The Cranes and Derricks Division oversees the design, installation and safe operation of equipment used for hoisting or lifting purposes. Cranes and Derricks regulates mobile (truck mounted, rough terrain and crawler based) cranes and pile drivers; fixed and climbing tower cranes; mast climbing work platforms; as well as all other types of rigging setups such as suspension scaffolds. For information regarding personnel and tower material hoists, please see the Elevator Division. Cranes and Derricks does not regulate equipment installed on water.

The Cranes and Derricks Division is composed of an Engineering Unit, which reviews drawings, calculations, load test data, and other relevant material to ensure that the equipment prototype and installation (for a given job site) is properly designed, and that adequate stability, strength, operational precautions and public safeguards are provided. The Hoist & Rigging Inspection Unit tests the integrity of the subject machine and also inspects equipment installation on site. It oversees equipment registration and renewal on an annual basis.

The Cranes and Derricks Division is located at 280 Broadway, 5th floor in Manhattan and is open between 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Reference Standards 19-2 Reference Standard 19-2 aims to further the safety of persons and property affected by the operation of power operated cranes and derricks. The amendment updates the requirements for rope inspection and replacement, safety devices and minimum operation standards to national standards.  Download RS 19-2 (329 kb)

Cranes & Derricks Information and Updates

• Cranes & Derricks Appointment Scheduling Change
  
  Beginning July 1,2009 all  Cranes & Derricks plan examiner appointments  will be made through the Department’s Call Center. Walk-in appointments are no longer available.
• Revised CD4 Form
  The CD4, used to request an on-site inspection, will be  expanded to renewals  and amendments. Additionally, CD4s submitted after July 1, 2009 will expire within a year of plan exam approval.
• New CD24 Form
  A new CD24 form  is being developed. It will be  required  when requesting authorization to proceed in the Department of Transportation permitting process.
• New Material Hoist Requirements Now in Effect
  
  To protect workers and the public from the risk of material falling during hoisting operations, the Department is now requiring contractors to take certain safeguards during hoisting operations when using metal plates to bridge the gap between the hoist car door and the building floor. To learn more, view the Plates on Material Hoists  Regulatory Notice (43 kb).
• Cranes and Derricks Unit Requires Filing
  Representative ID
  
  Filing representatives seeking to conduct business with the Cranes and Derricks unit must  register (21 kb) with the Buildings Department and must obtain a Buildings-issued filing representative identification card. This process includes filling out an application and undergoing a background investigation.
• Processes and Procedures Guidelines
  
  To make it easier for the public to do business with us, the Cranes and Derricks unit has created guidelines for Professional Engineers and Registered Architects for filing the CD-8 form and amending Certificates of On-Site Inspection (CD-4 form and drawings).
• New Requirements and Form for On-Site Riggers
  
  Starting July 23, 2007, the Buildings Department will require a licensed Master Rigger or Tower Rigger to be onsite to supervise the erection, jumping or dismantling of cranes or tower cranes and to ensure the work is done safely and in accordance with the Building Code and other applicable regulations. The revised CD-7 form must also be submitted to the Buildings Department two business days prior to beginning these jobs. View the   service announcement (23 kb).
• Notification To Be Required for Outrigger Beams & C-Hook Scaffolds
  
  The Buildings Department requires notification 24 to 48 hours before the installation and use of c-hook and outrigger beam suspended scaffolds. Licensed riggers must inform the Buildings Department of the date and location of the suspended scaffold to be used. To learn more about this requirement, view the service announcement (54 kb-pdf).
•  Cranes & Derricks On-site Waiver (40 kb).
• Tower Cranes Safety Tips
• Suspended Scaffold Safety Tips
• Cranes & Derricks Weekend Inspections Calendar
• Cranes Notice Application Requirements
• Hanging Scaffold Application Procedures Fact Sheet
• Industrial Rope Access Application Procedure Fact Sheet
• Temporary Certificate of Approval/Operations (TCAO) Application Guide
• Cranes & Derricks Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

•  After-Hour Work Permit Procedures (20 kb).
  Effective as of November 28, 2005.

•  After-Hours Work Variance Permit Change (37 kb). Effective as of April 25, 2006.

If you have questions, contact the Cranes and Derricks Division.

For questions about personnel hoists, contact the elevator division. For questions about tower materials hoists, contact the applicable borough office.