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Shipyard Employment eTool: Shipbreaking
General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning

Material Handling » Chain Falls and Pull-lifts
 
Chain falls and pull-lifts, such as come-alongs, are frequently used to move or lift heavy items. Anchor points must be strong enough to carry the load and the attachment device must be secure. Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Shipbreaking: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. Chain fall (hoist) attached to rudder
Figure 1: Chain fall (hoist) attached to rudder.

Chain Falls and Pull-lifts
Potential Hazards:

Failure of equipment, anchor points, or supporting structures due to overloading, distortion, or misuse may cause serious injuries.

Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Chain falls and pull-lifts capacity must be clearly marked. [1915.114(a)] See Figure 2.
  • Capacity must not be exceeded. [1915.114(a)]
  • Chain falls and pull-lifts must be regularly inspected. [1915.114(b)]
  • Straps, shackles, and the beam or overhead structure to which a chain fall or pull-lift is secured must be of adequate strength to support the weight of load and gear. [1915.114(c)]
  • The upper hook must be moused or otherwise secured. [1915.114(c)]
  • Scaffolding must not be used as a point of attachment for lifting devices unless it is specifically designed for that purpose.  [1915.114(d)]
 
Chain fall capacity clearly marked, but with defective safety gate on hook
Figure 2: Chain fall capacity clearly marked, but with defective safety gate on hook.

Chain pull-lift with proper capacity and anchor point, used to support propeller shaft
Figure 3: Chain pull-lift with proper capacity and anchor point, used to support propeller shaft.
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