OSHA Regulations
Posted by ccaaweb at 8/10/2008 7:03 PM 
Categories: OSHA regulation relating to a crane being ran without the computer.
Categories: OSHA regulation relating to a crane being ran without the computer.
We currently have a customer working
with a Terex/Demag that is having Load Cell & Boom Angle indicator
problems. I proposed to them that the crane can still make the lifts
safely as long as they have the known weight, known radius, and the known
length of the boom. I contend that the computer is only an operator aide
and not to be relied on. The operator should still refer to the “Old
way”. I can not find in the OSHA reg anywhere that says a crane cannot
be run without the computer. Help!!!!
Thank you
While 29 CFR 1926.550 references ASME B30.5-1968, you should check ASME B30.5-2007 5-2.1.6 Operational Aids and the other referenced paragraphs in that standard/section. This standard details exactly what to do if there is a problem with the operationls aids from daily inspection to inoperative/malfunctioning problem resolution procedures.
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OSHA 1910.180 states “all safety devices” are supposed to be checked for malfunction as a part of the inspection. OSHA doesn’t give any guidance as far as, can a crane be operated when a safety device isn’t functioning properly. OSHA just puts the statement in 1910.180(d)(4), “any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard”. So the question is, does the “computer/LMI” not working constitute a safety hazard. This is a $10000.00 question in today’s safety conscience society and it all depends who you ask!!!!
ASME B30.5 (2007)has considerable quidance on what to do if your safety device is not working.
In reading ASME B30.7, the first thing to consider is does the mfg. recommend any action. If they do not, the ASME standard does give allowance to continue operating a crane when a safety device is not functioning properly, although they preface everything by saying the device shall be repaired as soon as possible. So, from a crane inspection point of view, the safety device is definitely part of the crane inspection according to OSHA 1910.180. If it is not functioning, OSHA states a determination must be made as to whether the device not working constitutes a safety hazard. So, who determines if the LMI not working constitutes a safety hazard? Good question!!!!
The other thing to consider on today’s hi-tech cranes is, the LMI on many of these large hydraulic cranes controls the boom telescope system. If the LMI is not working, the boom control will not work and a boom pinning/unpinning problem could occur.
I noticed you mentioned it is a Terex/Demag which means this is a newer demag, possibly with a boom pinning function which is always controlled by the computer/LMI.
I don’t know if this is helpful, but if it’s me, I’m going to indicate on my report that the LMI is not functioning and a determination must be made as to whether the crane can be used this way.
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The previous postings are correct in that OSHA does not directly address this issue. Their standards were adopted from ANSI/ASME back in 1971, before these devices existed, so OSHA would just check to see if it was being used per the manufacturer's instructions, and that the user was adhering to the manufacturer's instructions and limitations.
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Much depends on the type of system the operator has. If it is a simple load indicator and angle sensor that was put on as an add on, they can be removed from the crane as if they were never there.
To my understanding you must know the weight of a load to make a pick.
If an operator aid comes as part of the purchase of a crane, then it should be operational. In many cases, the operator aid is integrated as part of the crane and the crane will shut off if the system isn't operating properly.
This means immediate service on the system to get the crane up and running. I have heard many instances where a crane can't work because the system on it is inoperational.
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