A Higher Standard for Standards

In the realm of lifting, the number one priority isn’t just getting something off the ground and relocated, it’s worker safety. That is widely known. No company wants to put its employees’ safety in jeopardy. Injury on a personal level is regrettable and can be tragic, and on a business level, very costly in terms of time, money, fines, litigation, and productivity. For these reasons, there are safety standards that call out specifications that must be met long before anything is hooked up to be moved. One such comprehensive standard is B30.26 as set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

“B30.26 applies to the construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of detachable rigging hardware used for load handling activities in conjunction with equipment described in other volumes of the B30 Standard. This hardware includes shackles, links, rings, swivels, turnbuckles, eyebolts, hoist rings, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, rigging blocks and load indication devices.”

Source: https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/find-codes-standards/b30-26-rigging-hardware.

There are many aspects to this standard that cover the equipment specifications, procedures, training, and personnel. Anyone reading this and involved with lifting as part of their job function, no doubt has a full copy of the standard and is on their way to compliance, if not totally.

When it comes to equipment, there are several common choices for lifting including turnbuckles, eye nuts, eye bolts and hoist rings, all under the category of Adjustable Hardware. That term implies moving parts or items that can be configured which also means human interaction. Both are potential areas where things can begin to go wrong. The standard describes proper procedure for selection, use, and maintenance of these items and when followed ensures secure and safe practices for the full range of applications. Yet, despite the detailed information, there are many instances where companies are unknowingly not in compliance and thereby putting worker safety at risk.

Following the standard is best practices and will help with compliance, security, and safe lifting. Here are five things to emphasize that will help avoid potential gaps in your operations that can become larger problems as time passes.

Conduct Inspections

These are called out in the standard but can be overlooked or underwhelmed. There are three legs to proper inspection, and they’re designed to make sure personnel are thorough. The first is an initial inspection – when you get the item, to verify that it is in compliance. Second is frequent – this is an interval that occurs before using to ensure that there has been no damage and that the device can handle the load. Last is periodic – along the lines of once per year at a minimum, depending on severity of use. Together the inspection phases form a process that visually and physically ensures proper function.

Keep Written Records

Although the standard does not call for written records, it is recommended that you keep them. Record keeping serves to accomplish three things. It establishes performance tracking, makes it easy to stay on pace with all maintenance intervals, and provides the backup needed for safety and compliance reviews such as those by OSHA, as they ask for written records during inspections.

Maximize Load Ratings

When it comes to specifying lifting products to the application, make sure you have more than enough in your gear to safely lift your heavy loads. That means going beyond just matching up weight specifications. Choose a lifting products manufacturer with a proven track record, application knowledge, and who surpasses load ratings. Note that overseas rated load ratings are frequently only 4:1, whereas in the United States, a 5:1 load rating is a requirement called out in the ASME spec. So, for example a 10,000-pound load test must hold to destruction at 50,000 pounds, at a minimum. To get to these high-level results requires certified materials and strict design parameters.

Engineer The Lift

Knowledgeable and trained lifting engineers understand critical issues for safe and reliable lifting, and they know to rig to the load. After the load weight has been identified, it is important to choose the appropriate lifting product. For straight vertical lifts, conventional eyebolts are a first choice. Multipoint picks (lifts) involve a share of load that depends on overall weight, the center of gravity, and the sling angle.

When a sling angle is used, swiveling and pivoting hoist rings are needed for clearance and proper load dissipation. Keep in mind that the applied load increases along with added sling angle. Manufacturers such as Jergens offer tables and guidance to support appropriate load and lifting procedures. Other criteria – such as lifting hole size, depth, and location – are critical to address. Of those, thread depth is often not properly addressed. A couple rules of thumb, the minimums should be 1-1/2 times the bolt diameter for steel, and 2XD for aluminum.

Don’t Take Shortcuts

Lastly, use all lifting products in the manner they are intended. Have a lift plan and do not use homemade remedies such as shop-welded nuts and washers. Also do not use nuts, spacers and washers that are not part of the original assembly. ASME requires that all lifting products be durably marked showing the manufacturer’s name or trademark, the rated load capacity, and the torque value. Replacement hardware must be per the exact manufacturer. There are many dos to follow and don’ts to avoid, from proper torque to avoiding shock loads. Consult the standard and your lifting solutions provider for full and proper procedure. As the adage goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

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