Subpart D
All types of winches and cranes aboard vessels must have a device or system that can stop and hold the proof load in any position. This is a clear requirement under 1919.22, which applies to certification of vessels' cargo gear.
Yes — the stopping and holding means must be tested so that their efficiency is demonstrated. 1919.22 requires the efficiency of the means to stop and hold the proof load to be demonstrated, which means the employer must run appropriate tests (proof-load or functional tests) that show the brake or holding device can reliably stop and hold the load under real conditions.
If electric power fails, the equipment must stop motion and set the brakes automatically without any action by the operator. 1919.22 explicitly requires electric winches, electrohydraulic winches fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch, and electric cranes to be equipped so a power failure stops motion and sets the brakes without operator intervention.
Current for operating electric winches and cranes during tests must be taken from the vessel's circuits. 1919.22 requires tests to use the vessel's electrical circuits so the equipment is tested under normal shipboard power conditions.
Yes — shore current may be used for tests, but only if it passes through the vessel's main switchboard. 1919.22 allows shore power for testing provided the ship's main distribution is used so the equipment sees the same electrical protection and routing as when on its own power.
Yes — electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes fitted at the winch are acceptable when used on electric or electrohydraulic winches. 1919.22 specifically includes electrohydraulic winches fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch in the equipment that must automatically stop and set the brakes on a power failure.
No — the brakes must set without any action by the operator when electrical power fails. 1919.22 requires automatic stopping and braking on loss of electric power so the operator does not have to take action to prevent load movement.
The employer is responsible for ensuring the efficiency is demonstrated, typically by a qualified or competent person designated by the employer. 1919.22 requires that efficiency be demonstrated, and OSHA guidance notes that employers assign or approve competent persons to identify hazards and take corrective actions (see the April 26, 1977 letter on competent-person procedures at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26).
No — the automatic-stop-and-set-brakes requirement still applies regardless of whether the source is shore power or the ship's generators, because shore current used for tests must pass through the main switchboard and equipment behavior on power loss must meet 1919.22.
Yes — all types of winches and cranes must have means to stop and hold the proof load in any position, but the specific automatic-stop-on-power-failure provision applies only to electric and specified electrohydraulic systems. 1919.22 requires stopping/holding means for all types, while the automatic setting of brakes on power loss is specifically required for electric and certain electrohydraulic equipment.
No — tests must use the vessel's circuits or shore current that passes through the main switchboard so the equipment is tested under the ship's normal electrical routing and protection. 1919.22 requires taking current from the vessel's circuits for testing.
The text of 1919.22 requires that efficiency be demonstrated but does not prescribe a specific written-records format; however, employers have an overall duty to provide a safe workplace and documenting tests is a practical way to show compliance. OSHA has advised that employer responsibilities and the applicability of standards depend on workplace circumstances (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1991-02-19), so keeping written test records is a prudent compliance practice.
The employer must stop testing and take corrective action to make the equipment safe before resuming tests or operations. 1919.22 requires that the means to stop and hold be effective; OSHA guidance on employer responsibility for safe workplaces (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1991-02-19) supports stopping operations and correcting hazards immediately when protective systems fail.
Part 1919's rules are focused on vessel cargo gear and apply to gear installed on vessels; application to shore-based gear depends on the workplace and operation. 1919.22 governs vessel cargo gear, and OSHA has explained that which standards apply depends on the specific workplace circumstances (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1991-02-19). If shore-based equipment is part of a vessel's cargo operations or otherwise covered by maritime standards, the employer should confirm the applicable standard and ensure compliance.