Construction Equipment Inspections

Bureau phone: (312) 743-0417

catherine.harris@cityofchicago.org

The Construction Equipment Bureau conducts Permit, Licensing and Complaint Inspections. Our objectives are to safeguard the public's health, safety and well being, by holding the construction contractor and machinery supplier to the highest standards in the construction industry.

Our inspectors enforce all codes and manufacturers specifications that pertain to the condition, operation, safety and maintenance of heavy construction equipment used on construction sites within the City of Chicago. We also enforce the City of Chicago Crane License provisions, as stated in the Chicago Building Code; Chapter 4-288.

Q: Who needs a crane license?
Answer: Anyone operating a crane (defined as any power operated mechanical hoisting equipment that lifts, lowers, rotates or moves a load horizontally or vertically), that has a manufacturer's rated capacity of 5 tons or more, including, but not limited to, tower cranes, derricks, mobile cranes, drum hoisting and rack and pinion types of equipment on any construction, rehabilitation, repair or demolition project undertaken where a permit for such work is required. 1(4-288)

Q: How do I get a crane license?
Answer: The Department of Buildings licensing section has an application for that written test one may download at www.cityofchicago.org/buildings. Once one passes this test, they may take the practical test.

Q: Who needs an apprentice crane license?
Answer: Anyone in training to be a crane operator must have an Apprentice Crane Certificate and be under the direct supervision of a Licensed Crane Operator.

Q: Why do tower cranes look like they are leaning backward.
Answer: They do lean. The crane is made to sit heavy on the back end because when a load is picked up, it will lean forward. This keeps the crane in balance.

Q: What is required to operate a forklift?
Answer: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has mandated successful completion of a training and evaluation program that will entail the operator, after training, to demonstrate their ability to operate in a specific class of powered industrial trucks safely, which is to be certified by the employer at least once every three years in accordance with 29 CFR 1920.178.