In March 2008, when the American Society of Mechanical Engineers published ASME B30.

5-2007, a revision of its 2004 standard, it assigned responsibility for many aspects of crane operations to several different parties as a kind of check and balance. It also proposes a reporting structure: crane operator to lift director to site supervisor to, it would appear, the crane user. We cover the highlights and define key terms in bold. A crane operator directly controls the crane's functions. He is not responsible for hazards or conditions not under his direct control. He obeys a stop signal at all times, no matter who gives it. He stops lifting in a controlled manner whenever he is concerned about safety. He reviews what the crane is needed for with the lift director. He knows what conditions might jeopardise safe crane operations and discusses any possible risks with him. He understands and applies the information in the manufacturer's operation manual. He confirms the correct crane configuration for the load, site and lift conditions using the load charts and diagrams. He calculates the crane's capacity and confirms that it can do the lift, using the load chart. He refuses to operate the crane if it goes near power lines, except under strict guidelines (detailed elsewhere in B30.5). He performs a daily inspection. He reports need for repairs or adjustments to a designated person (who an employer chooses because he thinks they are competent). He does not operate the crane when physically or mentally unfit, and refrains from doing anything that diverts his attention when operating crane controls. He makes sure that all the controls are in neutral position and that the area is clear before starting up the crane. He knows and follows the manufacturer's procedures for assembly, disassembly, set-up and reeving the crane. He observes each outrigger as it extends, or has a signalperson do it. He knows and responds to standard and special signals from the signalperson. He understands basic load rigging. A lift director directly oversees crane and related rigging work. He watches operations, so he needs to be present. He stops crane operations if something is unsafe; or addresses the concerns of a crane operator who has raised a query that he has overruled. He makes sure that ground preparation for the crane, and any traffic controls around a crane, are completed before the crane starts working. He makes sure that all people involved in the crane operation understand their responsibilities, duties and the associated hazards. He appoints a signaller and tells the operator. He makes sure that the signaller knows and uses standard hand signals. He tells the crane operator the load weights and their lifting path and final destination. He checks with the crane operator to make sure this load is within the crane's rated capacity. He checks that riggers are designated people. He checks that the load is properly rigged and balanced before it is raised high. He prevents any crane working near electric power lines, doing multiple crane lifts, lifting personnel and doing pick-and-carry operations unless strict guidelines are followed.

A site supervisor is in charge of the work site, and the work being done there. He ensures that before the crane starts work, it is inspected. He consults records to make sure that it has passed recent inspections and tests, that a maintenance manual is present, and other requirements of B30.5-2 are met. He determines if other rules should be imposed on lifting. He makes sure that a lift director is a qualified person (who has earned his status through education or experience). He co-ordinates crane operations with other jobsite activities. He ensures that crane assembly and disassembly is supervised by a qualified person and rigging by a qualified person. He ensures that maintenance is performed by a designated person. He checks that the crane area is prepared adequately, including access roads, crane assembly space, firm and level ground, traffic control around the crane's working area, and proximity obstacles and hazards such as power lines. He makes sure that weather conditions-including wind, rain, fog, light-are not unsuitable for lifting. He prevents any crane working near electric power lines, doing multiple crane lifts, lifting personnel and doing pick-and-carry operations unless strict guidelines (detailed elsewhere in B30.5) are followed. A crane user arranges the crane's presence on a worksite and controls its use there. He should comply with B30.5 and manufacturers' requirements. He should check that the crane's inspection records have been completed, including the latest frequent inspection, to make sure the crane is okay. He should check that the crane can safely do the planned lift. He needs to use crane operators who are physically fit, passed a written and practical exam, can read, write, do math and use a load chart. Crane operators need to be qualified to do the specified job on that particular crane. He should warn operators about any any adjustments or incomplete repairs to the crane. He should use designated or qualified persons for inspection, and designated persons for crane maintenance, transport, assembly and disassembly, and make sure all of these people know their responsibilities, duties and hazards. He needs to make sure that the crane owner's inspection, testing and maintenance programmes are actually carried out. A crane owner has custodial control of a crane by virtue of lease or ownership. He is responsible for providing a crane, with load charts, that meets the requested configuration and capacity. The crane should be stable and controllable according to B30.5-1, and maintained by designated persons, and inspected by designated persons or qualified persons according to B30.5-2.