Retesting of reassembled lifting accessories if original manufacturing controls are ensured; retesting requirement if repair/replacement of parts due to breakage, damage, or evidence of diminished capacity.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 25, 2003

Mr. Dan Wagester
Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp.
4400 Alafaya Trail
Orlando, Florida 32826-5032

Re: Whether 29 CFR 1926.251(a)(4) requires re-testing after disassembly/reassembly of special custom design lifting device

Dear Mr. Wagester:

Marking and proof-testing requirements for special custom-designed lifting accessories.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 7, 2003

Barry A. Cole
Executive Vice President
Miller Safety Consulting, Inc.
5750 Pecos Street, Suite #6
Denver, CO 80221

Re: §1926.251(a)(4) requirement for marking and proof-testing special custom-design or other lifting accessories

Dear Mr. Cole:

Requirements for load-testing and marking of special custom-design rigging accessories; applicability of ASME standards.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

February 9, 2004

Jeff Moser
Director of Corporate Safety, Training & Education
PFK-MARK III, Inc.
170 Pheasant Run
Newtown, PA 18940

Re: §1926.251 - whether special test weights must be used for load tests; applicability of ASME inspection standards; whether manufactured (i.e., non-custom) lifting devices must be marked.

Dear Mr. Moser:

Modified approach to lifting several steal beams at one time.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 6, 1991

MEMORANDUM FOR:     MICHAEL G. CONNERS, Director
                    Regional Administrator

THROUGH:            LEO CAREY, Director
                    Office of Field Programs

FROM:               PATRICIA K. CLARK, Director
                    Directorate of Compliance Programs

SUBJECT:            Christmas Treeing Request

This is in response to your July 29 memorandum addressing the SOFCO Erectors, Inc. request for approval of their modified approach to lifting several steel beams at one time. I apologize for the delay in our response.

Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 31, 2010

Letter # 20070702-7826:

Re: Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection.

Question: Must wire rope slings be padded or protected during steel erection activities?

Answer: There are two construction standard provisions that are relevant to this question. In 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R, section 1926.753(c)(2) states:

Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 1, 2010

Letter # 20071113-8104

Re: Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels

Question (1): Our company manufactures pressure vessels. We typically use custom-engineered "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" (referred to collectively as lifting covers) on the top flange of the pressure vessels to enable the lifting contractor in the field to hoist the vessel onto the foundation and anchor bolts.

Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 8, 2012

Mr. Trent Schon, CSP
Director of Safety/Renewable Energy Groups
Mortenson Construction
M.A, Mortenson Company
700 Meadow Lane North
Minneapolis, MN 55422

Dear Mr. Schon:

We are writing in response to your letter of August 11, 2011 concerning proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection;Comment Request; Construction Records for Rigging Equipment (29 CFR 1926.251(c)(15)(ii)--Proof-testing of Welded End Wire Rope Attachments

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    62:37621-37622
  • Title:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. ICR 97-21]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Construction Records for Rigging Equipment (29 CFR 1926.251(c)(15)(ii) -- Proof-testing of Welded End Wire Rope Attachments

ACTION: Notice.

Rigging Equipment for Material Handling

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    64:58452-58453
  • Title:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 25, 1999.