Centre d’information Installation Standards

Is an RBQ license required to install an overhead crane in Quebec?

May 29, 2023

4:57

By Marc-André Martineau

Are you planning to install an overhead crane in Quebec? Whether you're a general contractor, an engineer or the project manager, you may be wondering : is an RBQ license required for this type of installation? And do the workers also need to be certified?

And what if a small part of the crane project has to be carried out under construction law, and my supplier doesn't have a license?

These questions come up often, and they're important. Carrying out work subject to the law of the construction industry without fulfilling the requirements can result in sanctions, complete stoppage of the worksite, delays in the work and additional costs.

Having been involved in numerous installation projects in the mining, municipal and heavy industrial sectors, I've often had to answer these questions. We have experience in this type of project thanks to our collaboration with our affiliated company Premium Industrial Structures, which specializes in this type of case.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to comply with the law without complicating your project.

What are the CCQ, the RBQ and the Quebec Construction Industry Act?

When we speak of work subject to the law of the construction industry in this article, we are referring to work supervised by the Commission de la Construction du Québec (CCQ), which is responsible for applying the Act respecting labour relations, vocational training and manpower management in the construction industry (R-20). To carry out work in compliance with this law, you must hold a license issued by the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), whose mission is to ensure the quality of construction work in Quebec.

Note that this article applies only to Quebec, as other provinces, such as Ontario, have laws that may differ.

Installation of an overhead crane: is it considered "construction" in Quebec ?

To answer simply and generally, the answer is NO. Why? Because of the nature of the overhead crane.

Installation-hors-decret-de-la-construction-scaled

In fact, it is considered production machinery within the meaning of the Act (R-20, r.1). The same regulation clearly states that, when these types of installations "are performed by regular employees of the manufacturer of the machinery", such work "is not included in the word 'construction'". In other words, since the overhead crane is classified as production machinery, its installation is not subject to construction legislation. An RBQ license is therefore not required.

However, certain work must still be carried out in accordance with the decree of this law. Which work?

Please note

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 contractor or owner to avoid potential conflicts and ensure the smooth running of the site.

What overhead crane work requires an RBQ license ?

All work that alters the structure of a building, including welding, is considered construction.

Conductor bars and rails, for example, are considered equipment accessories. If the rails are simply placed on the running beams and secured with "J" hooks, and the conductor bar supports are bolted into the web of the running beams, no welding or modification to the building structure is required. An RBQ license is therefore not needed. However, if these parts are welded to the beams, which are part of the building structure, the intervention will be considered a structural modification.

Here are a few concrete examples of situations where an RBQ license is mandatory, along with the reasons that justify it.

Work subject to the law of the construction industry	Reasons
New foundations to support the crane structure (indoor or outdoor)	Load added to the building Modification of the floor or slab
Reinforcing an existing structure - because it's a major modification to the building	Load added to the building Modification of a structure attached to the building
Installation of a semi- self-supporting structure	Load added to the building Modification of a building structure if its anchors are welded to the columns
Installation of rails or conductor bars by welding to the beams	Modification of a building structure by welding

But does the company alone need to be licensed for workers to carry out this kind of work?

Travaux-excavation-et-fondation-beton-sous-decret-de-la-construction-scaled – Excavation and concrete foundation work under construction decree

What certifications must the workers have to install an overhead crane ?

If the RBQ license is for the company itself, what about its workers? They must also provide certificates of competency related to the trade to which they belong, such as steel erector or industrial mechanic. 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 license. It's also important to ensure that the workers themselves have the appropriate certificates from the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ).

It's also important to point out that the Association des professionnels de la construction's health and safety course (ASP Card) is mandatory for access to a construction site in Quebec.

Ensure the compliance of your overhead crane project right from the start

When starting an overhead crane project in Quebec, it's easy to overlook the impact of RBQ regulatory obligations. Yet an error in this area can result in delays, sanctions or even a work stoppage.

Now that you have a better understanding of the types of work that require an RBQ license, you'll be in a better position to anticipate the stages of your project and choose the right partners.

Premium Industrial Group can handle all aspects of the installation of an overhead crane and its structure, including those subject to the Building Act. In fact, it was to meet this specific need that we founded Premium Industrial Structures, an entity dedicated to managing aspects requiring an RBQ license.

👉 To find out more about Premium Industrial Structures, visit our " About us " page or go directly to the Premium Industrial Structures website.

If you have an overhead crane project involving work governed by Quebec construction laws, and are looking for a turnkey supplier, you can contact us using the form available at the bottom of this page.