Crane Manufacturers Association of America releases revised crane operator’s manual

The Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. (CMAA) has released Specification 79, the newly revised 2012 Crane Operator’s Manual. This 32-page manual was prepared by the Engineering Committee of CMAA as a replacement of the original Crane Manufacturer’s Operation and Maintenance Manual with the intent to provide additional information for the operation of overhead and gantry cranes.

Operation of an overhead or gantry crane involves more than operating the controls of the crane. The operator must consider and anticipate the motions and actions that will occur as a result of operating the controls. Specification 79 also lists qualifications required to be a crane operator, as well as “shall and shall not’s” for operators.

According to Dave Comiono, President of CMAA, “a thorough study of CMAA Specification 79 should provide a better understanding of safe overhead traveling crane operation and afford a greater margin of safety for people and machinery in the workplace.”

The cost of Specification 79 is $5.00. For more information and to order, visit the MHIA Bookstore or call 704-676-1190/800-345-1815 and ask for the Publications Department.

CMAA is an independent trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). CMAA traces its roots to the Electric Overhead Crane Institute, known as EOCI, which was founded in 1927 by leading crane manufacturers of that time to promote the standardization of cranes as well as uniform quality and performance. The voluntary association was incorporated as the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. in 1955. Member Companies, representing the industry leaders in the overhead crane industry, serve the United States market from operations based in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

MHIA is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry.