New CSA Standards Call for Structural Inspections
On Scissor lifts & Elevated Aerial Boom Type Platforms


The CSA standards covering scissor lift platforms (B354.2-01) and boom type aerial platforms (B354.4-02) have been recently updated from the previous 1982 version. The B354 series is cited in Ontario's construction regulations as being the minimum requirements for design, construction, and operation of aerial work platforms in this province. 

The new requirements for inspection set out provisions for daily, periodic, and annual inspections. They also call for structural inspections to be carried out in the following cases:

  • 10 years after date of manufacture and every 5 years thereafter. This took effect as of January 1, 2003.
  • After an incident that could affect the structural integrity or stability of the aerial such as electrical contact, shock loads, fall arrest, collision, overloading, or losses of stability.
  • After a change of ownership, unless a complete history of maintenance and inspection is included with the unit.
As part of the inspection, all welds and other critical areas are to be inspected by visual and/or nondestructive testing. Personnel carrying out visual weld inspections are to be qualified under CSA standard W178.2 (Certification of Visual Weld Inspectors). Similarly, personnel performing nondestructive testing are to be qualified to CGSB standard 48-9712.

Martech Inspection & Testing has been carrying out inspections that meet the requirements of this new standard since it was introduced. Let our professional technicians help with your requirements.

CSA STANDARD Z150-98: SAFETY CODE ON MOBILE CRANES 


CSA Standard Z150-98 (Safety Code for Mobile Cranes) has been revised from the previously published version (CSA Z150-74). Our review and interpretation may be beneficial to you.

Inspection & Maintenance:

  • Inspection procedures are now classified into four groups instead of two as in the previous version. Those classifications are Daily Inspections, Periodic Inspections (every 350 hours or three months), Annual Inspections, and Teardown Inspections of Telescoping Booms.
  • The teardown inspection of telescoping booms is to be performed any time the boom is disassembled but must be done a minimum of every 10 years or 10000 hours of service, whichever comes first. The inspection requires disassembly of the boom and nondestructive inspection of interior welds within six feet of each end of each boom section.
  •  Structural inspections are to be carried out visually and by nondestructive inspection for critical or suspect areas. The visual inspector is to be certified under CSA standard W178.2 and the nondestructive inspector is to be certified under CGSB standards.
  • Hook and block assemblies will now require a teardown inspection and lubrication at least every five years. During this teardown, the hook and hook nut are to be inspected for corrosion and wear of the threads. The hook nut is to be marked with the date of the last teardown inspection.
  • Structural repairs to a crane shall now be made in accordance with specifications set out by the manufacturer or by a professional engineer experienced in weld repair. If the repair is to a load-sustaining member, it can only be performed by a welder that is certified under CSA Standard W47.1, and only using procedures that are in accordance with CSA standards W59 and W47.1.
  • Load testing is now required for cranes in which load bearing parts are repaired, replaced or altered. The test load is to be 100% of the rated load.
  • The inspection of wire ropes has been extended to include frequent, periodic, and annual inspection requirements. The standard provides more detailed rejection criteria and addresses concerns with rotation resistant ropes, pendant ropes, non-circular outer wires, and points of rapid deterioration.
  • A new section has been added that is dedicated to personnel lifting. The section is divided into categories for pinned baskets and for suspended baskets. The new section largely reflects the current regulations for man basket use on cranes (see O.Reg. 213/91, section 153). For example, the platform is to be designed by a professional engineer and have design drawings, and the crane is to be equipped with various safety devices.
  • Cranes are now also required to be outfitted with drum rotation indicators to allow the operator to sense when the drums are turning. Further, a boom length indicator will now be mandatory on all telescopic cranes unless the load rating is independent of boom length.

Call one of our professionals to discuss your requirements.