1918 Subpart H
Drafts must be safely slung and any loose dunnage or debris hanging or protruding from the load must be removed before hoisting. Employers should inspect the load, remove or secure loose material, and arrange slings so the load is stable during the lift. See 1918.81(a).
Cargo-handling bridles that remain attached while hoisting successive drafts must be attached by shackles or other positive means to prevent accidental disengagement. Use proper shackles, secured fittings, or equivalent positive attachments rather than relying on friction or unsecured connections. See 1918.81(b) and note OSHA guidance that hooks should be latched or otherwise secured where appropriate, as discussed in the interpretation on safety latches on sling hooks at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0.
You must use slinging methods that prevent sliders and use double slings on unstrapped dunnage unless hatch or opening size makes double slings impracticable. For loads where the top layer isn't bound by the sling (lumber, pipe, dunnage), secure the sling so individual pieces can't shift or slide out; where possible put two slings (one at each end) or other securement to stabilize the load. See 1918.81(c).
Case hooks may be used only with cases designed to be hoisted by those hooks. Do not use case hooks on packaging not intended for hook lifting; use the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points or other approved rigging. See 1918.81(d).
Bales of those materials must not be hoisted by straps unless the straps are strong enough to support the bale, and at least two hooks—each in a separate strap—must be used. Verify strap condition and strength before each lift and use two independent attachments to reduce the chance of load failure. See 1918.81(e).
Unitized loads may be hoisted by their banding or strapping only if the banding/strapping is suitable for hoisting and strong enough to support the load; if banding or strapping is damaged, additional means must be used to maintain the unit during hoisting. Inspect banding for integrity before lifts; if damaged, add external slings, nets, crates, or other securement to ensure the load remains intact during the lift. See 1918.81(f) and 1918.81(g).
Loads that require continuous manual guidance must be guided by guide ropes (tag lines) that are long enough to control the load. Provide appropriately long tag lines and train handlers on their use so they can safely steer and steady the load without being near pinch points or under the suspended load. See 1918.81(h).
No draft may be hoisted unless the operator can clearly see the draft itself or can see the signals of a signalman who is observing the draft's movement. If the operator’s view is blocked, use a competent signalperson positioned where both the load and operator can communicate via agreed hand or radio signals so the operator always has reliable visual signals. See 1918.81(i).
Intermodal containers must be handled in accordance with 1918.85; follow the container-handling, inspection, and securing requirements in that section when lifting, landing, or storing containers. Review and apply the specific provisions in 1918.81(j) and the detailed container rules at 1918.85.
The employer must require employees to stay clear of the area beneath overhead drafts or descending lifting gear. Employers should establish exclusion zones under suspended loads, post warnings, and enforce procedures so workers are not exposed to hazards from falling objects or swinging loads. See 1918.81(k).
Employees are not permitted to ride the hook or the load except as specifically allowed in 1918.85(g). In general, prohibit riding on hooks or loads; only use employer-authorized procedures that comply with 1918.81(k)(1) and the limited exceptions in 1918.85(g).
No — an operator who becomes incapable of completing a lift may not leave the controls while a load is suspended. Employers must ensure operators are physically able to perform assigned tasks without unscheduled interruption that could endanger workers, and an operator leaving the controls with a suspended load may subject the employer to citation. See 1918.81(i) and OSHA's interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13 (Crane operator medical condition scenario).
OSHA advises that whether a safety latch is required depends on the activity, but hooks should be latched or otherwise secured where necessary to prevent accidental disengagement; this supports the 1918.81(b) requirement that pallet bridles remain attached by shackles or other positive means. Use latch-equipped hooks or other positive securing methods for bridles that stay attached to prevent accidental load release. See 1918.81(b) and the OSHA interpretation on safety latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0.
You must not hoist bales with straps that are not strong enough; if straps are worn or their strength is uncertain, replace them or use alternative certified rigging and ensure at least two hooks in separate straps are used. Inspect straps before each lift and remove from service any that fail inspection. See 1918.81(e).
If banding or strapping is damaged, you must employ additional means—such as external slings, nets, crates, blocking, or other securement—to maintain the unitized load during hoisting and ensure safe lifting. Do not rely on damaged banding alone; inspect and add redundant securement before moving the load. See 1918.81(g).
Preventing sliders means stopping individual pieces in a stacked draft (like lumber or pipe) from sliding out of a sling during the lift; you prevent sliders by slinging so the top layer is constrained—use double slings, chokers, crosswise slings, blocking, or other means that secure individual pieces. Follow safe rigging practices to keep pieces from shifting. See 1918.81(c).
A case is designed for case-hook hoisting if the case construction includes reinforced lifting points or manufacturer guidance indicating hooks are acceptable; if the case lacks such design features, do not use case hooks. Always verify the packaging’s intended lifting method before using hooks. See 1918.81(d).
The employer must require employees to stay clear of the area beneath any overhead drafts or descending lifting gear regardless of lift size; the duty applies to all suspended loads because even small drops can cause injury. Establish and enforce exclusion zones under suspended loads for all hoisting operations. See 1918.81(k).
If latch-equipped hooks are impracticable for the operation, employers must use other positive securing methods—such as shackles, cotter pins, or engineered connectors—to prevent accidental disengagement of bridles or slings. OSHA recognizes that latches should be used unless application makes them impractical, and in such cases equivalent positive means are required. See 1918.81(b) and the OSHA interpretation on hook latches at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0.
When tag lines are used, employers must provide lines long enough to keep workers out of pinch points and under-the-load areas, train workers on safe positioning, and ensure tag-line handlers never stand beneath suspended loads. Organize tag-line work with clear communication, PPE as needed, and assigned trained personnel to control swing and rotation hazards. See 1918.81(h).