Chutes, hoppers, and bins safety

They must be inspected before each use, and they must not be used if they have any functional defects. See 1917.49(a) for the requirement and note the cross-reference to equipment certification at 1917.50(c)(2).

• Practical checks include looking for broken or worn wires, damaged sheaves or eye bolts, bent fittings, corrosion, or any signs the rigging won't perform its function safely.
• Take defective rigging out of service immediately and tag it until repaired or replaced.

Reference: 1917.49(a).

Direct communication must be provided between the discharge or shipboard control end of loading spouts and chutes and the point in the terminal from which the flow of cargo is controlled. See 1917.49(b).

• "Direct communication" can be voice communication (radio or intercom) or an equally reliable method that lets both ends coordinate start/stop of cargo flow immediately.
• Test the communication system before operations and maintain a clear protocol for signaling emergency stops.

Reference: 1917.49(b).

Chute and hopper openings that present a hazard to employees must be guarded to prevent falls through them. See 1917.49(c).

• Acceptable guarding methods include fixed covers, removable covers secured to prevent accidental displacement, guardrails around openings, or grating strong enough to support anticipated loads.
• Guards should be designed so opening/closing can be done safely and only by authorized personnel; mark and maintain guards so they remain effective.

Reference: 1917.49(c).

When employees are working on hoppers, the employer must provide the hopper with a safe walkway and a safe means of access. See 1917.49(d).

• A "safe walkway" means a stable, slip-resistant path with guardrails if there's a fall hazard; access can be stairs, ladders, ramps, or platforms designed for the load and traffic.
• Inspect walkways and access points regularly for damage, clear debris, and ensure lighting is adequate.

Reference: 1917.49(d).

When necessary for employee safety, chutes must be equipped with sideboards to protect workers from falling objects. See 1917.49(e).

• Sideboards are vertical barriers along the chute edges that prevent material or objects from being thrown or sliding off the chute and striking workers below or beside it.
• Install sideboards whenever the chute handles irregular loads, loose objects, or when workers occupy areas near the chute discharge or sides.

Reference: 1917.49(e).

Chutes must be firmly placed and secured to prevent them from falling. See 1917.49(f).

• Secure chutes with appropriate supports, clamps, or anchors; check attachments and supports before each use.
• Make sure chutes are stable against movement from cargo impact, wind, or vibrations during loading/unloading.

Reference: 1917.49(f).

When necessary for employee safety, the employer must provide provisions to brake or stop objects (other than bulk commodities) at the delivery end of the chute. See 1917.49(g).

• Use padding, catch platforms, baffles, or mechanical brakes to slow or stop discrete items like crates, bundles, or packages that could bounce or roll and strike workers.
• For bulk commodities (e.g., grain or coal) this specific braking requirement does not apply, but employers must still ensure safe handling at the discharge.

Reference: 1917.49(g).

Before an employee enters an empty bin, personnel controlling the cargo flow into the bin must be notified, and the power supply to the equipment carrying the cargo to the bin must be turned off, locked out, and tagged. See 1917.49(h) and its subparts 1917.49(h)(1) and 1917.49(h)(2).

• Use positive methods (written or verbal confirmation and logs) so the person inside is sure the flow cannot restart.
• Apply lockout/tagout to the power source and post signs; ensure the authorized person who applied the lock understands the entry is in progress.

Reference: 1917.49(h).

Before an employee enters a bin with a bulk commodity, the employer must notify personnel controlling cargo flow, turn off and lock out and tag the power supply to the cargo equipment, require the entrant to wear a lifeline and safety harness, and continuously station a standby attendant outside the bin who is equipped to perform a rescue until the entrant leaves. See 1917.49(i) and its subparts 1917.49(i)(1) through 1917.49(i)(4).

• The lifeline and harness must be properly fitted and anchored outside the bin so the standby attendant can retrieve the entrant without entering the bin if needed.
• The standby attendant must remain alert, have suitable rescue equipment, and be trained in rescue procedures and first aid as appropriate.

References: 1917.49(i).

Bin top openings that present a hazard to employees must be covered to prevent falls into bins. See 1917.49(j).

• Acceptable covers include fixed lids, secured removable covers, grating rated for expected loads, or guardrail systems around the opening.
• Covers should be clearly marked, secured so they won't dislodge, and designed so they can be safely opened and closed by authorized workers.

Reference: 1917.49(j).

Chutes and hoppers must be repaired only by designated persons—meaning employees the employer has specifically assigned and trained to perform those repairs. See 1917.49(k).

• In practice, "designated" means the employer identifies qualified individuals, documents their training and authorization, and limits access so untrained workers cannot attempt repairs.
• Designated repairers should follow lockout/tagout, manufacturer instructions, and any written procedures for safe repair.

Reference: 1917.49(k).

Before power shoveling operations begin, a designated person must inspect the equipment to be used, including at least the eye bolts, wires, and sheaves. See 1917.49(l)(1).

• The inspection should be documented if possible, and any worn, loose, or damaged components should be addressed before starting operations.
• Use the manufacturer's inspection checklist if available and ensure the inspector is trained to spot defects that affect safe operation.

Reference: 1917.49(l)(1).

Power shovels and associated equipment with defects that affect safe operation must not be used, and before adjustments are made, the power supply must be turned off, locked out and tagged, the belt stopped, and the hopper closed. See 1917.49(l)(2) and 1917.49(l)(3).

• Remove defective equipment from service and repair only by designated persons.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure equipment cannot be energized while adjustments or inspections are performed.

Reference: 1917.49(l)(2) and 1917.49(l)(3).

Inspections under 1917.49(a) must be done before each use to find functional defects, and where equipment certification applies, employers must also meet the certification rules in 1917.50(c)(2).

• Inspect daily-use rigging before use and, if the device falls into the class of equipment that requires formal certification under 1917.50(c)(2), maintain certification records and periodic formal exams as required by that section.
• The two requirements are complementary: routine pre-use inspections catch immediate problems; certification addresses broader design, testing, and formal inspection intervals.

References: 1917.49(a) and 1917.50(c)(2).

Reach stackers are exempt from the 29 CFR 1917.50 certification requirement because OSHA treats them as powered industrial trucks. See the OSHA memorandum "Exemption of Variable Boom Reach Equipment (Reach Stackers) from the 29 CFR 1917.50 Certification Requirement" at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17 and 1917.50 for the certification rule.

• Although exempt from 1917.50 certification, reach stackers are still subject to safe operation rules in Part 1917 (for example, maintenance and safe-modification controls) and to operator training requirements referenced in OSHA guidance.
• If you modify a reach stacker in a way that affects capacity or safety, follow the applicable manufacturer approval or engineering review processes described in Part 1917.

Reference: OSHA memorandum at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-03-17 and 1917.50.

A standby attendant must be continuously stationed outside the bin and be equipped to perform a rescue, which in practice means the attendant must be trained in rescue procedures and in how to use the rescue equipment provided; the entrant must wear a lifeline and safety harness. See 1917.49(i)(3) and 1917.49(i)(4).

• Training should include how to perform a prompt rescue without entering the bin if possible, how to attach and retrieve lifelines, and basic first aid as needed.
• OSHA guidance on first-aid training expectations for marine-terminal settings can be helpful; see OSHA's First aid and bleeding control interpretation for additional context on training expectations.

References: 1917.49(i)(3), 1917.49(i)(4), and OSHA letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2019-06-19.

Before power shoveling operations, the designated inspector must inspect at least the eye bolts, wires, and sheaves of the equipment. See 1917.49(l)(1).

• Inspect wire rope for broken strands, kinks, corrosion, proper splices, and correct reeving; inspect sheaves for wear, proper lubrication, and correct alignment; inspect eye bolts for cracks, deformation, or loose threads.
• Remove defective components from service and document inspections as part of preventive maintenance.

Reference: 1917.49(l)(1).

No; an operator who becomes incapacitated and cannot safely complete the load-handling operation must not leave the controls while a load is suspended. OSHA has interpreted operator responsibilities to require that the assigned operator be physically able to perform the task without leaving controls during suspended operations. See OSHA's letter on crane operator medical conditions at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13 and consider the safe-practice lockout and inspection requirements in 1917.49(l).

• Employers should ensure that operators are medically fit for duty, trained, and that backup procedures exist so operations can be completed safely without abandonment of suspended loads.

References: OSHA letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13 and 1917.49(l).

Employers must use sideboards or other protections to guard against falling objects when necessary, and must provide provisions to brake or stop objects (other than bulk commodities) at the delivery end of the chute when needed for safety. See 1917.49(e) and 1917.49(g).

• Use sideboards, screens, nets, guardrails, or enclosed chutes to stop falling items; install baffles, cushions, or catch platforms at the chute discharge to prevent bouncing or rolling into worker areas.
• Evaluate the material type (bulk vs. discrete items) to choose appropriate controls and keep workers out of the immediate discharge area when possible.

References: 1917.49(e) and 1917.49(g).

Entering an empty bin requires notifying personnel controlling cargo flow and locking out and tagging the power supply, while entering a bin with a bulk commodity adds requirements that the entrant wear a lifeline and safety harness and that a standby attendant equipped to perform a rescue be continuously stationed outside the bin. See 1917.49(h) and 1917.49(i).

• Bulk commodities add entrapment/engulfment hazards, hence the additional protective measures of harness/lifeline and trained standby attendant.
• For both types of entries, follow written procedures, use lockout/tagout, and confirm positive communication with equipment operators.

References: 1917.49(h) and 1917.49(i).

Employers should limit repair access, document who is designated, provide training and procedures, and ensure only those designated perform repairs to chutes and hoppers. See 1917.49(k).

• Use written authorization, lockable access panels, permit-to-work systems, and maintenance logs to track who may perform repairs.
• Ensure designated repairers follow lockout/tagout, manufacturer instructions, and keep records of repairs and qualifications.

Reference: 1917.49(k).

Modifications that might affect the vehicle's capacity or safety must not be performed without the manufacturer's prior written approval or written approval of a professional engineer experienced with the equipment, as required in related marine-terminal standards and OSHA guidance. See OSHA's strobe light interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-12-21-0 and consult 1917.50 for certification-related rules.

• If the manufacturer doesn't respond, obtain a written engineering approval; document the safety analysis and any operator retraining needed after modification.
• Operators may need refresher training when modifications could affect safe operation.

References: OSHA letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-12-21-0 and 1917.50.

Before adjustments are made to a power shovel, wire, or associated equipment, the power supply to the shovel must be turned off, locked out, and tagged, the belt stopped, and the hopper closed. See 1917.49(l)(3).

• Use an established lockout/tagout procedure to isolate energy sources; verify zero energy before starting work.
• Ensure all moving parts are immobilized and guards are in place; only designated persons should perform the adjustments.

Reference: 1917.49(l)(3).

For objects other than bulk commodities (for example packaged items), employers must provide braking or stopping provisions at the delivery end of the chute when necessary for employee safety; bulk commodities are excluded from that specific braking requirement. See 1917.49(g).

• Assess each type of material handled and install braking, catch platforms, or other controls for discrete items while still ensuring safe handling of bulk materials through other means.

Reference: 1917.49(g).