OSHA 1910.179 General Requirements(for overhead and gantry cranes)
1910.179
Application. This section applies to overhead and gantry cranes, including semigantry, cantilever gantry, wall cranes, storage bridge cranes, and others having the same fundamental characteristics. These cranes are grouped because they all have trolleys and similar travel characteristics.
1910.179(b)(2)
New and existing equipment. All new overhead and gantry cranes constructed and installed on or after August 31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ANSI B30.2.0-1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.
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. The crane shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (k) (2) of this section. New rated load shall be displayed in accordance with subparagraph (5) of this paragraph.
1910.179(b)(4)
Wind indicators and rail clamps. Outdoor storage bridges shall be provided with automatic rail clamps. A wind-indicating device shall be provided which will give a visible or audible alarm to the bridge operator at a predetermined wind velocity. If the clamps act on the rail heads, any beads or weld flash on the rail heads shall be ground off.
1910.179(b)(5)
Rated load marking. The rated load of the crane shall be plainly marked on each side of the crane, and 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 marking shall be clearly legible from the ground or floor.
1910.179(b)(6) Clearance from obstruction.
1910.179(b)(6)(i)
Minimum clearance of 3 inches overhead and 2 inches laterally shall be provided and maintained between crane and obstructions in conformity with crane manufacturers Association of America, Inc, Specification No. 61, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, (formerly the Electric Overhead Crane Institute, Inc).
1910.179(b)(6)(ii)
Where passageways or walkways are provided obstructions shall not be placed so that safety of personnel will be jeopardized by movements of the crane.
1910.179(b)(7)
Clearance between parallel cranes. If the runways of two cranes are parallel, and there are no intervening walls or structure, there shall be adequate clearance provided and maintained between the two bridges.
1910.179(b)(8)
Designated personnel – only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane covered by this section.
1910.179(c) Cabs
1910.179(c)(1) Cab location
1910.179(c)(1)(i)
The general arrangement of the cab and the location of control and protective equipment shall be such that all operating handles are within convenient reach of the operator when facing the area to be served by the load hook, or while facing the direction of travel of the cab. The arrangement shall allow the operator a full view of the load hook in all positions.
1910.179(c)(1)(ii)
The cab shall be located to afford a minimum of 3 inches clearance from all fixed structures within its area of possible movement.
1910.179(c)(2)
Access to crane. Access to the cab and/or bridge walkway shall be by a conveniently placed fixed ladder, stairs, or platform requiring no step over any gap exceeding 12 inches. Fixed ladders shall be in conformance with the American National Standard Safety Code for Fixed Ladders, ANSI A14.3-1956, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.
1910.179(c)(3)
Fire extinguisher. Carbon tetrachloride extinguishers shall not be used.
1910.179(c)(4)
Lighting. Light in the cab shall be sufficient to enable the operator to see clearly enough to perform his work.
1910.179(d) Footwalks and ladders
1910.179(d)(1) Location of footwalks.
1910.179(d)(1)(i)
If sufficient headroom is available on cab-operated cranes, a footwalk shall be provided on the drive side along the entire length of the bridge of all cranes having the trolley running on the top of the girders.
1910.179(d)(1)(ii)
Where footwalks are located in no case shall less than 48 inches of headroom be provided.
1910.179(d)(2) Construction of footwalks.
1910.179(d)(2)(i)
Footwalks shall be of rigid construction and designed to sustain a distributed load of at least 50 pounds per square foot.
1910.179(d)(2)(ii)
Footwalks shall have a walking surface of antislip type.
1910.179(d)(2)(iv)
The inner edge shall extend at least to the line of the outside edge of the lower cover plate or flange of the girder.
1910.179(d)(3)
Toeboards and handrails for footwalks. Toeboards and handrails shall be in compliance with section 1910.23 of this part.
1910.179(d)(4) Ladders and stairways.
1910.179(d)(4)(i)
Gantry cranes shall be provided with ladders or stairways extending from the ground to the footwalk or cab platform.
1910.179(d)(4)(ii)
Stairways shall be equipped with rigid and substantial metal handrails. Walking surfaces shall be of an antislip type.
1910.179(d)(4)(iii)
Ladders shall be permanently and securely fastened in place and shall be constructed in compliance with 1910.27.
1910.179(e) Stops, bumpers, rail sweeps, and guards
1910.179(e)(1) Trolley stops.
1910.179(e)(1)(i)
Stops shall be provided at the limits of travel of the trolley.
1910.179(e)(1)(ii)
Stops shall be fastened to resist forces applied when contacted.
1910.179(e)(1)(iii)
A stop engaging the tread of the wheel shall be of a height at least equal to the radius of the wheel.
1910.179(e)(2) Bridge bumpers
1910.179(e)(2)(i)
A crane shall be provided with bumpers or other automatic means providing equivalent effect, unless the crane travels at a slow rate of speed and has a faster deceleration rate due to the use of sleeve bearings, or is not operated near the ends of bridge and trolley travel, or is restricted to a limited distance by the nature of the crane operation and there is no hazard of striking any object in this limited distance, or is used in similar operating conditions. The bumpers shall be capable of stopping the crane (not including the lifted load) at an average rate of deceleration not to exceed 3 ft/s/s when traveling in either direction at 20 percent of the rated load speed.
1910.179(e)(2)(i)(a)
The bumpers shall have sufficient energy absorbing capacity to stop the crane when traveling at a speed of at least 40 percent of rated load speed.
1910.179(e)(2)(i)(b)
The bumper shall be so mounted that there is no direct shear on bolts.
1910.179(e)(2)(ii)
Bumpers shall be so designed and installed as to minimize parts falling from the crane in case of breakage.
1910.179(e)(3) Trolley bumpers
1910.179(e)(3)(i)
A trolley shall be provided with bumpers or other automatic means of equivalent effect, unless the trolley travels at a slow rate of speed, or is not operated near the ends of bridge and trolley travel, or is restricted to a limited distance of the runway and there is no hazard of striking any object in this limited distance, or is used in similar operating conditions. The bumpers shall be capable of stopping the trolley (not including the lifted load) at an average rate of deceleration not to exceed 4.7 ft/s/s when traveling in either direction at one-third of the rated load speed.
1910.179(e)(3)(ii)
When more than one trolley is operated on the same bridge, each shall be equipped with bumpers or equivalent on their adjacent ends.
1910.179(e)(3)(iii)
Bumpers or equivalent shall be designed and installed to minimize parts falling from the trolley in case of age.
1910.179(e)(4)
Rail sweeps. Bridge trucks shall be equipped with sweeps which extend below the top of the rail and project in front of the truck wheels.
1910.179(e)(5) Guards for hoisting ropes.
1910.179(e)(5)(i)
If hoisting ropes run near enough to other parts to make fouling or chafing possible, guards shall be installed to prevent this condition.
1910.179(e)(5)(ii)
A guard shall be provided to prevent contact between bridge conductors and hoisting opes if they could come into contact.
1910.179(e)(6) Guards for moving parts.
1910.179(e)(6)(i)
Exposed moving parts such as gears, set screws, projecting keys, chains, chain sprockets, and reciprocating components which might constitute a hazard under normal operating conditions shall be guarded.
1910.179(e)(6)(ii) Guards shall be securely fastened.
1910.179(e)(6)(iii)
Each guard shall be capable of supporting without permanent distortion the weight of a 00-pound person unless the guard is located where it is impossible for a person to step on it.
1910.179(f) Brakes
1910.179(f)(1) Brakes for hoists.
1910.179(f)(1)(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.
1910.179(f)(1)(ii)
Each independent hoisting unit of a crane, except worm-geared hoists, the angle of whose worm is such as to prevent the load from accelerating in the lowering direction shall, in addition to a holding brake, be equipped with control braking means to prevent overspeeding.
1910.179(f)(2) Holding brakes.
1910.179(f)(2)(i)
Holding brakes for hoist motors shall have not less than the following percentage of the full load hoisting torque at the point where the brake is applied.
1910.179(f)(2)(i)(a)
125 percent when used with a control braking means other than mechanical.
1910.179(f)(2)(i)(b)
100 percent when used in conjunction with a mechanical control braking means.
1910.179(f)(2)(i)(c)
100 percent each if two holding brakes are provided.
1910.179(f)(2)(ii)
Holding brakes on hoists shall have ample thermal capacity for the frequency of operation required by the service.
1910.179(f)(2)(iii)
Holding brakes on hoists shall be applied automatically when power is removed.
1910.179(f)(2)(iv)
Where necessary holding brakes shall be provided with adjustment means to compensate for wear.
1910.179(f)(2)(v)
The wearing surface of all holding-brake drums or discs shall be smooth.
1910.179(f)(2)(vi)
Each independent hoisting unit of a crane handling hot metal and having power control braking means shall be equipped with at least two holding brakes.
1910.179(f)(3) Control braking means.
1910.179(f)(3)(i)
A power control braking means such as regenerative, dynamic or countertorque braking, or a mechanically controlled braking means shall be capable of maintaining safe lowering speeds of rated loads.
1910.179(f)(3)(ii)
The control braking means shall have ample thermal capacity for the frequency of operation required by service.
1910.179(f)(4) Brakes for trolleys and bridges.
1910.179(f)(4)(i)
Foot-operated brakes shall not require an applied force of more than 70 pounds to develop manufacturer’s rated brake torque.
1910.179(f)(4)(ii)
Brakes may be applied by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or gravity means.
1910.179(f)(4)(iii)
Where necessary brakes shall be provided with adjustment means to compensate for wear.
1910.179(f)(4)(iv)
The wearing surface of all brakedrums or discs shall be smooth.
1910.179(f)(4)(v)
All foot-brake pedals shall be constructed so that the operator’s foot will not easily slip off the pedal.
1910.179(f)(4)(vi)
Foot-operated brakes shall be equipped with automatic means for positive release when pressure is released from the pedal.
1910.179(f)(4)(vii)
Brakes for stopping the motion of the trolley or bridge shall be of sufficient size to stop the trolley or bridge within a distance in feet equal to 10 percent of full load speed in feet per minute when traveling at full speed with full load.
1910.179(f)(4)(viii)
If holding brakes are provided on the bridge or trolleys, they shall not prohibit the use of a drift point in the control circuit.
1910.179(f)(4)(ix)
Brakes on trolleys and bridges shall have ample thermal capacity for the frequency of operation required by the service to prevent impairment of functions from overheating.
1910.179(f)(5) Application of trolley brakes.
1910.179(f)(5)(i)
On cab-operated cranes with cab on trolley, a trolley brake shall be required as specified under paragraph (f)(4) of this section.
1910.179(f)(5)(ii)
A drag brake may be applied to hold the trolley in a desired position on the bridge and to eliminate creep with the power off.
1910.179(f)(6) Application of bridge brakes.
1910.179(f)(6)(i)
On cab-operated cranes with cab on bridge, a bridge brake is required as specified under paragraph (f)(4) of this section.
1910.179(f)(6)(ii)
On cab-operated cranes with cab on trolley, a bridge brake of the holding type shall be required.
1910.179(f)(6)(iii)
On all floor, remote and pulpit-operated crane bridge drives, a brake of noncoasting mechanical drive shall be provided.
1910.179(g) Electric equipment
1910.179(g)(1) General.
1910.179(g)(1)(i)
Wiring and equipment shall comply with subpart S of this part.
1910.179(g)(1)(ii)
The control circuit voltage shall not exceed 600 volts for a.c. or d.c. current.
1910.179(g)(1)(iii)
The voltage at pendant push-buttons shall not exceed 150 volts for a.c. and 300 volts for d.c.
1910.179(g)(1)(iv)
Where multiple conductor cable is used with a suspended pushbutton station, the station must be supported in some satisfactory manner that will protect the electrical conductors against strain.
1910.179(g)(1)(v)
Pendant control boxes shall be constructed to prevent electrical shock and shall be clearly marked for identification of functions.
1910.179(g)(2) Equipment.
1910.179(g)(2)(i)
Electrical equipment shall be so located or enclosed that live parts will not be exposed to accidental contact under normal operating conditions.
1910.179(g)(2)(ii)
Electric equipment shall be protected from dirt, grease, oil, and moisture.
1910.179(g)(2)(iii)
Guards for live parts shall be substantial and so located that they cannot be accidently deformed so as to make contact with the live parts.
1910.179(g)(3) Controllers.
1910.179(g)(3)(i)
Cranes not equipped with spring-return controllers or momentary contact pushbuttons shall be provided with a device which will disconnect all motors from the line on failure of power and will not permit any motor to be restarted until the controller handle is brought to the “off” position, or a reset switch or button is operated.
.1910.179(g)(3)(ii)
Lever operated controllers shall be provided with a notch or latch which in the “off” position prevents the handle from being inadvertently moved to the “on” position. An “off” detent or spring return arrangement is acceptable.
1910.179(g)(3)(iii)
The controller operating handle shall be located within convenient reach of the operator.
1910.179(g)(3)(iv)
As far as practicable, the movement of each controller handle shall be in the same general directions as the resultant movements of the load.
1910.179(g)(3)(v)
The control for the bridge and trolley travel shall be so located that the operator can readily face the direction of travel.
1910.179(g)(3)(vi)
For floor-operated cranes, the controller or controllers if rope operated, shall utomatically return to the “off” position when released by the operator.
1910.179(g)(3)(vii)
Pushbuttons in pendant stations shall return to the “off” position when pressure is released by the crane operator.
1910.179(g)(3)(viii)
Automatic cranes shall be so designed that all motions shall fail-safe if any malfunction of operation occurs.
1910.179(g)(3)(ix)
Remote-operated cranes shall function so that if the control signal for any crane motion becomes ineffective the crane motion shall stop.
1910.179(g)(4) Resistors.
1910.179(g)(4)(i)
Enclosures for resistors shall have openings to provide adequate ventilation, and shall be installed to prevent the accumulation of combustible matter too near to hot parts.
1910.179(g)(4)(ii)
Resistor units shall be supported so as to be as free as possible from vibration.
1910.179(g)(4)(iii)
Provision shall be made to prevent broken parts or molten metal falling upon the operator or from the crane.
1910.179(g)(5) Switches.
1910.179(g)(5)(i)
The power supply to the runway conductors shall be controlled by a switch or circuit breaker located on a fixed structure, accessible from the floor, and arranged to be locked in the open position.
1910.179(g)(5)(ii)
On cab-operated cranes a switch or circuit breaker of the enclosed type, with provision for locking in the open position, shall be provided in the leads from the runway onductors. A means of opening this switch or circuit breaker shall be located within easy reach of the operator.
1910.179(g)(5)(iii)
On floor-operated cranes, a switch or circuit breaker of the enclosed type, with provision for locking in the open position, shall be provided in the leads from the runway conductors. This disconnect shall be mounted on the bridge or footwalk near the runway collectors. One of the following types of floor-operated disconnects shall be provided:
1910.179(g)(5)(iii)(a)
Nonconductive rope attached to the main disconnect switch.
1910.179(g)(5)(iii)(b)
An undervoltage trip for the main circuit breaker operated by an emergency stop button in the pendant pushbutton in the pendant pushbutton station.
1910.179(g)(5)(iii)(c)
A main line contactor operated by a switch or pushbutton in the pendant pushbutton station.
1910.179(g)(5)(iv)
The hoisting motion of all electric traveling cranes shall be provided with an overtravel limit switch in the hoisting direction.
1910.179(g)(5)(v)
All cranes using a lifting magnet shall have a magnet circuit switch of the enclosed type with provision for locking in the open position. Means for discharging the inductive load of the magnet shall be provided.
1910.179(g)(6)
Runway conductors. Conductors of the open type mounted on the crane runway beams or overhead shall be so located or so guarded that persons entering or leaving the cab or crane footwalk normally could not come into contact with them.
1910.179(g)(7)
Extension lamps. If a service receptacle is provided in the cab or on the bridge of cab-operated cranes, it shall be a grounded three-prong type permanent receptacle, not exceeding 300 volts.
1910.179(h) Hoisting equipment
1910.179(h)(1) Sheaves.
1910.179(h)(1)(i)
Sheave grooves shall be smooth and free from surface defects which could cause rope damage.
1910.179(h)(1)(ii)
Sheaves carrying ropes which can be momentarily unloaded shall be provided with close-fitting guards or other suitable devices to guide the rope back into the groove when the load is applied again.
1910.179(h)(1)(iii)
The sheaves in the bottom block shall be equipped with close-fitting guards that will prevent ropes from becoming fouled when the block is lying on the ground with ropes loose.
1910.179(h)(1)(iv)
Pockets and flanges of sheaves used with hoist chains shall be of such dimensions that the chain does not catch or bind during operation.
1910.179(h)(1)(v)
All running sheaves shall be equipped with means for lubrication. Permanently lubricated, sealed and/or shielded bearings meet this requirement.
1910.179(h)(2) Ropes.
1910.179(h)(2)(i)
In using hoisting ropes, the crane manufacturer’s recommendation shall be followed. The rated load divided by the number of parts of rope shall not exceed 20 percent of the nominal breaking strength of the rope.
1910.179(h)(2)(ii)
Socketing shall be done in the manner specified by the manufacturer of the assembly.