Repair of crane sheaves by grinding

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 30, 1995

Mr. Daniel R. Harrison
Director
Hampton Roads Shipping Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Harrison:

This is in response to your May 10, letter addressed to Mr. Joseph A. Dear regarding a January 19 memorandum issued by the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance.

The January 19 memorandum was issued in response to a report that sheaves on cranes had been refurbished by means of hand-grinding the sheaves in place using portable tools. The purpose of the memorandum was to provide guidance with respect to what constitutes an acceptable repair method, not to provide detailed tolerances and specifications for the examination and quantification of sheave damage. The related discussion was, therefore, limited in scope to an overview of what causes corrugated (wire rope imprint) damage to sheave grove surfaces, the available options (i.e., sheave resurfacing or replacement) and the principal factors which must be considered when resurfacing is the method of refurbishment. Within the context of the expressed purpose, the memorandum remains germane.

We appreciate your comments and interest in occupational safety and health.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr.
Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs