What must you have before operating a modified crane?

Before operating a modified crane, it is essential to have the manufacturer's written approval. This requirement ensures that any modifications made to the crane do not compromise safety or alter its operational capabilities in an unsafe manner. The manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines indicate how the crane was designed to function and what changes can be made without affecting its integrity.

Modifications could involve structural changes, changes to load capacities, or adjustments to safety systems, all of which can have significant implications for safe operation. The written approval serves as a formal acknowledgment that the changes are acceptable based on the manufacturer's knowledge, research, and testing. This requirement helps to protect the operator, crew, and job site from potential hazards that could arise from unapproved modifications.

While having a valid operator's license is vital for legal operation, it does not suffice in isolation if the equipment has been altered. Similarly, while certain notification or approval processes may be important, they do not replace the necessity of obtaining the manufacturer's consent for the specific modifications made to the crane. Thus, ensuring the crane remains compliant and safe to operate hinges on securing that written approval from the manufacturer.