Do I need a horn on my overhead cranes and hoists?

Have you ever noticed that some lifting equipment is equipped with horns, while others are not? This can raise questions, especially when an inspection indicates a compliance issue. So what are the actual horn requirements for overhead cranes and other lifting equipment?

In this article, we’ll clarify the regulatory obligations applicable in Quebec, explore the nuances between different types of equipment, and answer your key questions so you can ensure compliance and safety in your operations.

Do my overhead cranes and hoists have to be equipped with a horn?

It depends on the type of movement of your equipment :

1. Motorized overhead cranes, monorail hoists or jib cranes : Yes, a horn (audible warning) is mandatory under Section 259-2o of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (RROHS). This horn must be used whenever a load is moved over a workstation or a traffic lane.
2. Manually operated overhead cranes, monorail hoists or jib cranes : No, a horn is not required if horizontal travel or rotation is manual.

In short, any lifting device with motorized travel must be equipped with a horn to comply with Quebec regulations.

Q&A with a regional CNESST agent:

Question: Most overhead cranes in Quebec have a horn, but monorails and manually operated jib cranes do not. Since in these cases the lifting is very often motorized, should the horn be installed to comply with Section 259?

Answer: Regarding Section 259, we require the horn to be installed when the horizontal movement is motorized (e.g. an overhead crane). The horn is at the employer’s discretion only in cases where the horizontal movement is not motorized, which is the case for most jib cranes, monorails and fixed hoists installed on the structure of a building whose horizontal travel is manual.

Question: Does the horn have to be audible, or could a flashing beacon do the trick?

Answer: The horn is mandatory, as a visual warning alone might not be seen. However, light signals (strobe light or rotating beacon) could be used in addition to the horn on an overhead crane. Ultimately, it’s up to the employer to acquire the best warning system to avoid a possible collision between his workers and a load.

Question: Could the device automatically warn when an equipment function is activated, or does it have to be activated manually by an operator, using a push button for example?

Answer: The RROHS requires a warning device that can be activated by the operator using a push button, if necessary. This is the minimum requirement.

Environment-specific regulations

In certain environments, such as mines and foundries, a horn alone may not be sufficient. It is essential to refer to the specific regulations applicable to these environments. That is, the RSSTM and the RSHTF :

1. S-2.1, r. 14 – Règlement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail dans les mines (Regulation respecting occupational health and safety in mines) ;
2. S-2.1, r. 15 – Règlement sur la sécurité et l’hygiène dans les travaux de fonderie (Regulation respecting occupational health and safety in foundry work).

These regulations may include requirements for warning devices that differ from those set out in the RROHS. It is therefore important to consult them to ensure your equipment’s compliance.

Since no revision of Section 259 of the RROHS is planned in the short term, it is essential to apply these rules in an informed and compliant manner, with a view to ensuring optimum safety for your operations.

To find out more about the compliance of your lifting equipment? We suggest you read the article Lifting equipment certification: What does it really entail?