile the document after two meetings with Ohio Department of Transportation officials and enforcement representatives from state and local jurisdictions.

SC&RA Vice President Doug Ball and SC&RA members based in Ohio are preparing the document for further discussion. These were also members of the delegation that previously met with Ohio officials May 19.

The specialized carriers and rigging industry has been hampered by inconsistent and unreasonable enforcement of regulatory provisions in the state regarding the removal of components within eight man-hours, using "appropriate equipment." During a June 11 meeting, the industry representatives articulated adversities resulting from overly stringent and varied interpretations of the regulation on mobile-crane operations. Discussion focused on the industry's vital need for Ohio's enforcement and transportation officials to recognize the unique nature of these cranes and their intended use.

The officials accepted SC&RA's suggestion that the industry propose vehicle limits that should be considered non-divisible because of the intended use and purpose of design. As part of this effort, the SC&RA working group plans to document categories that could be readily recognized by visual means as exempt from divisible-load requirements in the interest of practical, economical product use.

In addition to identifying categories that should not be subject to divisible-load requirements, the SC&RA working group agreed to develop for consideration general categories of envelope cranes with acceptable, operationally sound practices for removal of excess materials to comply with the requirements. The working group ultimately intends to eliminate guesswork by both industry and enforcement and facilitate compliance with reasonable divisible-load requirements.

Before the documentation is submitted to Ohio officials, it will be presented to the Governing Committees of SC&RA's Crane & Rigging Group and Transportation Group. Enforcement of divisible-load requirements for the movement of mobile cranes within the state affects both groups. Moreover, SC&RA recognizes the importance of establishing sound, uniform procedures that could be adopted by other states.

 

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