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MC18 The Standards Development Process In developing ASME B30 and other codes and standards, ASME employs a consensus-based process that considers the input of all relevant stakeholders. Due process for all input regarding ASME B30 is assured and monitored. The development process is open to public review at appropriate stages, and the actions of the committee are documented and completely transparent. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited the Society's process for the development of ASME B30 and other standards. The principles of ASME's standards development process are consistent with those of the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement. About ASME B30 for Cranes The ASME B30 safety standard for cranes initially began in 1916 as an eight page Code of Safety Standard for Cranes. Since that time, the standard has been continuously updated to reflect technological improvements, lessons-learned from experience, and present day "best practices". Today the B30 standard consists of 28 volumes that are reviewed or updated, at a minimum of every five years, by the B30 consensus committee whose charter is to develop, maintain, and interpret safety codes and standards covering the construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of cranes and related equipment. The B30 standard sets forth definitions and guidelines on "how to" design and manufacture, inspect, maintain, and use cranes with safety as the primary focus. For example, ASME B30.5-2007 for mobile cranes is the first standard to contain provisions that clearly define the lines of responsibility for each individual (owner, user, supervisor, lift director, operator) instead of leaving this matter subject to individual interpretation, and similar provisions are being considered for inclusion in the other B30 volumes. ASME B30 Safety Standard for Cranes & Related Equipment Purpose of ASME B30 The purpose of the B30 standard is to help prevent or minimize injury to workers, and otherwise provide for the protection of life, limb and property by prescribing safety requirements. They provide direction to crane manufacturers, owners, employers and users. The standard provides guidance to governments and other regulatory bodies in the development, promulgation, and enforcement of appropriate safety directives and can be adopted in whole or in part for governmental or regulatory use (by reference). B30 for Cranes - Types of Equipment The ASME B30 standard covers the types of vertical lifting equipment found in the majority of work environments including tower cranes, mobile cranes, and overhead cranes. It also address many other types of lifting equipment found in special work environments including detachable hardware for lifting purposes, such as rigging, slings and below-the-hook lifting devices.
