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Crane Rigging Requirements

Safety should always be a top priority for people working on, with or near a crane. In an effort to prevent workplace accidents by improper or faulty rigging, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, takes a proactive approach, providing requirements on proper rigging for cranes and derricks.

  1. Manufacturer's Specifications

    • OSHA's requirements state that companies and workers adhere to the crane manufacturer's specifications, such as on-site assembly. If these specifications aren't available, a qualified engineer must develop and document specifications. All rigging and attachments, such as hooks, shouldn't exceed the manufacturer's recommended loads, OSHA mandates.

    Inspections

    • OSHA requires that a qualified inspector conduct a thorough inspection of all rigging and associated assemblies, looking for frayed or broken cables, rusty or inadequate hooks, or exposed moving parts that present a safety hazard. If any hazards are found, the part in question must be repaired or replaced. OSHA also requires an annual inspection for all crane components, including riggings. These annual inspections must be documented, too.

    Modification Requirements

    • OSHA states that rigging can't be modified without the manufacturer's written approval. If a modification is made, tags or other labeling methods must be in place stating the nature of the modification. Modifications can't compromise the safety of the rigging, OSHA says.

    Load Rating Placard Requirement

    • A load-rating placard must be posted, clearly visible to all involved with the crane, OSHA says. Under no circumstances can the rigging exceed the load rating stated on the placard.

    Hook Requirements

    • All hooks on the rigging will be closed and lockable, OSHA mandates. Alternatively, a shackle with a bolt can be used instead of a hook.

    Load Requirements

    • All rigging, which includes cables, shackles and associated hardware, is required to support five times the maximum intended load without failure, OSHA says. If rotation-resistant rope is used, the requirement is 10 times the maximum load.

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