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Gene writes:  “I am not seeing eye to eye with my customer on a bridge crane alarm issue. His claim is that the warning device must be an alarm (sound) and that it should be continuously on when the bridge is traveling.  The standard he is referencing is ANSI B30.2 (1967) with the claim that it is incorporated by reference into law.

I have found numerous references myself to other standards regarding the requirement for a warning device. Where is the standard that permits a strobe? Where do you find the statement that makes ASME as the controlling entity? Thanks for your help!”

Tom replies:

For the short answer, please skip to the bottom of the page.
For the long, detailed answer, please read on:

To start out let’s determine if the crane in question is top running or underhung.   If any load-bearing member of a crane or monorail travels on an internal or external lower flange or equivalent it does not fall within the purview of OSHA 1910.179.  The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued several interpretations stating as much.  One such interpretation was issued to Mr. Thomas Hagerty, on March 4, 1991 in response to his question: Does this standard apply to under-hung cranes, hoists, and monorails?  OSHA’s reply was, “This standard does not apply to under-hung cranes, overhead hoists, or monorails.  Under-hung cranes and monorails are covered in ANSI B30.11-1980, a National Consensus Standard.”

ASME B30.11 states the requirement for a warning device but does not specify what type or how it should be used.
ASME B30.11 SECTION 11-1.11 WARNING DEVICES: “On cab- and remote-operated cranes or carriers, an audible or visual warning means shall be provided.”
ASME B30.11 is a consensus standard. It does not have the power of law.  It may be used by OSHA to support a General Duty Clause violation, (5)(a)(1) to “demonstrate that a hazard and abatement options are recognized by industry.”

OSHA 1910.179 applies only if both the crane bridge and trolley are top running.   
Paragraph 1910.179(b)(2) states, “All new overhead and gantry cranes constructed and installed on or after August 31, 1971 shall meet the design specifications of ANSI B30.2 (1967).”  OSHA became law on August 31, 1971, for overhead and gantry cranes.  Your distributor is correct in that OSHA 1910.179 “incorporates by reference”  in CFR 29 1910.6,  the B30.2 – 1967 standard.

OSHA 1910.179 does address the requirement for a warning device.  This requirement is vague at best.  “1910.179(i) Warning device; except for floor-operated cranes a gong or other effective warning signal shall be provided for each crane equipped with a power traveling mechanism.”  (Note: Floor Operated Cranes are defined as Pendant Operated)

While I do not have access to the 1967 version of ASME / ANSI B30.2 1967, it is highly unlikely the standards have become less restrictive or less protective since 1967.  The current ASME B30.2 – 2005 states the following requirements:

SECTION 2-1.15: WARNING DEVICES OR MEANS FOR A CRANE WITH A POWER TRAVELING MECHANISM

2-1.15.1 Cab- and Remote-Operated Cranes
(a) A warning device shall be provided.
(b) Refer to para. 2-3.1.7(e) for operation of the device.

2-1.15.2 Floor-Operated Cranes
(a) A warning device should be provided for installations where the ability of the operator to warn persons in the  path of the load is impaired.

2-1.15.3 Types of Devices
One or more of the following devices shall be provided when required:
(a) manually operated gong
(b) power-operated bell, siren, or horn
(c)  rotating beacon
(d) strobe

2-3.1.7 Conduct of Operators
(e) The operator shall activate the warning device on cab- and remote-operated cranes and, when provided, on floor-operated cranes
     (1) before starting the bridge or trolley motion of the crane,
     (2) intermittently during travel of the crane when approaching persons in the path of the load.

So… after a very long summary of the supporting standards and documentation, the answers to your questions are:

Question 1 – The allowance for the strobe is covered in ASME B30.2-1.15.3(d) above.

Question 2 - ASME is not law. ASME has no enforcement authority.  BUT  if the crane is not a top running bridge and top running trolley, only ASME B30.11 or 17  is applicable.

In closing:  (A) The alarm does not need to run continuously and has been proven to be less effective if it does.  (B) It also does not have to be a siren or audible device.

Have you ever rigged a bundled load only to have that load spill out once your sling went slack?  The  solution is the CM Bundling Clip, which prevents the choker from going slack and the load from spreading after being unhooked. It also eliminates shear points and damage to wire rope. Check out our latest video and see the application for yourself.

Our new Bundling Clip is built for the harsh environments and demanding applications of the oil and gas industry as well as for rail yards, logging, construction applications or wherever you are lifting, storing or moving cylindrical material.

Want to see the Bundling Clip first hand?

Make plans to attend the CM Bundling Clip Shop Talk Presentation at MODEX 2012 hosted by Tim Lewis, CMCO Product Manager at our Booth #3609 on Thursday, February 9th at 11:00 am. Receive a special gift if you register today. (You won’t want to miss it!)

This is a great opportunity for Modex (Atlanta, GA February 6-8, 2012) attendees to learn more about our recently-launched products. Our “Shop Talk” presentations and hands-on demonstrations are hosted by CMCO product experts who will walk you through the key features of our spotlighted products, and will show you their benefits. 

CM Lodestar Electric Chain Hoist
CM Hurricane 360 Hand Chain Hoist
CM Man Guard Electric Chain Hoist
CM Bundling Clip (to be launched on February 2nd)

Space is limited, so PRE-REGISTER today.
All pre-registered attendees will receive a special gift.

Otherwise, please stop by to see us at Modex Booth#3609. We would love to meet you!

Columbus McKinnon has opened its newest state-of-the-art training facility in Tonawanda, NY. Over the past few months, our training team has been renovating Columbus McKinnon’s previous headquarters(most recently the LodeRail production plant) in Tonawanda, NY into a new training center. This facility now holds certification classes and training courses featuring a combination of classroom and hands-on learning.

Here is an overview of the classes we will be offering in 2012:

• Hoist Maintenance
• Load Securement
• Rigging Practices
• Rigging Gear Inspection
• Crane & Hoist Inspection
• Mobile Crane Operator
• Overhead Crane Operator

By expanding its training offering, Columbus McKinnon now allows distributors and users the opportunity to learn in a controlled environment built for comprehensive training. Our training programs are designed to increase workplace productivity while emphasizing ergonomics and worker safety. For more information on available classes, please visit us at www.cmcodepot.com.

From now through January 31, 2012, Columbus McKinnon will make a $2.00 donation to The Food Bank of WNY for everyone who “likes” our Facebook page. 

Did you know that each “like” is equivalent to donating 14 pounds of food to a family in need?  So, take a look at our new page. We will keep it fresh with industry trends, training updates, product launches, surveys, and contests.  If you like what you see, this charity will benefit immensely.

Thanks to everyone who submitted comments! We added them under the original post. If you have any questions about any of the above notations, please send an e-mail to cmcolive@cmworks.com and we will address them for you.  We are very sorry that our “comment” field wasn’t functioning this week. We are working to resolve the issue.

A quick note about my comment “wrong chain.”  CM Hoist Chain is specifically calibrated to fit the lift wheel.   Using another manufacturer’s chain can severely damage the unit.

If you want to learn more about hoist maintenance and inspection, check out our training site for programs that might interest you.

Since our comment box isn’t working (thanks for your patience!),  please send your ideas to cmcolive@cmworks.com and we will post them below as they come in. 

Otherwise check in on Friday for the answer!

Response #1:  The most noticeable defect is that the chain guide is worn considerably on one side which suggests side loading and it has worn so extremely that it is eating its way through the casing. There is also a hole in the casing on the opposite side and the chain looks like it hasn’t been lubricated in a while.

A. Davis

Response #2: I found these 4 things on the picture:

• Chain seems dry (no lubrication)
• Chain is not star marked but made by RUD
• Housing is broken
• Chain guide is worn on the loose end of the chain, housing worn on the same place (Why on that side? How and why made the chain that hole? Is it because the free chain wasn’t long enough (less than 24 inches) and the short chain blocked and closed up?)

T. Gergerly

Response #3:  Well let’s start with the obvious problems and work things out from there. 

 1.        End user has been operating the hoist in a manner in which that it appears that a severe side load has been applied for long periods of time. 

2.       There is extensive damage to the chain guide and hoist housing.   Looking at the lack of damage to the chain compared to the damage to the hoist body, this chain is fairly new.    I see a 3 digit date code on the chain, but I cannot see the star code.  At this time I am going to assume that it is there and this is a proper loadstar chain.  This is something that I would check though.  The load chain is dry – no lubrication on it at all.  You can see the starting of corrosion building up on some of the links.  

3.       If you look in the upper right hand corner of the picture you see what appears to be a hammer link inside of the load chain run.  Splicing two load chains together.  One appears to be smaller but that may be a trick of the optics from the picture.  They definitely are two different load chains though.

4.       I would question the lift wheel.  I would be very surprised if it has not sustained damage from this event. Also the loadstar protector. 

In conclusion with the scaring on the other side of the case and the fact that this is on the dead leg side and not the working side of the hoist, keeping in mind that with the entertainment hoist they do use the dead end as a load side upon occasion.   I am going to say that use of the hammer link(whatever it is) in the chain path is what caused the damage to the hoist.  The lower limit was not set to keep it from “tube” locking on the frame of the hoist. 

L. Collobert

We are proud to announce our newly designed CM Lodestar® Electric Chain Hoist in capacities from 1/8 to 3 tons. Lodestar – iconic in name and legendary in performance – is recognized as the standard in the overhead lifting industry. Generations of users have relied on the Lodestar electric chain hoist for consistent operation throughout its long service life. With a history of unsurpassed performance and over a million units sold, the next generation of Lodestar continues this legacy.

The hoist boasts numerous features that set it apart from other hoists in this category:

• The real benefit is less maintenance required through a Heavy-Duty DC brake for long service life, a lifetime grease-lubricated Gear Box eliminating the need for oil changes and a clutch outside the gear box for easy access and reduced downtime.
• Easier access – the hoist boasts finger-safe wiring and plug-and-play connectors in an open design; allowing for quick voltage change and access to terminal strips and simple fuse installation.
• The CM Lodestar is quieter – a full 80% sound reduction as compared to the Classic Lodestar
• Clutch placement outside the load path not only prevents slipping of the load in an overload condition, but makes it easy to access.  This quick access helps reduce hoist downtime.
• The CM Lodestar comes standard with a fabric chain container and a rigid hook suspension.
• Features a LIFETIME WARRANTY and is Made in the USA.
• Eco-friendly – no disposing of hazardous oils after oil change, RoHS compliant and shipped in recycled material boxes.

Columbus McKinnon is proud to announce its most versatile hand chain hoist yet; the CM Hurricane 360!  Unlike traditional hand chain hoists; the Hurricane 360 may be used in any direction due to its patented hand chain cover that rotates 360 degrees allowing a convenient way to move loads without standing under or near the load. The flexibility and productivity of the Hurricane 360 has been captured in video to showcase just what a little hoist with big muscles can do!

Have you ever dealt with these tough conditions when operating a hoist? Check out these videos and see how well the Hurricane handles the job.

Over the years, users in hundreds of industries have learned to trust one of the many brands from Columbus McKinnon to satisfy their daily needs. Many of these users will not consider other brands, and these loyal customers show their appreciation in numerous ways. One of the most unique ways came to us from Martijn Wingelaar, a head rigger for Rotterdam Rigging BV in The Netherlands. Martijn has been rigging in various capacities during the past nine years, working productions from Holiday on Ice to Tiesta, one of the world’s top DJ’s.

According to Martijn, “We do all of the maintenance on the hoist ourselves and have been through the CM Motor School. The company has more than 80 CM hoists in stock, most of them Lodestars. We also perform maintenance for many other companies in The Netherlands.”

Regarding the tattoo, Martijn relays this story, “There are a lot of scaffolders in Holland who have Layher ring (part of a scaffolding system) tattoos. I thought that was kind of cool, but I wanted something even more unique. Since I use the Lodestar so much and have never viewed it as just another hoist, I decided to go this direction. “

Now that is product loyalty at its finest! Martijn is what we call a “Superfan!”

OSHA has recently updated the following regulations for slings:

• 1910.184 (general industry)
• 1915.122
• 1915.113
• 1915.118 (for shipyard employment) &
• 1926.251 (construction).

Effective June 8, 2011, all slings, chain, synthetic & wire rope, are required to have identification tags/labels permanently attached to them. This regulation applies to slings sold and used in the United States.

Historically, companies did not require wire rope slings to have permanently affixed identification tags/labels on them; it was not required per OSHA 1910. This has now changed. Tags/labels are now required.

Also, original load capacity tables found in the OSHA standards were based on information found in ASME B30.9 dating back to 1971. These are now obsolete and no longer reflect the current ASME B30.9 industry standards. New tables reflect the current industry standards for working load limits for slings, chain, and synthetic or wire rope.

Changes include:

• All load charts for slings have been updated to current industry standards per ASME B30.9.
• All slings, regardless if made of chain, wire rope or synthetic, must be marked with a tag/label. Now only properly tagged/labeled slings can be used.
• Slings with detached tags/labels must be removed from service until new tags/labels can be permanently reattached.

To view this new change in its entirety or to download a copy go to:  http://www.osha.gov/FedReg_osha_pdf/FED20110608.pdf

For information on Rigging training, please click here.

We are proud to promote our newly designed CM Man Guard Electric Chain Hoist in capacities from 1/4 to 3 tons.  The hoist boasts numerous features that set it apart from other hoists in this category:

• The real benefit is less energy consumption required to operate the hoist as compared to its competitive counterparts. The CM Man Guard is more economical to operate while providing an environmentally friendly hoist alternative. 
• The CM Man Guard overload clutch prevents lifting beyond load capacity, ultimately protecting the hoist or supporting structure and preventing potential injury to the operator.
• All CM Man Guard hoists feature an open design which allows for quick access to the brake and wiring for easy maintenance and adjustments.
• Following in the footsteps of the popular Lodestar, the CM Man Guard comes standard with a heavy duty AC disk brake, precision gearing and efficient electric hoist motors that are precisely designed for each speed and capacity.
• The CM Man Guard comes with single speed or variable frequency drive as standard features, with most units in stock ready to ship. The rigid hook mounting (standard) is interchangeable to other mounting options (sold separately).

Want to learn more? Click here to download our CM Man Guard product brochure.