Finding Hidden Treasure

OSHA is Way More Than Just OSHA!

OSHA Iceberg.png

While working on another project, it dawned on me that I rarely talk about one of the most important tools for understanding OSHA as it pertains to Overhead Electric Cranes and Hoists.

When trying to determine the requirements and responsibilities involved with owning, servicing, and inspecting EOT Cranes the first line of reference is always OSHA 1910.179. In fact, most people think that OSHA 1910.179 Overhead and Gantry Cranes is the sole authority on the subject.

I’m fairly certain that most of the readers of “Crane College” realize that OSHA 1910 represents just one brick in the wall. So here’s the list of pertinent reference documents;

 
  • ASME/ANSI B30.2-2016  Overhead and Gantry Cranes 

  • ASME/ANSI B30.5-2014  Mobile and Locomotive Cranes

  • ASME/ANSI B30.10-2014  Hooks

  • ASME/ANSI B30.11-2010  Monorails and Underhung Cranes

  • ASME/ANSI B30.16-2012  Overhead Hoists- Underhung

  • ASME/ANSI B30.17-2015  Overhead and Gantry Cranes- Underhung Hoist

  • ASME/ANSI B30.20-2013  Below the Hook Lifting Devices

  • ASME/ANSI B30.30-2019  Wire rope

  • ASME/ANSI BTH-2017  Below the Hook Design Guide

  • CMAA 70-2015  Specifications for Top Running Bridge and Gantry Cranes- Multiple Girder

  • CMAA 74-2015  Specification for Top Running and Under Running Single Girder Cranes Utilizing Under Running Trolley Hoist

  • CMAA 78-2015  Standards and Guidelines for Professional Services Performed On Overhead Traveling Cranes

  • CMAA 79-2012  Crane Operator’s Manual

  • ASME/HST-1-2012  Performance Standard for Electric Chain Hoists

  • ASME/HST-4-2016  Electric Wire Rope Hoists

  • ECMA-15-2010  Specifications for Cable-less Controls for Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes

  • ECMA-25-2019 AC Inverters for Use on Electric Overhead, Monorail, and Gantry Traveling Cranes

  • ECMA-35-2018. Electrification Systems for Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes

  • ASME/HMI MH27.1-2009 Specifications for Patented Track Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems

  • NFPA 70, National Electric Code 2017

  • NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace- 2018

  • NEC, Article 610, Cranes, and Hoists

But there are two more documents that are seldom referred to, but rank in the most important five documents on the topic.

  1. Crane Owners Manual

  2. OSHA/CMAA/B30 Clarifications and Interpretations

Unfortunately, modern owner’s manuals are nearly useless since lawyers have started writing the manuals, banishing engineers and designers from the project.

On the bright side, the FAQ pages of OSHA, CMAA, and B30 are an absolute treasure trove of information. These FAQ pages can be found at;

OSHA Interpretations:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/standardnumber/1910/1910.179%20-%20Index/result

CMAA Interpretations:

http://www.mhi.org/downloads/industrygroups/cmaa/faqs/most-asked-action-alerts.pdf

ASME/ANSI B30 Interpretations:

www.asme-b30-2-interpretations

Since OSHA is essentially unchanged since it’s inception, the Interpretations are probably the single most important source of information that almost nobody knows about!

Larry Dunville