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

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.

The overhead crane: A production machine

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.

What about conductor bars and rails ?

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.

What if modifications to my building are necessary ?

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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Do workers also need to be certified for work under the decree?

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.

An obstacle to a turnkey project ?

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.