The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) has released the 2025 revision of its Specification 79: Crane Operator’s Manual. This publication offers detailed guidance for individuals responsible for operating overhead and gantry cranes in industrial environments. CMAA Specification 79 complements CMAA Specifications 70, 74, and 78. It also aligns with ASME and OSHA standards to promote consistent, safe, and efficient crane operations across facilities.

This updated edition reflects the latest practices in operator qualification, communication methods, inspection responsibilities, and load-handling procedures. It provides clearer direction for owners, users, and trainers on how to establish safe and compliant crane operations. Here is an overview of each of the updated publication’s chapters.

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Disclaimer

The opening section of Specification 79 outlines CMAA’s purpose and relationship to MHI. It emphasizes that the manual serves as recommendations and best practices—not regulatory mandates. It reinforces the responsibilities of employers. These include ensuring operators receive proper training and possess the necessary qualifications to use the equipment. Operators must also be aware of all applicable OSHA, ASME, and plant safety requirements.

The 2025 update clarifies the document’s intent as a supplement to each crane manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual. It further defines the use of the terms “shall” and “should” used throughout the specification, matching ASME B30 language conventions. Additionally, language on safety alert symbols and placard meanings helps operators interpret DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION labels found on cranes and in manuals.

Chapter 2 – Crane Operators

This chapter distinguishes between dedicated operators who run cab- or pulpit-operated cranes, and non-dedicated operators who direct floor- or remote-operated cranes. The distinction recognizes that many workers operate cranes as part of broader job duties.

The revision reinforces the need for:

• Proper authorization before operating a crane.
• Familiarity with control markings and motion directions.
• Compliance with posted safety placards and operating instructions.
• Knowledge of standard hand signals as defined in ASME B30.2.

CMAA Specification 79 emphasizes the importance of a clear understanding between operator and signal person, whether communicating via hand gestures or radio. The manual includes updated illustrations of standard hand signals and personal protective equipment (PPE) expectations for signal personnel.

Chapter 3 – Crane Motions

Chapter 3 explains the three primary crane motions—hoist (vertical), trolley (lateral), and bridge (longitudinal)—and how to control each. It includes guidance for cranes with multiple hoists, requiring clear identification and labeling to avoid confusion during operation.

The 2025 update expands details on brake systems, limit devices, and end stops. It further stresses that these are safety mechanisms and not intended for regular operational control. New guidance addresses braking techniques such as “plugging,” the effects of drift, and proper stopping methods to reduce wear and prevent load swing.

The section also introduces recommendations for outdoor cranes. These include wind indication devices, anchoring methods, and safe shutdown procedures during high winds.

Chapter 4 – Inspections

CMAA Specification 79 now provides comprehensive guidance on operator-performed inspections. Daily checks must occur at the start of each shift or before the first use of the crane. Inspections should cover hooks, wire ropes, limit devices, brakes, warning devices, and any unusual sounds.

A table lists specific inspection items and actions for easier reference. It defines what operators should do if they identify a defect. This includes immediate notification to the appointed person and tagging the equipment as out of service if necessary.

While operators perform daily inspections, the manual clarifies that frequent and periodic inspections must follow ASME B30 and CMAA Specification 78 requirements. Only qualified inspection personnel should perform those inspections.

Chapter 5 – Handling the Load

This expanded chapter of CMAA Specification 79 provides detailed, step-by-step expectations for safe load handling and operator behavior before, during, and after a lift. Key areas include:

• Pre-operation checks include verifying crane condition, rigging attachments, and personnel clearance.
• Hoisting practices include lifting slowly, ensuring balanced loads, and checking the holding brake before continuing.
• Lowering and landing processes include never relying on limit switches as operating stops, blocking loads before removing slings, and avoiding leaving loads suspended unattended.
• Traveling includes starting and stopping motions gradually, maintaining clearance, and using taglines to control swinging loads.

The chapter also consolidates “Shall” and “Shall Not” lists into clear behavioral standards. Operators should never carry loads over personnel. They should also never perform maintenance without authorization. Additionally, they should never operate cranes while under the influence of substances or medication that could impair judgment.

Appendices – Reference Definitions and Illustrations

Four separate appendix sections provide quick-reference definitions and graphics. Covered are:

• Crane types, such as top-running, underhung, gantry, remote-operated.
• Brake types, including holding, dynamic, emergency, and control braking.
• Visual diagrams of common crane configurations, including top-running double girder cranes with trolley or underhung hoists.

These resources assist in operator training and help standardize terminology across facilities.

Download CMAA Specification 79

CMAA Specification 79-2025 is downloadable via www.mhi.org/cmaa. CMAA’s other overhead handling resources are also available on the site.

CMAA members represent the industry’s leading suppliers of overhead crane systems. They design, manufacture, assemble, install, and service overhead cranes and components. CMAA members—with the combined experience of more than 30,000 crane installations in North America in the last decade—provide products focused on safety and innovation.

In addition to its engineering specifications, CMAA offers a variety of other resources. These include buyers’ guides, OSHA Alliance safety tip and fact sheets, inspection and maintenance checklists, and safety seminars. Find these documents and more on CMAA’s website at www.MHI.org/CMAA.