(1) You must make sure cranes and derricks
are proof load tested, rated and certified in tons (2,000 lbs. = 1 ton). Cranes
and derricks must be inspected and unit proof load tested prior to being put
into use, after any significant modification or repairs of structural parts, or
when deemed necessary by the assistant director of consultation and compliance
or their designee. However, each crane or derrick must be unit proof load
tested at least once during each twelve-month period. Unit proof load tests
must be carried out by the use of weights as a dead load. When use of weights
for unit proof load tests is not possible or reasonable a dynamometer or other
recording test equipment may be used. Such equipment must be tested for
accuracy with certified calibrating equipment within twelve months prior to
being used and a copy of the certified calibration test must be made available
to authorized representatives of the division of consultation and compliance
upon request.
(2) The weight of the
objects used for a dead load weight test must be certified and a record of the
weight must be made available upon request. Any replacements or repairs deemed
necessary by the person conducting a test must be carried out before
application of the required proof load unit test.
(3) The proof load tests for derricks must be
conducted as follows:
|
Safe Working Load
|
Proof Load
|
| To 20 tons |
25% in excess |
| 20-50 tons |
5 tons in excess |
| Over 50 tons |
10% in excess of manufacturer's recommended lifting
capacity. |
Proof load must be applied at the designed maximum and minimum
boom angles or radii, or if this is impractical, as close to these as
practical. The angles or radii of test must be stated in the certificate of
test. Proof loads must be swung as far as possible in all directions. The
weight of auxiliary handling devices such as spreader bars, robots, clams,
magnets, or other gear must be considered a part of the load. Brakes must be
tested by holding the proof load suspended without other mechanical assistance.
After satisfactory completion of a unit proof load test the derrick and all
component parts thereof must be carefully examined and nondestructive tests may
be conducted to assure that the equipment is safe for use and has not been
damaged in the unit proof load testing process.
(4) Unit proof load tests for cranes must be
carried out with the boom in the least stable direction relative to the
mounting, based on the manufacturer's specifications.
(5) Unit proof load tests for cranes must be
based on the manufacturer's load ratings for the conditions of use and must,
except in the case of bridge type cranes utilizing a trolley, consist of
application of a proof load of ten percent in excess of the load ratings at
maximum and minimum radius, and at such intermediate radii as the certifying
authority may deem necessary in the circumstances. (The manufacturer's load
ratings are usually based upon percentage of tipping loads under some
conditions and upon limitations of structural competence at others, as well as
on other criteria such as type of crane mounting, whether or not outriggers are
used, etc. Some cranes utilizing a trolley may have only one load rating
assigned and applicable at any outreach. It is important that the
manufacturer's ratings be used.) Trolley equipped cranes must be subject to a
proof load of twenty-five percent in excess of the manufacturer's load rating.
In cases of foreign manufacture, the manufacturer's specifications must be
subject to approval by the certifying authority. The weight of all auxiliary
handling devices such as magnets, hooks, slings, and clamshell buckets must be
considered part of the load.
(6) If
the operation in which equipment is engaged never utilizes more than a fraction
of the safe working load rating, the owner of the equipment may, at their
option, have the crane or derrick certified for and operated at a lesser
maximum safe working load in keeping with the use and based on radius and other
pertinent factors, however, the equipment concerned must be physically capable
of operation at the original load rating and the load reduction must not be for
the purpose of avoiding correction of any deficiency.
(7) Safe working load ratings must not be
increased beyond the manufacturer's ratings or original design limitations
without prior approval by the accredited certification agency. Such prior
approval must be based on the manufacturer's approval of such increase or
documented engineering design analysis or both. All necessary structural
changes must be completed prior to approval by the accredited certification
agency.
