OSHA is in charge of setting rules and safety regulations for overhead crane operation in the United States. An overhead crane operator must be properly trained and certified by OSHA personnel.
Proper and thorough crane inspections should be performed at regular intervals, per OSHA regulations. All operational components and controls must be inspected before a user employs the crane to lift a load. Cranes should be regularly inspected for cracks, signs of corrosion and signs of excessive wear.
Several safety measures should be in place before overhead crane operation. Load limits should be clearly visible on the crane's bridge; the operator needs to ensure that the load does not exceed the crane's limits. The load should not be moved too quickly; such action can sway the load, causing the rigging to snap or otherwise fail. If an overhead crane is employed in the vicinity of people, an audible alarm must be triggered to inform bystanders each time that a load is being transported.