Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 25 - LIFTING AND CARRYING APPARATUS
Subchapter B - CRANES, BOOMS AND HOISTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CRANES
Section 25.43 - Chains and cables
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
(a) Inspection. All hoist chains including end fastenings should be inspected once every working day. A thorough inspection shall be made at least once a month and a signed report of same kept on file. After a shutdown of a month or more, a thorough inspection shall be made before use. Special attention shall be given to detecting defective welds.
(b) Double chains. Bolts or nails may not be placed between two chain links to shorten chains.
(c) Splicing chains. Chains may not be spliced with other than approved splicing devices.
(d) Annealing of chains. Whenever annealing of chains is attempted, it shall be done in properly equipped annealing furnaces and under the direct supervision of a competent person thoroughly versed in heat treating.
(e) Inspection of wire ropes. All running ropes should be inspected every working day by a crane operator. A thorough inspection of ropes shall be made at least once a month and a full written and signed report of rope condition shall be kept on file, and readily available to the Department and its authorized representative. Ropes used on equipment which has been shut down for a period of one month or more shall be given a thorough inspection and full release by the inspector before the equipment is permitted to be used. A report of the rope condition shall be filed.
(f) Renewal of cables. Whenever the design factor of safety of any cable has been reduced by 15%, the cable shall be immediately removed.
(g) Wraps of cable on drums. There may be not less than two full wraps of hoisting cable on the drums of cranes and hoists at all times of operation.
(h) Flanges on drums. Cables shall not be allowed to pile on drums of cranes. The drums shall have a flange at each end to prevent the cables from slipping off the drums.
(i) Bottom sheaves. Bottom sheaves shall be protected by close-fitting guards to prevent the rope from being misplaced.
(j) Reaving. The reaving shall be of a type and so arranged that ropes will not chafe or abrade while in use.