1917 Subpart B
You must safely sling drafts and remove any loose dunnage or debris that hangs from or protrudes from the load before hoisting. This is required by 1917.13(a), which aims to prevent materials from falling or becoming snagged during lifts.
Bales of those materials must be hoisted only by straps strong enough to support the bale, using at least two hooks with each hook in a separate strap. See the specific requirement in 1917.13(b).
Yes — unitized loads may be hoisted by their banding or strapping only if that banding or strapping is suitable for hoisting and is strong enough to support the weight of the load. This is required by 1917.13(c).
The employer must use additional means of hoisting to ensure the load can be lifted safely when banding or strapping is damaged. This is the requirement in 1917.13(d).
Case hooks may be used only with cases that are specifically designed to be hoisted by those hooks. That restriction is stated in 1917.13(e).
Guide ropes must be used to guide any load that requires continuous manual guidance during handling, and they must be long enough to control the load safely. This is specified in 1917.13(f).
Intermodal containers must be handled in accordance with the provisions at 1917.71(f), as referenced by 1917.13(g).
Employers must require employees to stay clear of any area beneath overhead drafts or descending lifting gear. This is the command in 1917.13(h).
No — employees are not permitted to ride on the hook or on the load. That prohibition is explicit in 1917.13(i).
You should use hooks that secure the sling or load and, where practical, a latch-equipped (safety) hook to prevent accidental disengagement; OSHA has explained that whether a latch is required depends on the activity, and that many marine and longshoring provisions call for latched or secured hooks. See 1917.13(e) for case-hook limits and OSHA's interpretation on safety latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0 which discusses when latch-type hooks are appropriate and references related marine rules such as 1917.45(e)(2).
No — an operator must not leave the controls while a load is suspended; employers must ensure the person assigned to operate the equipment can perform without unscheduled interruption that would affect safety. This principle aligns with the requirement to keep areas clear beneath suspended loads in 1917.13(h) and OSHA's interpretation that an operator who becomes incapacitated may not leave the controls while a suspended load is in use https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13.
If a modification could affect the vehicle's capacity or safety, the employer must get the manufacturer's prior written approval or written approval from a professional engineer who has consulted with the manufacturer before performing the change. OSHA discussed these approval requirements and operator retraining in relation to powered industrial truck modifications in https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-12-21-0 and the powered truck rules applicable at 1917.
Acceptable additional means include using secondary slings, chains, lifting beams, or other rigging rated to support the load so the lift does not rely on the damaged banding. The standard requires extra hoisting methods when banding is damaged (1917.13(d)). Employers should select gear and methods rated for the load and follow manufacturer and rigging best-practice guidance.
A trained employee should handle the guide rope so they can control the load from a safe position, and the employer should ensure the tag line is long enough to keep the worker clear of pinch points and suspended-load hazards. This is required by 1917.13(f). Employers should also control nearby traffic, maintain communication with the crane operator, and provide PPE as needed.
Employers must prohibit and enforce that employees do not ride hooks or loads, and they must train workers that riding the hook or load is forbidden because it creates a serious fall and crushing hazard; this rule is stated in 1917.13(i). Training and supervision are the practical means to prevent this unsafe practice.
The employer should have evidence such as manufacturer specifications, rated capacity markings, or engineering verification that the banding or strapping is rated and suitable to support the load's weight; this is implied by the requirement in 1917.13(c). Keep records or tags showing rated capacity and inspection results so rigging decisions are documented.