After three partial collapses of construction cranes during Hurricane Irma, officials are debating whether regulations should be tightened.
Two crane booms in Miami and one in Ft. Lauderdale collapsed during the storm, with no injuries reported. The equipment was supposed to be able to withstand 145 mph winds, but the highest gusts recorded in the area were 100 mph.
Any initiative to impose tougher regulations on cranes would be complex, with federal, state, and local authorities all having a hand in rulemaking and oversight. Cranes are regulated by the federal government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Florida statute preempts cities from enforcing laws regulating cranes, but Miami does enforce codes and regulations on the construction and maintenance of buildings. The multiple authorities have some overlap when it comes to construction cranes, at least in theory.
Industry trade groups warn that new regulations should wait until more is known about what caused the collapses. All of the collapses occurred where cranes were set up at 300 feet high or higher, and there is limited data on wind speeds at those heights during the hurricane.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2020
OSHA says most employers don’t have to track worker COVID-19 infections
Agency clarifies responsibility for contractors, others.