Machinery Safety Information

What are the OSHA regulations?

OSHA sets many strict rules for overhead hoists, cranes, slings, and other lifting devices. The most important OSHA regulations include:

OSHA 1910.176 Handling Materials - General

OSHA 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes

OSHA 1910.179 Slings

These OSHA regulations can be found here: OSHA Regulations

What are the ANSI Standards?

The American Society or Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have propogates a large number of regulations to expand and clarify the OSHA regulations, according to industry consensus. The most useful standards include:

ASME 30.2 Overhead and Gantry Cranes

ASME 30.7 Winches

ASME 30.9 Slings

ASME 30.10 Hooks

ASME 30.11 Monorail and Underhung Cranes

ASME 30.16 Overhead Hoists

ASME 30.17 Overhead and Gantry Cranes

ASME 30.18 Stacker Cranes

ASME 30.20 Below the Hook Lifting Devices

ASME 30.22 Articulated Boom Cranes

Rated Load

Cranes should clearly marked with the rated load. OSHA states:

1910.179(b)(5) Rated load marking. The rated load of the crane shall be plainly marked on each side of the crane ... and this marking shall be clearly legible from the ground or floor.

Modifications

Cranes should only be modified by a qualified engineer, or the orginal equipment manufacturer. OSHA states:

1910.179(b)(3) Modifications - Cranes may be modified and rerated provided such modifications and the supporting structure are checked thoroughly for the new rated load by a qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer.

Qualified Operators

OSHA only allows trained operators to operate a crane, overhead gantry, or other hoist.

1910.179(b)(8) Designated personnel - Only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane

Inspection

OSHA requires daily and monthly inspections of crane and hoist parts -- and the monthly inspections must be documented with a written certification record, which must includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the part inspected.

Preventative Maintenance

OSHA also requires that companies establish a preventative maintenance procedures for crane, overhead gantry, or other hoist.

1910.179(l)(1) Preventive maintenance. A preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations shall be established.