Mobile and Specialty Cranes

This page outlines the minimum requirements for bringing tower cranes, mobile cranes, specialty cranes, and related lifting equipment onto NC State property. A complete Lift Plan is required before any crane setup or operation. Note: A Lift Plan is not required for cranes used on tenant-occupied or other non-NC State buildings, for non-NC State projects, AND not involving NC State personnel.

Advance Notice Requirement

A Lift Plan must be submitted at least fifty (50) working days in advance of any crane setup or operation on university property. Early submission is critical, especially if FAA notification or clearance is required, which may take up to 45 days.

Required Lift Plan Package

  • Completed Lift Plan (see Lift Plan Checklist).
  • Engineering evaluation of the impact of crane setup and loads on underground substructures.
  • Ground and subsurface stability evaluation, including underground utility location (811 call).
  • Traffic Control Plan (vehicle routing, closures, staging areas).
  • Pedestrian Safety Plan (barricades, detours, spotters, signage).
  • FAA documentation (if required under 14 CFR Part 77).
  • Safe Use Plan and Rescue Plan for any Mobile Elevated Work Platform (if applicable).

Operational Safety Requirements

  • Notify the NC State Project Manager (or designated campus contact) no fewer than fifty (50) working days prior to crane operations.
  • All cranes must be set up and operated in compliance with manufacturer specifications and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC.
  • Contractors are responsible for verifying that ground conditions can support equipment and loads. Third-party verification may be required at the contractor’s expense.
  • No lifts may occur over occupied spaces unless a registered structural engineer certifies the structure can withstand worst-case impact. If not, the fall zone must be evacuated during the lift.
  • Provide documentation of crane annual and required periodic inspections (signed).
  • Crane operators must be properly trained and certified for the equipment type and evaluated by their employer as required by 29 CFR 1926.1427.
  • Signal persons and riggers must be qualified in accordance with OSHA 1926 Subpart CC.

Lift Plan Minimum Elements

  • Identification of the controlling entity (employer responsible for construction operations).
  • Designation of a Lift Director and communication method (hand signals, radio, etc.).
  • Equipment positioning locations and load paths.
  • Equipment specifications, including load and reach capacities.
  • Operator and rigger qualifications and certifications.
  • Identification and barricading of the Fall Zone.
  • Wind limitations.
  • Ground and subsurface stability confirmation.
  • Distance to energized lines and applicable minimum approach distances.
  • Safe attachment/detachment procedures and fall protection measures.
  • Documentation of annual and required periodic inspections (per 1926.1412).
  • Completion of a pre-lift meeting with all involved personnel prior to lift.

Submission Instructions

Submit the complete Lift Plan package to the assigned NC State Project Manager or designated campus contact. Incomplete submissions may delay approval.

References

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 – Operator Certification
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1412 – Inspection Requirements
  • FAA 14 CFR Part 77 – Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration
  • NC State Design and Construction Guidelines – Division 01