Drum Hoists, Overhead Hoists and Conveyors in Construction

Guards, controls and power failure

• Guarding. Exposed moving parts that are a hazard, such as gears, projecting screws, setscrews, chain, cables, chain sprockets and reciprocating or rotating parts, must be guarded.
• Controls. All controls used during the normal operation cycle must be within easy reach of the operator's station.
• Electric motor operated hoists must have: a device that disconnects all motors on power failure and keeps them from restarting until the controller handle is brought to the off position; where applicable, an overspeed preventive device; and a means for remotely operated hoists to stop when any control is ineffective.
• The hoist must meet the manufacturer's requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance and operation.

This section does not apply to drum hoists used with derricks; those must conform to the derrick rule in 29 CFR 1926.1436(e) instead.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.553(c)

Safe working load and standing clear

• The safe working load, as determined by the manufacturer, must be marked on the hoist and must not be exceeded.
• The supporting structure must have a safe working load equal to that of the hoist.
• The support must allow free movement so the hoist can line itself up with the load.
• The hoist may be installed only where the operator can stand clear of the load at all times.
• Air hoists need an air supply of sufficient capacity and pressure, and air hoses must be positively connected so they cannot come apart during use.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(5)

Stops, warnings and guards

• A means to stop the motor or engine must be at the operator's station, and also at the motor or engine location if the operator's station is remote.
• An audible warning signal must sound immediately before the conveyor starts.
• Emergency stop switches must keep the conveyor from restarting until the actuating stop switch has been reset to running or on.
• Screw conveyors must be guarded to prevent contact with turning flights.
• Where a conveyor passes over work areas, aisles or thoroughfares, guards must protect employees required to work below.
• Crossovers, aisles and passageways must be conspicuously marked by suitable signs.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(5) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(6)

Repairs and maintenance

During repairs, and when operation is hazardous to employees doing maintenance, conveyors must be locked out or otherwise rendered inoperable and tagged out with a Do Not Operate tag.

Conveyors in use must meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation in ANSI B20.1-1957, Safety Code for Conveyors, Cableways, and Related Equipment.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(7) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(8)