KNOW the LAW
			Overhead Traveling Cranes and Hoists

REASONS BEHIND THE LAWS

Users of overhead cranes and hoists in the United States need to be aware of the laws and regulations governing their operation. Failure to comply with the applicable laws, codes and standards can result in any or all of the following consequences:

ACCIDENTS	SEVERE FINES
INJURIES	FINANCIAL LOSSES
LOSS OF LIFE	LOST PRODUCTION
CIVIL LEGAL ACTION

The best policy to prevent such catastrophes is an on-going program of testing, inspections, maintenance and operator training, all in strict accordance with the latest regulations.

Determining what these laws and regulations are, where to obtain them, how to implement them, and how to keep up with their changes, is a monumental task for the majority of crane and hoist users. Unfortunately, the various governmental authorities charged with enforcing these codes are not sympathetic to your lack of knowledge in these matters.

We will highlight for you some of the important considerations regarding these regulations.

AUTHORITIES

The two national organizations that control rules for the safety practices related to overhead cranes and hoists are:

1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor (OSHA).
2. American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Some states have created their own agencies for the control of safety practices pertaining to overhead cranes and hoists. At least two states, California and Washington, now require adherence to:

1. California Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (CAL/OSHA).
2. Washington Industrial Safety and Health Administration (WISHA).

Other states are currently considering adopting regulations and agencies similar to those now in California and Washington.

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

OSHA publishes its laws and regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. The portions applying to overhead cranes and hoists are:

Title 29 Subtitle B, Chapter XVII.

Part 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes.

Part 1910.184 Slings.

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS

ANSI publishes its safety rules in documents issued by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The standards applicable to overhead cranes and hoists are:

STATE REGULATIONS

The State of California regulations are listed here as an example. CAL/OSHA publishes it's law in Barclays' California Code of Regulations. The LAWS pertaining to overhead cranes and hoists are contained in:

LAWS CHANGE

Each organization periodically changes it's laws, rules, regulations, codes, and standards. There is little or no pattern to the time interval or extent of changes. Some examples of change include:

1. OSHA changes can be monitored by notices in Federal news releases, or received automatically by subscribers to the Federal Register.
   
2. ANSI reviews and revises their standards on a seven year basis. During each seven year interval any changes are issued as an addenda. Users can keep abreast by regular subscription, or purchasing new standards every seven years.
   
3. CAL/OSHA changes are received automatically by Barclays subscribers.

In order to remain current on the laws and regulations for overhead cranes and hoists a user must subscribe to the parent organizations.

LAWS VARY

OSHA's regulations are LAW, and require strict attention to compliance. ANSI's rules are created by the nation's leading authorities on all safety aspects applying to cranes and hoists. In a court of law, the ANSI rules can be just as binding as OSHA requirements because they would be quoted by an expert witness as an authoritative set of safety rules and practices which should be followed by any prudent employer.

When OSHA was created in 1973, the original Part 1910.179 "Overhead and Gantry Cranes" was identical to ANSI B30.2 - 1967 "Overhead and Gantry Cranes". Subsequent to 1973, both documents have changed considerably on a diverging basis. Therefore, a user must now be aware of the requirements in both documents.

The user must create his own working practices that combine the requirements of both documents. Following one document only is insufficient. When laws vary it is prudent to follow the most stringent to protect your personnel, your equipment, and yourself.

The CAL/OSHA regulations are law. They also require adherence to all ANSI B30 documents. Thus, B30 rules become law in the State of California. This also requires that California users must create practices that combine the requirements of CAL/OSHA and ANSI B30.

The laws of the various authorities all govern:

The following briefly outlines the requirements in each of these areas:

TESTING

The rules for overhead crane load testing vary considerably among the three "Authorities" listed in this documents.

OSHA requires that test loads shall not be more than 125% of the rated capacity, but OSHA does not stipulate under what conditions any load testing should be performed.

ANSI B30.2 states that prior to initial use, all new, extensively repaired, or altered cranes should be load tested using not more than 125% of the rated load.

CAL/OSHA requires that all new, or extensively repaired cranes shall be tested at 125% of rated load, and every four years thereafter

In all states other than California, the most prudent approach is to test all new or extensively repaired cranes at 125% of rated load, even though the OSHA and B30.2 rules are vague. This will assure conformance with the law.

INSPECTIONS

All cranes and hoists require specific types of inspections at prescribed intervals by the various authorities. The intervals are: DAILY PRIOR TO OPERATION, FREQUENT, and PERIODIC. The rules differ between authorities, and by the duty cycle of the crane or hoist. Therefore, a user must develop a program of inspections based on all applicable standards and the actual service of the machine. This will assure conformance with the law.

OPERATIONS OF EQUIPMENT

The various authorities list safety practices to be followed by the crane or hoist operator prior to operation, during starting, running, stopping, and shutdown of the machine. A user must develop and implement a training program to properly educate operators to follow these practices. Following these procedures will assure conformance with the law.

MAINTENANCE

The codes and standards prescribe that users shall develop and follow a preventive maintenance program to maintain all cranes and hoists in a safe, workable condition. This will assure compliance with the law.

CERTIFICATIONS

It is vitally important that records be maintained in an orderly manner for each item of crane and hoist equipment. These shall include dates, task performance and personnel involved, for all testing, inspections and maintenance. All testing should be performed by qualified personnel, who must provide the certification. These documents are REQUIRED BY OSHA and can be the most important evidence in a court of law

THE SOLUTION

As a crane and hoist user, your needs to comply with the law are best served by a company with a demonstrated history of experience and integrity.

WHITING SERVICES OFFERS:

• A staff of qualified crane and hoist technicians and engineers.
• A tailored program of testing, inspections, preventive maintenance and operator training.
• All work performed in accordance with all applicable current laws, codes, standards, and regulations for cranes and hoist.
• Training programs to help you and your staff attain full compliance.
• All work documented and filed in WSI computers and record vaults.

Whiting Services qualifies in all respects. Whiting has been in business for over 100 years. We maintain an up-dated, current file of all national and state regulations and standards for cranes and hoists. Whiting Services, Incorporated, with their staff of skilled and knowledgeable technicians and engineers, is uniquely qualified to assist you and your firm in establishing a program of regulation compliance.

Whiting Services Inc. 26000 Whiting Way | Monee, Illinois 60449 | Ph: 708-587-2230 | 708-587-2000 | Fax: 708-587-2231 Copyright 2000 Whiting Services Inc.