ASME B30.16 Hoist Inspection Requirements
Many hoists and cranes do not fall under the inspection requirements of OSHA 1910.179. 1910.179 codes only cover hoists that installed as part of a top running double girder crane or gantry. Inspection requirements for hoists that are stationary or fixed, on monorails, jib cranes and single girder cranes are covered by the ASME B30.16.
ASME B30.16 – Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists was updated in 2017 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The B30 group of standards is often referenced under ANSI (American National Standards Institute). The B30 standards have all been taken over or adopted by ASME. The B30.16 standard has major sections outlining construction/installation, inspection/testing, operation/operator training, and maintenance/maintenance training.
ASME B30.16 – Inspection Requirements
Initial Inspection
This inspection must be performed, before initial use or on altered or modified units by a “designated person” to verify compliance with the requirements of ASME B30.16.
Inspections for Hoists in Regular Service
B30.16 compliant inspection intervals must be established upon the nature of the critical components of the hoist and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. So, some of the factors that will increase the frequency of inspection are: a hoist that is older or has a poor repair history is used extensively in a high duty environment or on multiple shifts; operation in a harsh environment.
The lower level of inspection is the Frequent Inspection which must be performed weekly to monthly, and the higher level inspection is the Periodic Inspection which must be performed on a monthly to annual basis. There are two levels of inspections for hoists covered by B30.16. These inspections are similar to the Frequent and Periodic Inspections outlined in OSHA 1910.179. Again, hoist units that are used heavily, in harsh environments or are susceptible to malfunction will need to be inspected more often as determined by the person responsible for the equipment.
Frequent Inspections
A frequent inspection is a visual examination than can be performed by competent operators or other designated personnel. The inspection is primarily visual with an operational check looking for proper operation, adjustment, and to identify unusual sounds that might indicate that the unit needs repairs. Limit switches, braking systems, hooks, hook latches, hoist rope, and load chain shall be inspected. Air lines, valves, and other parts of air hoist air supply system shall be inspected.
Periodic Inspections
A Periodic Inspection is much more detailed and “hands-on” than a Frequent Inspection. A high level of competence (training and experience) is required to properly perform a Periodic Hoist Inspection. The periodic inspection covers all items on the Frequent Inspection as well as the the condition of virtually all assessable mechanical, structural and electrical components. Covers that allow inspection of subcomponents should be opened or removed so that the condition of the underlying components or parts can be accessed.
Safety Hazards found on a hoist during a Frequent or Periodic Inspection
Any conditions found that might constitute a hazard or indicate a more thorough inspection is warranted will be determined by the designated person upon completion of the inspection. The hoist will be placed out of service until the unit is repaired or deemed to be safe to place back into service by the Designated person.
Hoists Not in Regular Service
A hoist that is used in infrequent service, which has been idle for a period of 1 month or more, but less than one year, shall be given a Frequent Inspection before being placed back in service. A host that is used in infrequent service, which has been idle for a period of 1 year or more, shall be given a periodic inspection before being placed back into service.
Inspection Records
Dated inspection reports and records should be and stored where they are available to appointed persons. A long-range rope or chain inspection program should be established and should include records on examination of ropes or chains removed from service so a relationship can be established between visual observation and actual condition of the rope or chain.
If you have additional questions or need assistance with your overhead hoist crane inspections, CRANE 1 has industry experts that can answer your questions and develop, a hoist and crane assessment program for your organization.
