Load-indicating devices on shoreside cranes

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 5, 1976

Mr. T. A. Riggs
Cheveron Oil Company
The California Company
Division 1111
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Riggs:

This is in reply to your letter dated January 15, 1976, to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health regarding clarification of 29 CFR 1918.74.

The 11,200 pound limit was requested by industry comment on a proposed regulation, and was based on the fact that regular ships cargo handling gear is generally rated at 5 long tons which is the maximum allowable load at any position of the boom.

Unlike ships conventional cargo gear (derricks) shoreside cranes will have variable ratings ranging from a low rating at maximum outreach and highest rating at minimum outreach.

Cranes rated over 11,200 pounds (5 long tons) at maximum possible outreach lifting known marked weights not exceeding 11,200 pounds are exempt from the requirement provided the other conditions as noted in section 1918.74(a)(9)(viii)(d) are met. All other cranes with rated capacities of less than 11,200 pounds at maximum possible outreach would not be exempt, even though they may be lifting loads less or equal in weight to the rated capacity at maximum outreach. OSHA Program Directive No. 100-21 dated February 5, 1973, notes an exception, should the "Conditions of Use at the Time" restrict the outreach of the crane to an intermediate or minimum outreach resulting in a lifting capacity equal to or higher than 11,200 pounds. No load indicating device would be required in this situation only.

Sincerely,
Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary
for Regional Programs