Osha Regulations

Overhead cranes and hoists have their own particular OSHA regulations. Section 1910.179 “Overhead and Gantry Cranes” specifically outlines information concerning use and safety of overhead cranes in the work place. This emphasis on hoist and crane safety has been beneficial in various ways. Many injuries and deaths have undoubtedly been prevented. Manufacturers have been encouraged to develop even better equipment, and owners have developed even better maintenance and inspection practices which has increased safety, and attributed to lower total cost of ownership and maintenance due to problem location before major problems occur.

Some specific OSHA provisions often not recognized are as follows:

Hoist chains inspections, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer’s recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which consists of the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected.

Rope inspection. – (1) Running ropes. A thorough inspection of all ropes shall be made at least once a month. A certification record – including the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier for the ropes which were inspected – shall be kept on file where readily available to appointed personnel. Any deterioration, resulting in appreciable loss of original strength, shall be carefully surveyed and determination made as to whether further use of the rope would create a safety hazard.

Rated load marking. The rated load of the crane shall be plainly marked on each side of the crane. If the crane has more than one hoisting unit, each hoist shall have its rated load marked on it, or its load block and this shall be clearly legible from the ground of floor.

Brakes for hoist. (i) Each independent hoisting unit of a crane shall be equipped with at least one self-setting brake, hereafter referred to as a holding brake, applied directly to the motor shaft or some part of the gear train.

Each independent hoisting unit of a crane, except worm-geared hoist, the angle of whose worm is such as to prevent the load from accelerating direction shall, in addition to a holding brake, be equipped with control braking means to prevent over speeding.

Control braking means. (i) A power control braking means such as regenerative, dynamic or counter-torque braking, or a mechanically controlled braking means shall be capable of maintaining safe lowering speeds of rated loads.

The voltage at pendant push-buttons shall not exceed 150 volts for a.c.

Pendant control boxes shall be constructed to prevent electrical shock and shall be clearly marked for identification of functions.

Cranes shall not be used for side pulls except when specifically authorized by a responsible person who has determined that the stability of the crane is not thereby endangered and that various parts of the crane will not be over-stressed.

The operator shall test the brakes each time a load approaching the rate load is handled. Raising the load a few inches and applying the brakes shall test the brakes.

When two or more cranes are used to lift a load; one qualified responsible person shall be in charge of the operation. He shall analyze the operation and guide all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.

Hoist limit switch. (i) At the beginning of each operator’s shift, the upper limit switch of each hoist shall be tried out under no load. Maximum care shall be exercised; the block shall be “inched” into the limit or run in at a low speed. If the switch does not operate correctly, the appointed person shall be promptly notified.

D.R. Cordell and Associates Inc. can perform your periodic inspections and help you to conform to all OSHA requirements. Our computerized inspection reports are some of the most complete and detailed available.

Emergency breakdowns will be minimal and total cost of ownership will be low, if you permit us to custom tailor an inspection plan to your operation.