Finding Hidden Treasure
OSHA is Way More Than Just OSHA!
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.
Crane Owners Manual
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:
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!