Current through Vol. 24-16, September 15, 2024
Rule 2931. When installing gin poles, the employer shall
ensure that the following requirements are met:
(a) The gin pole shall be attached to a
structure in an arrangement, as shown in Figure 2.1 of the ANSI/TIA-1019 2004
Structural Standards for Steel Gin Poles Used for Installation of Antenna
Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures, with its upper portion cantilevering
above the tower top.
(b) The
employer shall ensure that when the gin pole is designed, consideration shall
be given to the possibility of personnel climbing the pole to perform rigging
functions and for tie off points to accommodate fall protection
equipment.
(c) The rooster head
which is located at the top of the gin pole shall meet the following
requirements:
(i) The side plates shall have
bolts or pins with spacers around the sheave so the load line is held in place
and side plate distance is controlled.
(ii) Sheave diameter and groove shall be
designed for the load line size intended.
(iii) The distance between the sheave edge
and the side plate shall not exceed 25 percent of load line diameter.
(d) Tracks used to guide and
support gin poles during the jumping process shall not be used as a bridle or
mid-level support unless specifically designed for such use.
(e) The load line is used to raise and lower
the intended load. The load line shall leave the hoist at ground level, go
through a block at the base of the tower, then up through the middle of the
pole, through the rooster head and back down to the ground to pick up the
intended load.
(f) A gin pole chart
shall be provided for each pole. Gin pole charts shall contain all of the
following information as a minimum:
(i)
Identification number or other reference.
(ii) Gin pole description.
(iii) Safe lifting capacities (gross load)
based on cantilever projection (La), overall gin pole length (L), and type of
tag.
(iv) Reaction forces at gin
pole attachment points.
(v) A table
to convert degrees to a field measurement.
(vi) A warning that the load chart is for
lifting loads and to reduce the safe lifting capacity by 1/2 when lifting
personnel.
(g) All lifts
shall be within the ratings allowed in the "Load Chart." Any lift or lifting to
be allowed on a special basis, which is outside of the "Load Chart", shall only
be allowed at the direction of a professional engineer. Special monitoring and
measuring conditions, as specified by the engineer, shall be provided and used
in the field during all "Special Engineered Lifts."
(h) Markings for gin poles shall be as
follows:
(i) Each gin pole shall be
permanently marked with an identification number that references a specific
load chart.
(ii) For proper
assembly, each section and leg of the gin pole shall be marked in a specified
sequence.
(i) The
designer/engineer specified straightness tolerances shall be used for
inspection. Minimum inspection criteria for gin poles shall be as follows:
(i) A detailed documented inspection annually
or within 1 year prior to being placed in service.
(ii) A general visual inspection during
assembly prior to use on a specific project.
(iii) After any abnormal
occurrence.
(j) Rigging
equipment for the gin pole shall comply with all of the following:
(i) Wire rope, slings, chains, shackles,
turnbuckles, links, hooks, sheaves, rotating rooster heads, blocks, and hoists,
used in a gin pole lifting arrangement shall meet the manufacturer's safe
working load limits. In addition, each component shall have a nominal breaking
strength of not less than 5 times the static load applied. Consideration for
end fitting losses and actual positioning of connecting parts shall be
given.
(ii) Lugs or other devices
for lifting or attaching the gin pole in position shall be designed with load
and resistance factors appropriate for their intended use.
(iii) Only alloy chains marked by the
manufacturer with an 8, T, or A, rated for lifting, shall be used.
(iv) Only quenched and tempered hooks and
shackles shall be used. The manufacturer's load rating shall be stamped on the
product.
(v) The breaking strength
of the sheave shall equal or exceed the breaking strength of the wire rope
intended for the sheave.
(k) Gin pole use shall comply with the
following:
(i) A user's gin pole load chart
shall be provided for each pole.
(ii) Any special engineered lift that is
outside of the load chart shall only be allowed at the direction of a licensed
professional engineer. Monitoring and measuring conditions, as specified by a
licensed professional engineer, shall be provided and used during all special
engineered lifts.
(iii)
Modifications or repairs of a gin pole shall be made with like or similar
materials to meet or exceed the original specifications. Modifications or
repairs shall be recertified by a licensed professional engineer.
(iv) A mechanism shall be in place to prevent
the gin pole from tipping during the jumping process.
(l) Wire rope used for rigging shall be as
follows:
(i) Compatible with the sheaves of
the rooster head and hoisting blocks.
(ii) Lubricated in accordance to manufacturer
specifications to prevent corrosion and wear.
(iii) End connections shall be terminated per
industry and manufacturer's specifications.
(iv) Wedge sockets shall have a minimum tail
length of 1 rope lay with a properly torqued clip attached to prevent
accidental disengagement.
(v) Only
manufactured Flemish eyes will be acceptable.
(m) The employer shall ensure that gin pole
inspections include all of the following:
(i)
Gin poles shall have a documented inspection annually by a qualified
person.
(ii) In addition to the
annual inspection, the employer shall designate a competent person who shall
visually inspect the gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to
ensure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies shall be repaired
before use continues.
(iii) During
each inspection, a qualified person or a competent person shall do all of the
following:
(A) Inspect the legs and bracing
members for bends or distortion.
(B) Inspect the straightness tolerances for
the overall assembly (including leg and bracing members).
(C) Visually inspect the welds for quality,
deformation, cracks, rust, pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.
(D) Inspect the members for excessive rust,
pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.
(E) Inspect the sling attachment points for
distortion, wear, cracks, and rust.
(F) Ensure that proper bolts are utilized and
all associated hardware is in good condition.
(G) Inspect side plates on rooster heads for
distortion or other damage.
(H)
Inspect all attachment hardware, including rigging and parts such as cables,
slings, and sling attachment points, shackles, hooks, and sockets for wear,
distortion, cracks, and rust.
(I)
Ensure that all problems identified during the inspection are corrected before
placing the gin pole into service.
