Subpart E
The proof load must be 25 percent in excess of the safe working load for cranes with a safe working load up to 20 tons. See 1919.28(a) for the table of required proof loads.
The proof load must be 5 tons in excess of the safe working load for cranes with safe working loads between 20 and 50 tons. See the proof-load requirements in 1919.28(a).
The proof load must be 10 percent in excess of the safe working load for cranes with safe working loads over 50 tons. See 1919.28(a) for the full table of proof-loads.
You must lift the proof load and swing it as far as possible in both directions during the test. The rule states the proof load shall be "lifted and swung as far as possible in both directions," which ensures the load is tested through the working arc of the crane. See 1919.28(b).
Variable-radius jibs or booms must be tested with the required proof loads at both the maximum and minimum radii. The standard specifically requires testing at maximum and minimum radii to ensure safe operation across the crane’s working range. See 1919.28(b).
If hydraulic pressure limits make it impossible to lift 25 percent in excess of the safe working load, it is acceptable to lift the greatest possible load the crane can safely raise. The standard provides this alternative for hydraulic cranes. See 1919.28(b).
Initial proof tests of new cranes must be made only with a dead load. The standard requires a static (dead) weight for first-time proof testing of newly manufactured cranes. See 1919.28(c).
Spring or hydraulic balances may be used for initial tests of cranes that have been in service, for quadrennial tests, or for tests after replacements or renewals when dead loads are not reasonably available, provided the conditions in the standard are met. Those conditions include testing at specified radii and performing an additional partial-load test that exercises all functions. See 1919.28(d), 1919.28(d)(1), and 1919.28(d)(2).
An accredited person must approve the points in the arc of rotation used for testing. The standard requires that tests be conducted at maximum, minimum, and intermediate radii and at such rotation points as meet with the approval of the accredited person. See 1919.28(d)(1), and note OSHA guidance on competent/accredited persons in the interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26 which explains roles related to accreditation and approval authority.
The additional partial-load test must include all functions and movements anticipated in the crane's normal use. The standard requires this extra partial-load check to verify the crane performs all intended operations under load. See 1919.28(d)(2).
No, unit proof-test and examination requirements in Subpart E do not apply to shore-type cranes permanently mounted aboard barges; those cranes must follow the applicable requirements of Subpart H. The standard explicitly exempts permanently barge-mounted shore-type cranes from the Subpart E unit proof-test rules. See 1919.28(e).
Quadrennial tests are tests performed every four years. The standard references "quadrennial tests," which means those periodic re-tests occur once every four years; when dead loads are not reasonably available for such tests, the provisions of 1919.28(d) allow use of spring or hydraulic balances under the listed conditions.
The employer is responsible for assigning or approving a competent/accredited person; employers determine and designate the person who is capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take corrective measures. OSHA’s earlier interpretation explains that the employer assigns or approves a "competent person," and that certain maritime standards reference persons accredited by OSHA under Part 1919. See the general requirement in 1919 and the OSHA interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26 which discusses competent/accredited person responsibilities.
Yes, the accredited person can limit the swing based on safety and practical considerations; the standard requires lifting and swinging the proof load "as far as possible in both directions," and test points in the arc of rotation must meet with the approval of the accredited person per 1919.28(b) and 1919.28(d)(1). OSHA guidance on accredited/competent persons in https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1977-04-26 supports that the employer-approved competent/accredited person has authority to make such practical safety determinations.