What you need to know about Anti-Two-Block Protection

Recently an owner called to inquire if Anti-Two-Block protection was required on a Pile Driving operation.  The answer is No.  The owner told their operator to remove it since it caused computer problems and parted the chain, allowing the Two-Block weight to fall and crash into the wedge socket.  The operator did not want to continue operating without the Anti-Two-Block in place for fear of violating the Federal Code. The code states that there are exceptions to the Anti-Two-Block requirement.

The Exceptions are listed below and can be found in the following Federal OSHA New Crane Rule 1926.1416(d)(3)(ii)(C).

Anti-Two-Block Protection should not be used during the following operations:           

·        Dragline

·        Clamshell (grapple)

·         Magnet

·         Drop-Ball

·         Container Handling

·         Concrete Bucket

·         Marine operations that do not involve hoisting personnel

·         Pile driving work.

Avoid the Most Commonly Cited Deficiency

#1 Common Crane Deficiency

 

Failure to Produce A Monthly Inspection Logbook 

 

At HESCO, safety is the absolute #1 priority.  We use our 50+ years of crane industry experience together with OSHA’s standards for Cranes & Derricks (1926.1400) to establish a set of safety standards that keep our customers safe and satisfied. Most of the 1800 devices that we inspect each year are from repeat customers that value their staff’s safety and appreciate the value of preventative safety measures. So, when we spot a deficiency, our customers listen and take action.

Although it may come as a surprise to many of our readers, the most commonly cited deficiency among our customers is not related to the crane’s structural integrity or hardware, but rather a failure to keep a monthly inspection logbook.

In our continuing efforts to raise crane safety awareness, we have provided our readers with the exact details to stay up to code with OSHA’s monthly inspection requirement.

We have monthly inspections checklists available in the Inspection Checklist section of our website. These monthly crane inspection checklists will help you perform a thorough monthly inspection on your device.  

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Summary of Monthly Crane Inspection Requirements

·      Performed by a competent person.

·      Inspect the device as in the shift inspection and it cannot be used until the inspection demonstrates that no corrective action is required.

·      Findings of the inspection must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection.

·      Inspection report must contain the name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date performed.

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 OSHA'S Standards for 1926.1412

1926.14.12 (e)

Monthly.

1926.1412(e)(1)

Each month the equipment is in service it must be inspected in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section (each shift).  Section d provide below.

1926.1412(e)(2)

Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that no corrective action under paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section is required.

1926.1412(e)(3)

Documentation.

1926.1412(e)(3)(i)

The following information must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection:

1926.1412(e)(3)(i)(A)

The items checked and the results of the inspection.

1926.1412(e)(3)(i)(B)

The name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date.

1926.1412(e)(3)(ii)

This document must be retained for a minimum of three months.

1926.1412 (d)(1)

A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift. The inspection must consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating taking apart equipment components or booming down is needed. Determinations made in conducting the inspection must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation. At a minimum the inspection must include all of the following:

1926.1412(d)(1)(i)

Control mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with proper operation.

1926.1412(d)(1)(ii) 

Control and drive mechanisms for apparent excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter. 

1926.1412(d)(1)(iii)

Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation. 

1926.1412(d)(1)(iv)

Hydraulic system for proper fluid level.

1926.1412(d)(1)(v)

Hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or damage such as from chemicals or heat.

1926.1412(d)(1)(vi)

Wire rope reeving for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.

1926.1412(d)(1)(vii)

Wire rope, in accordance with § 1926.1413(a).

1926.1412(d)(1)(viii)

Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of apparent excessive deterioration, dirt or moisture accumulation. 

1926.1412(d)(1)(ix)

Tires (when in use) for proper inflation and condition.

1926.1412(d)(1)(x)

Ground conditions around the equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers/stabilizers and supporting foundations, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of ground conditions for railroad tracks and their underlying support when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213.

1926.1412(d)(1)(xi)

The equipment for level position within the tolerances specified by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, both before each shift and after each move and setup.

1926.1412(d)(1)(xii)

Operator cab windows for significant cracks, breaks, or other deficiencies that would hamper the operator's view.

1926.1412(d)(1)(xiii)

Rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the equipment has rail traveling. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213.

1926.1412(d)(1)(xiv)

Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation.

1926.1412(d)(2)

If any deficiency in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (xiii) of this section (or in additional inspection items required to be checked for specific types of equipment in accordance with other sections of this standard) is identified, an immediate determination must be made by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard. If the deficiency is determined to constitute a safety hazard, the equipment must be taken out of service until it has been corrected. See § 1926.1417.

1926.1412(d)(3)

If any deficiency in paragraph (d)(1)(xiv) of this section (safety devices/operational aids) is identified, the action specified in § 1926.1415 and § 1926.1416 must be taken prior to using the equipment.

The Big 3

3 Required Crane Inspections

Each Shift

A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift, completed before or during the shift.  Dismantling or booming down is not required unless visual results indicate further investigation.  Items checked: Controls, Drives, Air & Hydraulic pressure lines, Hooks & Latches, Wire Rope, Electrical Apparatus, Tires, Ground Conditions, Rails, and Safety Devices.  Documentation is not required.  It is suggested to note the inspection in the log book as having been performed.

Monthly

A competent person must inspect the device as in the shift inspection and it cannot be used until the inspection demonstrates that no corrective action is required.  That inspection and information must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection.  It must contain the name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date.

Annual Comprehensive

A qualified person must conduct this inspection at 12 month intervals.  It must include everything in Shift & Monthly.  In addition, disassembly is required, as necessary to complete the inspection.  Attention to Structure, bolts, other fasteners, welds, pins, bearings shafts, gears, rollers and locking devices, draw works.  Full documentation is requires along with the name, date and signature of the inspector.