Derricks and cranes requirements

Under 1915.115(a)(1), derricks and cranes that are part of, or regularly placed aboard barges, other vessels, or on wingwalls of floating drydocks and used to transfer materials or equipment to or from a vessel or drydock must be tested and certificated by persons accredited for that purpose. See 1915.115(a)(1) and the testing standards found in Part 1919.

• Practical steps: confirm which cranes meet the description in 1915.115(a)(1), obtain certification from an accredited tester, and keep the certification records available for inspection.

Under 1915.115(b), the moving parts of hoisting and hauling equipment must be guarded so employees cannot be caught, pinched, or struck by those parts. See 1915.115(b).

• Practical examples of guards include fixed shields over gears and chains, covers for rotating shafts, and interlocked guarding where appropriate.
• If hazards are not obvious, have a competent person evaluate the equipment and specify suitable guards; see OSHA's guidance on competent persons in shipyard work (Competent person requirements in shipyards).

Under 1915.115(c)(1), the maximum manufacturer's rated safe working loads for the various boom radii and the maximum and minimum radii for safe use (with and without outriggers) must be conspicuously posted near the controls and visible to the operator; a radius indicator must also be provided. See 1915.115(c)(1).

• Practical compliance: mount a load chart and outboard/inaft limits in clear view of the operator, ensure the radius indicator (mechanical or electronic) is functional and visible, and keep documentation of the manufacturer's rated loads onboard.

No. Under 1915.115(c)(2), the posted safe working loads of mobile crawler or truck cranes under the conditions of use must not be exceeded. See 1915.115(c)(2).

• Practical actions: verify the crane configuration (boom length, radius, outriggers), consult the posted load chart before each lift, and plan lifts so the load stays within the posted limits. If operations would require different capacities, obtain a certified modification or a different crane consistent with 1915.115(a)(1).

Under 1915.115(d), accessible areas within the swing radius of the outermost part of a revolving derrick or crane must be guarded to prevent employees from being struck by the crane or caught between the crane and fixed parts of the vessel or crane. See 1915.115(d).

• Practical options: install physical barriers, rails, chain lines, warning signs, or interlocked gate systems to keep personnel out of the swing zone; use a designated signal person and spotters during operations that require access near the swing radius.

Under 1915.115(e)(1), the cradle or carriage on a marine railway must be positively blocked or secured when in the hauled position to prevent it from being accidentally released. See 1915.115(e)(1).

• Practical steps: use properly sized chocks, positive mechanical locks, or other secure blocking devices and document that blocking procedures are followed whenever the cradle is hauled.

Under 1915.115(c)(1), the operator must have the manufacturer's rated safe working load chart posted near the controls and a radius indicator provided so the operator can determine the working radius and the corresponding safe load. See 1915.115(c)(1).

• Practical checklist: ensure the load chart is legible and un-obstructed, confirm the radius indicator is accurate and functioning before lifts, and train operators to cross-check radius against posted charts every time the boom configuration changes.

Under 1915.115(a)(1), the employer is responsible for ensuring derricks and cranes that meet the stated conditions are tested and certificated in accordance with Part 1919 by persons accredited for that purpose. See 1915.115(a)(1) and Part 1919.

• Practical duties: maintain records of certification, schedule periodic reinspections per Part 1919, and ensure only accredited testers perform required examinations.

No. OSHA's interpretation makes clear that an operator who becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete a lift must not leave the controls while the load is suspended; the operator assigned must be physically able to perform the task without unscheduled interruption that could affect safety. See OSHA's letter on a crane operator medical condition scenario (Crane operator medical condition scenario).

• Practical actions: implement pre-shift medical screening or fitness-for-duty checks, have qualified backup operators on-site when operations could create hazards, and ensure procedures exist to safely secure suspended loads if an operator cannot complete a lift.

Under 1915.115(c)(1), the load chart must show the maximum rated safe working loads for the various boom radii and explicitly list the maximum and minimum radii at which the boom may be safely used with and without outriggers; that information must be posted near the controls and visible to the operator. See 1915.115(c)(1).

• Practical tip: verify the chart includes separate columns or markings for configurations with outriggers extended and retracted, and ensure operators are trained to select the correct column for the current configuration.

Under 1915.115(c)(1), "conspicuously posted near the controls" means the manufacturer's rated load chart and related radius limits must be mounted close enough to the operator's control station so they are plainly visible and readable while operating the crane. See 1915.115(c)(1).

• Practical guidance: place the chart within the operator's normal line of sight, use weatherproof and glare-resistant materials on vessels, and replace faded or damaged charts immediately to keep the information legible.

You must not operate beyond the posted safe working loads under 1915.115(c)(2); to change capacities or radii you need certified re-rating or engineering evaluation and recertification consistent with 1915.115(a)(1) and the procedures in Part 1919.

• Practical steps: engage an accredited testing/certifying agency to perform required tests and issue new certificates, update and repost load charts near controls, and document the change and training provided to operators.

Per 1915.115(d), employers must guard accessible areas within the swing radius of revolving derricks or cranes so employees cannot be struck or caught between the crane and fixed parts; guards can be physical barriers, fixed railings, chain lines, or exclusion zones enforced during operations. See 1915.115(d).

• Practical controls: install permanent guard rails where possible, use removable but positively placed barriers for temporary work, post warning signs, and assign a signal person or lookout when barriers cannot be used.

An employer should consult a competent person whenever the guarding needs are not obvious, when equipment is complex, or when guarding could interfere with operation; the competent person can recognize hazards and specify necessary protection as required under Part 1915. See 1915.115(b) and OSHA's guidance on what a competent person must be capable of doing (Competent person requirements in shipyards).

• Practical examples: have a competent person evaluate exposed rotating shafts, pinion gears, or winch drums and document the specified guards and installation schedule.

Under 1915.115(e)(1), acceptable blocking or securing methods are those that positively prevent accidental release when the cradle or carriage is hauled, such as properly sized chocks, mechanical locks, pins, or other positive securing devices designed for the load and conditions. See 1915.115(e)(1).

• Practical checklist: use devices rated for the expected loads, inspect blocking hardware before use, and document blocking procedures and inspections in site procedures.

Employers must follow the standards provided in Part 1919 for testing and certification, as required by 1915.115(a)(1).

• Practical steps: review Part 1919 for inspection, testing, and certification procedures; engage an accredited tester listed or approved under those procedures; and retain certification records as proof of compliance.