NASA recently published revision C of NASA-STD-8719.9, Lifting Standard. This standard establishes NASA’s mission requirements for the design, construction, testing, inspection, maintenance, operation, and personnel licensing of Lifting Devices and Equipment (LDE) to enhance safety and reliability and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. It applies to NASA-owned, rented, leased and NASA contractor-supplied LDE.

The updated standard features substantial revisions, including a new table summarizing certification periods per license type.

Summary of Revisions Related to Certifications

Per Table 1 in the revised standard, Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) operator license certifications are valid for three years, while mobile cranes, Overhead Cranes (OHCs), powered hoists and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) operator license certifications are valid for four years.

To renew certifications, managers must establish, at minimum, a written examination and operational demonstration for operators to complete. Training in safety, lifting equipment emergency procedures, general performance standards, requirements, pre-operational checks, and safety-related defects and symptoms is also advised, along with hands-on training, as needed.

Additionally, the standard recommends verification of compliance with the physical examination requirements laid out in the recently updated NPR 1800.1, NASA Occupational Health Program Procedures.

Per Table C.3-10 in Appendix C, Physical Examination Requirements, all forklift, PIT and high-lift industrial truck operators are required to complete a physical examination referred to as the Forklift-PIT-High Lift Industrial Truck Operator medical certification exam. This exam ensures operators are medically certified to operate this specific type of machinery.

An Overview of Training and Licensing Requirements for Operating LDEs

As referenced in section 4.11 of NASA-STD-8719.9C, personnel operating OHCs, powered hoists, MEWPs, PITs and mobile cranes must be appropriately trained and licensed, and managers must establish training, examination and licensing programs.

These programs must comply with the applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and be based on Voluntary Consensus Standard and manufacturer recommendations. Additionally, a responsible organization is required to oversee the issuance of all personnel licenses.

Licensing organizations and the LDE manager reserve the right to suspend or revoke licenses due to negligence, violations of requirements or failure to meet the medical standards documented in NPR 1800.1.

The standard also states that licenses must indicate the type of LDE the holder is qualified and authorized to operate.

Initial licensing, training and examination for LDE operators should include, at minimum:

• Training in safety, lifting equipment emergency procedures, general performance standards, requirements, pre-operational checks, and safety-related defects and symptoms.
• Hands-on training.
• Written examination.
• Operational demonstration.
• Operator qualifications, including:
  • Physical examination of licensed operators in accordance with NPR 1800.1.
  • Physical examination of licensed Powered Industrial Truck Operators in accordance with ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, Safety Standard for Low, High Lift Trucks and ANSI/ITSDF B56.6, Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks.

According to the standard, the LDE manager must review the personnel licensing program at least annually to ensure the contents, training material, testing, and examination elements are up to date with current methods and techniques and that any lessons learned are adequately addressed.

NASA-STD-87199C features several other updates related to LDEs, including lessons learned from NASA and industry mishaps and close calls. It is available in its entirety in the NODIS library.