Subpart D
They must be tested and thoroughly examined every 5 years. 1919.15(a) requires that derricks with their winches and accessory gear, and cranes and other hoisting machines with their accessory gear, be tested and thoroughly examined as a unit every 5 years in the manner set forth in subpart E of Part 1919.
They must be visually inspected every 12 months and all derricks shall be lowered to facilitate inspection. 1919.15(b) requires annual visual inspections for derricks, their permanent attachments and other fixed gear whose dismantling is especially difficult, and specifies that all derricks shall be lowered to make inspection possible.
A visual examination every 12 months is required, supplemented as needed with tests such as hammer tests, electronic or ultrasonic nondestructive methods. 1919.15(c) states that hoisting machines not in paragraph (b) shall be thoroughly examined annually by visual means and, where necessary, by other nondestructive techniques carried out as carefully as conditions permit to reach a reliable safety conclusion.
Particular attention must be paid to swivels and the pins and bushings of blocks. 1919.15(c) specifically directs examiners to focus on suitability for continued use of all swivels and the pins and bushings of blocks, and to dismantle parts if necessary for proper inspection.
When blocks are disassembled, all shell bolt nuts must be securely locked upon reassembly. This is explicitly required by 1919.15(c) to ensure safe reassembly after dismantling for inspection.
The annual inspection must include checks of internals that affect stability so the integrity of any internals contributing to stability is determined. 1919.15(d) requires that inspections include whatever is necessary to determine the integrity of internals that affect stability when ballast tanks or free surface could be a factor, and the owner must provide the accredited person with necessary ballasting information.
Heel pins may be examined by nondestructive examination if possible. 1919.15(e)(1) expressly notes that heel pins may, if possible, be examined by nondestructive methods to check for defects.
Shrouds, stays necessary for the gear and their attachment points must be examined during the annual inspection. 1919.15(e)(2) lists shrouds, stays and the attachment points as specific items that annual inspections shall include.
Deck fittings used to secure vangs, topping lifts, and/or preventers must be examined. 1919.15(e)(3) requires that these deck fittings be included in the annual inspection to ensure they are safe for continued use.
The means of attachment to the hull for "A" frames, other fixed derrick or crane structures, and mobile equipment permanently aboard must be examined. 1919.15(e)(4) requires inspection of these attachment methods as part of the annual exam.
Clamshell buckets and similar equipment (such as magnets) used with derricks or cranes must be inspected with particular attention to closing line wires and sheaves. 1919.15(e)(5) directs examiners to pay special attention to those parts, and allows the accredited person to request operational tests as appropriate.
Annual inspections should check winch and other operating drums for excessive wear or defect. 1919.15(e)(6) specifically lists drums for inspection to identify wear or defects that could affect safe operation.
Yes. The accredited person may supplement the examination by requesting any operational tests he or she deems appropriate. 1919.15(e)(5) explicitly allows the accredited person to request operational tests to ensure a reliable evaluation of gear used with vessels.
The employer assigns or approves a competent person; employers are responsible for designating who will serve as the competent or accredited person. OSHA's interpretation explains that the employer assigns or approves a "competent person," and maritime standards reference accredited persons under Part 1919; see the interpretation on competent person accreditation procedures at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26. This clarifies that the employer must ensure the person has the capability and authority to identify hazards and take corrective action.
Yes. Nondestructive methods such as hammer tests, electronic, ultrasonic, or other nondestructive techniques may supplement visual exams when necessary. 1919.15(c) lists those methods and says they should be used as carefully as conditions permit to reach a reliable safety conclusion.