Handling hazardous cargo

Hazardous cargo must be slung and secured so the load or any package cannot fall because of tipping or slacking of the supporting gear. 1918.89 requires that slings and attachments be arranged and fastened to prevent tipping of the draft or slacking of the gear.

• Inspect rigging and attachments before each lift for proper seating and balance.
• Use appropriate hardware (shackles, properly sized slings, spreader bars) so the center of gravity is controlled.
• Do not rely on unstable or improvised connections that could allow a package to tip or the gear to slack.

Reference: 1918.89.

You should use latch-equipped or otherwise secured hooks wherever practical to prevent accidental disengagement of hazardous cargo. OSHA's longshoring rules and interpretations recognize that hooks should be latched or otherwise secured to prevent load disengagement, and using latch-equipped hooks is a reliable way to meet that goal. See 1918.89 and OSHA's interpretation on safety latches on sling hooks at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0.

• If the application makes a latch impractical, document why and use an alternative positive securing method.
• For bridles or pallet bridles that remain attached during successive lifts, attach them by shackles or other positive means as discussed in the safety-latch interpretation.

References: 1918.89 and Safety latches on sling hooks interpretation.

No — an operator must not leave a suspended hazardous load or abandon the controls while the load is suspended. OSHA's enforcement guidance makes clear that operators must be physically able to complete lifts and not leave controls in a way that endangers workers; leaving a suspended load would violate safe operation practices. See the crane-operator medical condition interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2013-09-13 and 1918.89.

• If an operator becomes incapacitated, the employer must have procedures so the suspended load is controlled safely (e.g., a qualified backup operator in position), not left unattended.

References: 1918.89 and Crane operator medical condition interpretation.

No — knots in wire rope are not an acceptable method to secure hazardous cargo because they create a recognized hazard and are prohibited in applicable OSHA standards and interpretations. OSHA has long held that wire rope shall not be secured by knots and that such practice is hazardous. See the wire rope knot prohibition interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-12-14 together with 1918.89.

• Use approved end fittings, thimbles, mechanical splices, or properly swaged terminals instead of knots.
• Follow manufacturer and consensus practices for wire rope terminations.

References: 1918.89 and Wire rope knot prohibition interpretation.

"Slacking of the supporting gear" means any loss of tension or secure support in slings, chains, or other hoisting gear that could let the load shift or fall, and you must prevent it by keeping gear properly tensioned and secured during lifts. 1918.89 requires that hazardous cargo be slung and secured so slacking cannot allow tipping or falling.

• Keep the load balanced so one leg of a sling cannot go slack during movement.
• Use snatch blocks, spreader bars, or tag lines when needed to control angle and tension.
• Inspect gear for wear or deformation that can lead to unexpected slacking.

Reference: 1918.89.

Pallet bridles or other cargo-handling bridles that remain attached while hoisting successive drafts must be attached by shackles or other positive means to prevent accidental disengagement. OSHA's longshoring guidance specifically requires positive attachments for bridles that stay connected, and 1918.89 requires hazardous cargo to be secured against tipping or falling. See the safety-latches interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2006-01-10-0 for discussion of bridles and positive attachment methods.

• Use shackles, positive locking devices, or equivalent hardware recommended by manufacturers.
• Do not rely on loose or temporary connections when the bridle will remain attached.

References: 1918.89 and Safety latches on sling hooks interpretation.

Yes — stevedores who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in sealed containers need HCS training to the extent necessary to protect them in case of a spill or leak from those sealed containers. OSHA's interpretation explains that sealed cargo (including trailers) is covered by the limited provisions of the HCS, and employers must provide training on the precautions to take in the event of a spill or leak. See the HCS training interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1988-11-17 and consult 1918.89 for hazardous cargo handling requirements.

• If the employer's response to a leak is evacuation, training can focus on evacuation procedures and how to report leaks.
• Employees who open sealed containers need more comprehensive chemical-specific training.

References: HCS training for stevedores interpretation and 1918.89.

Employers should ensure that one or more on-site individuals are trained in first aid and that bleeding-control measures are reasonably available when hazards could cause serious injury, including handling hazardous cargo. OSHA's interpretation on first aid and bleeding control explains that employers must provide adequate first-aid training where required and that standards for maritime/longshoring require on-site trained first aiders. See the first-aid interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2019-06-19 and review 1918.89 in planning safe handling operations.

• Provide at least one trained first aider on site when hazards warrant it.
• Keep first-aid supplies and bleeding-control kits accessible and train workers in their use.

References: First aid and bleeding control interpretation and 1918.89.

Employers generally must provide required personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees, subject to specific exceptions; they cannot make employees bear the cost of PPE needed to safely handle hazardous cargo. OSHA's PPE payment interpretation explains that employers are required to pay for PPE required by OSHA standards, and deposit systems must not result in involuntary employee costs. See the PPE-payment interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2014-11-13 together with the hazard-control duties reflected in 1918.89.

• Employers may retain ownership and require return of PPE, and may recover the cost if PPE is not returned, but they may not charge employees for wear and tear caused by work.
• Any deposit or reimbursement system must not result in an involuntary cost to the employee.

References: PPE payment interpretation and 1918.89.

When employers obtain records or written notifications about fumigation or other exposures (for example, the notification/warranty for tobacco), those documents are employee exposure records and must be retained and made available as required. OSHA's interpretation explains that where employers develop exposure records (including the tobacco notification in the maritime longshoring rules), those records trigger access and retention obligations. See the employee-exposure-records interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1983-03-01 and consider 1918.89 when assessing hazards of hazardous cargo.

• Keep required notifications (e.g., tobacco notification/warranty) for the specified retention period and allow employee access where applicable.
• If you take grab-sample measurements and record them, treat them as exposure records under OSHA record-access rules.

Reference: Employee exposure record requirements interpretation and 1918.89.

If a modification could affect a vehicle's capacity or safety when handling hazardous cargo, obtain the manufacturer's written approval or written approval from a registered professional engineer experienced with the equipment if the manufacturer is not available. OSHA's guidance on modifying powered industrial trucks and related equipment explains that safety-affecting modifications require manufacturer or engineer approval; this principle applies when adding devices that affect safe operation. See the strobe-lights interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2004-12-21-0 and consider 1918.89 when modifying handling gear.

• Keep written approvals on file and retrain operators if the modification affects operation.
• If manufacturer's approval is unavailable, a qualified registered professional engineer may evaluate and approve the change.

References: Strobe lights on industrial trucks interpretation and 1918.89.