Overhead cranes: mandatory operator training

Background

The overhead (bridge) crane is work equipment that requires specific knowledge to be operated safely. Unlike mobile cranes, tower cranes, MEWPs and forklifts, the overhead crane is not included in the list of equipment for which the Accordo Stato-Regioni of 22 February 2012 requires a specific authorisation — the so-called “licence” under art. 73(5) of Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008.

This, however, does not mean the operator can be left untrained: Legislative Decree 81/2008 still requires the employer to ensure adequate and specific theoretical and practical training before assigning the use of the equipment (art. 71(7) and art. 73(1–4)). The operator must be informed, trained and instructed on the correct use of the crane, the related risks and the safety procedures; the employer must verify their suitability and keep the documentation. Failure to train exposes the company to civil and criminal liability and, in the event of an accident, aggravates its position.

What the training covers

• Theoretical training — regulatory framework, crane types and components, safety devices and their verification, load assessment and correct slinging, signalling and communication with the slinger, typical risks (load swing, impacts, interferences) and the related preventive measures.
• Practical training — lifting, travelling and positioning manoeuvres, testing of safety devices, handling of loads and abnormal situations, under the guidance of experienced personnel.
• Refresher and recording — training must be documented (certificates, register) and kept up to date over time and whenever the equipment or work context changes.

How we support companies

• Definition of the content and requirements of operators' theoretical and practical training;
• Organisation and delivery of training courses and hands-on practice for safe use;
• Verification of operator suitability and management of the documentation (certificates, register, procedures);
• Integration of the equipment-use risk into the company risk assessment (DVR);
• Coordination with the periodic inspections of the lifting appliance (art. 71 of Decree 81/2008): a single technical point of contact, from the structure to the training.

Regulatory references

Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 (art. 37, 71(7), 73)  •  Accordo Stato-Regioni 22/02/2012  •  Ministerial Decree 11/04/2011  •  UNI ISO 9926-1

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