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Safety Standards for Lifting Devices

Lifting devices include machinery such as hoists, cranes and derricks. Industries that use lifting devices include construction, longshoring, mining and industrial manufacturing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set standards for the safe use of these machines.

  1. Qualification of Machine Operators

    • OSHA requires that operators of lifting devices are properly trained. A 10-hour OSHA course should be completed by any worker before he begins any job. The course requirements include extensive training on the type of equipment he will operate. In addition to training, OSHA states that employees with health problems that may suddenly incapacitate them may not operate lifting devices.

    Safety of Equipment

    • OSHA warns workers to use the correct lifting device for the job-at-hand for maximum safety. Each time a piece of equipment is used, it should be inspected for faulty parts, problems in emergency stopping and to be sure all gears and cables are working properly.

    Lifting People

    • Elevators, either permanent or temporary, should be inspected on a regular basis. Platforms attached to cranes or other lifting equipment should be securely attached to the lifting device, inspected regularly, and have the proper railing and gates to prevent falls. Load limits should always be adhered to, whether lifting people, materials or both.

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