Plan your service call - Two simple options
If you’re in the industrial sector and there’s an overhead crane project in the air, this is a legitimate question. Whether for a construction site, an existing building, or even outside, is an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence required for such an installation? Given that this is a provincial regulation, it’s understandable to wonder and hesitate when faced with the legal requirements. Having been involved in numerous installation projects in the mining, municipal and heavy industrial sectors, I've often had to answer this question. Let's clarify the legislative aspects surrounding the installation of overhead cranes.
First, the central element of this question is related to the nature of the overhead crane. The latter is considered to be production machinery within the meaning of the Regulation respecting the application of the Act respecting labour relations, vocational training and workforce management in the construction industry (R-20, r.1). The same regulation makes it clear that when these types of installations "are carried out by regular employees of the machinery manufacturer", these works "are not included in the word "construction". In other words, since the overhead crane is classified as production machinery, its installation is not subject to the law of the construction sector. So, to the question “Do you need an RBQ license to install an overhead crane in Quebec?”, the simple answer is generally NO. That said, some work must still be carried out in accordance with the decree of this law, as we'll see later in this article.
Image 1 - Installation outside the construction decree
The installation of conductor bars and rails is considered an accessory to the equipment. When the rails are simply placed on the runway beams and secured with "J" hooks, and the conductor bar supports are bolted into the web of the runway beams, no welding or structural modifications to the building are required. Consequently, an RBQ licence is not required in this case. On the other hand, if the rails were attached to the runway beams by welding, this work would fall under the Construction Decree and would have to be carried out by CCQ-qualified workers.
Reinforcing a structure or digging new foundations to support the structure of an overhead crane is work classified as "construction". The same applies to semi-self-supporting structures: anchoring them to building columns often requires welding, which entails modifying the existing structure. What's more, these interventions add a significant load to the building. In short, any structural reinforcement or welding work on a building requires an RBQ licence.
Image 2 - Excavation and concrete foundation work under the construction decree
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If the RBQ licence concerns the company itself, what about its workers? Workers are also required to provide certificates of competency related to the trade to which they belong, whether steel erector, industrial mechanic, etc. When work is carried out under the auspices of the RBQ, it's not enough to check that the company performing the work holds a licence. You also have to make sure that the workers themselves have the appropriate certificates from the CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec).
Furthermore, it is important to specify that the health and safety course from the Association des professionnels de la construction (ASP Card) is mandatory to access a construction site in Quebec.
Due to these legislative particularities, part of the overhead crane installation work can represent a challenge for contractors. Why? The supplier must meet the requirements of the construction industry, for both the company and its workers. If they can't, the customer will be forced to turn to an additional party, along with all the challenges and complications it can generate.
In some major projects, although it's uncommon, the installation of overhead cranes and rails is carried out under the construction decree. This decision can be taken by the contactor or owner to avoir potential conflicts and ensure the project runs smoothly.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any such requirements. Premium, in collaboration with its partners, has developed expertise in this field, enabling us to offer a turnkey service. Premium Industrial Structures, a sister company of Premium Industrial Group, specializes in the installation of structures, and is fully licensed and certified. A strong partnership that gives you peace of mind in the knowledge that all applicable laws will be respected.
Groupe Picard- Jean-Denis Perron
“ Their ability to listen to our specific needs was a major strength. They have always responded quickly and efficiently, especially in emergency situations, which has greatly contributed to the continuity and success of our operations... I highly recommend Premium Industrial Group to any company looking for a reliable, structured and responsive partner. Their professionalism and commitment to quality and safety make them a model in the industry. „
Université Laval
Michel Lafrance
“ Since the beginning of our collaboration, Groupe Industriel Premium was able to help us target our needs while respecting our high safety criteria. At every step of the project, from the engineering to the completion of the project, we benefited from courteous, efficient and fast service. In addition, I would like to specify that this project was delivered within the deadline in collaboration with the various subcontractors present on the field. I have no doubt about the expertise of Groupe Industriel Premium. „
Modern Event Furniture – Jean-Francois Delisle
“ Nowadays, everyone claims to offer exceptional service, but very few know the real definition. Throughout the project of our new plant, the work done by Industrial Premium Group took place on time, at cost, and especially in a super-efficient way. This collaboration was a real pleasure from beginning to end, and they really can claim to offer exceptional service. Thank you all! „
Fabrinov – Rémi Poulin
“ I want to thank you all for the good work you’ve done at Fabrinov. I am extremely satisfied by both the quality of the product and the professionalism of your crew. Job was finalized quicker than expected and everything went smoothly. While no one was running on site, there was no waste of time! Your crew knew exactly what they were doing! „
Continental
Benjamin Cloutier
“ We are fully satisfied with the result. The whole project met our expectations in terms of budget, deadlines and quality. Even the tidiness of the old structure in the roof beams was done as requested. „
Les Entreprises Carco inc.
“ Groupe Industriel Premium is a team of professionals! We have done several overhead crane installation projects with them. A reliable, experienced and qualified team that listens to the needs of the client and respects deadlines and safety. „
Unisson Structures
Marc Sauriol-F
“ I wanted to personally thank you for all your hard work. Sometimes accolades are hard to come by, especially when there are a few surprises along the way, but I really mean it: Thank you! „
RMH Industries
Gaétan Dionne
“ Thank you to the Groupe Industriel Premium team for their great work on this project. They presented a personalized offer answering to the specific needs of our company. The project was delivered on time and respected the initial specifications. „
CR Nouvel-Air- Jonathan Milette
“ Very good specialized company. Extraordinary value for money. Company with very human service. „
TMS Solution
Marc-Antoine Coulombe
“ Thanks to the support of the Groupe Industriel Premium, we made the right decision according to our needs. We had the equipment delivered on time with a fast installation. Thank you for helping our company on its journey. „
Danaca Transport
“ Thank you to Groupe Industriel Premium team for their excellent service! „
Structures RBR
Alain Lebel
“ We have Premium who takes cares of our overhead cranes and we can rely on them. „
Stornoway
Yves Perron
“ To the Groupe Industriel Premium team, thank you for the excellent work. You have greatly participated in the success of the Renard project. „
AnodiQ inc.
Steve Fontaine
“ After 5 years of operation, we are proud to have kept their service, the quality of our Gorbel structure allows us to successfully complete our activities. „
Groupe Machinex
Jean-Michel Paré
“ We usually had a traditional crane come out to pick up the baler and set it on transport. Now, we are saving a lot of time because we just pick it up with those two overhead cranes, set it on transport, and it's off to our client's facility. „
Robover
Gordon McAllister
“ Professional and safe work, consistent habits of all staff. „
Comairco
-Marjorie Pleau
“ "Nous avons fait affaire avec l’équipe de Premium, car ils nous ont proposé une structure adaptée à nos besoins. Ils ont su respecter l’échéancier de production afin que notre équipe soit opérationnelle rapidement." „
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