Safety for Lifting Devices 211

alloy steel

A steel containing another material that is added intentionally in order to improve certain properties of the metal. Alloy steel is used to make chains because of its strength and durability.

alloy steel chain slings

A type of metal sling consisting of a master hook, chain links, and sling hooks. Alloy steel chain slings are durable and used for lifting heavy loads.

American National Standards Institute

ANSI. A private, non-profit membership organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the U.S. private sector. The American National Standards Institute establishes the safety codes for overhead and gantry cranes based on OSHA requirements.

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM. The organization that develops standards for industry, government, and the environment to make products safer and more cost-effective. The American Society for Testing and Materials requires slings to have proof tests performed in accordance with their standards to ensure safety.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute. A private, non-profit membership organization that administers and coordinates voluntary standards and systems in the U.S. private sector. ANSI establishes the safety codes for overhead and gantry cranes based on OSHA requirements.

baskets

A lifting device that is used to pick up loads without eyebolts, hooks, or fasteners. Baskets are used with sets of chains that connect to the basket and evenly distribute the load.

baskets

A lifting device used to pick up loads without eyebolts, hooks, or other fasteners. Baskets are used with the reeving system on derricks.

boom

A structure on a crane or derrick that can swivel or pivot around a fixed location. A boom is necessary for lifting with hoists and ropes.

braces

A device that steadies or supports other components. Braces are usually made of a type of sturdy, heavy metal and can be used instead of guys to secure a derrick crane.

bridges

The part of an overhead crane that carries the trolley. Bridges consist of girders, trucks, end ties, footwalks, and the drive mechanism that carries the trolley.

cantilever gantry cranes

A hoisting crane with a long beam that is fixed only at one end along which a hoisting trolley moves. Cantilever gantry cranes can extend on one or both sides.

clamps

A lifting device with teeth that use pressure to secure objects. Clamps are used for lifting loads without the use of eyebolts or slings.

clearance

A specified amount of space or distance between two objects or areas. Clearance must be maintained above and around cranes.

cost per ton

The price of a product per ton of weight. The low cost per ton of wire rope slings makes them one of the most commonly used lifting devices.

cranes

A lifting used to move a load with a hoisting mechanism. Cranes can be fixed or mobile and can be driven manually or powered.

derricks

A lifting devices that has a fixed location and is characterized by a movable mast. Derricks come with or without a boom for use with a hoisting mechanism and operating ropes.

diameter

The distance from one edge of a circle to the opposite edge that passes through the center. The size of the diameter of a sling is determined by the amount of stress that will be placed on the sling.

electromagnetic device

An object made magnetic by an electric current. Electromagnetic devices can be used to lift magnetic materials, like iron.

flange

A flat ring or collar around the base of a shoulder eyebolt. flanges support the shaft of the eyebolt against side forces.

forces

An influence, such as a push or a pull, that increases stress on an object. Forces that affect eyebolts can be vertical forces or side forces.

forklifts

A small industrial truck used for carrying, lifting, and stacking materials. Forklifts contain a pair of forks used for lifting and transporting heavy loads.

frequent inspections

An inspection that occurs at daily or monthly intervals. Frequent inspections are not as thorough as periodic inspections.

gantry cranes

A type of crane with bridges supported on two or more legs that run on fixed, parallel rails. Gantry cranes are similar to overhead cranes but can rotate to different positions to pick up loads.

grabs

A lifting device with tines or teeth that are used to pick up loads. Grabs are mechanical, hydraulic, or motorized.

grade

A category, rank, or level of quality. The grade of a sling appears on its identification tag.

grapples

A lifting device that used hooks or claws used to pick up loads. Grapples can move a wide variety of heavy loads.

guarded

To make equipment, walking paths, or other features inaccessible by installing fixed, interlocked, adjusting, or self-adjusting guards. Moving parts on hoists and other lifting devices must be guarded.

guys

A rope or cable that is used to steady or secure equipment or materials. Guys may be used to secure a mast or another component in position.

hoist

A device for lifting and lowering loads by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. A hoist may be part of a crane.

hoists

A device for lifting and lowering loads by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. A hoist may be part of a crane.

hoists

Devices that lift and lower loads by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. Hoists exert vertical forces to function.

hoistways

The opening or passage through or along which a hoist will travel. A hoistway must be painted so that it is clearly seen by employees.

hook

An attachment device that is curved and structured to slip through a component used to lift a load. Hooks are usually used with chains, hoists, and slings.

hydraulic-powered boom

A lifting arm powered by the motion and pressure of fluids. A hydraulic-powered boom is suited for multiple lifting heights and capacities.

J-hook

A hook in the shape of the letter "J." J-hooks are designed for use with chains, hoists, and slings.

jib hoists

A hoist with lifting arms for added length when lifting specific loads. The jib may be in line with the lifting arm or offset at various angles.

lifting devices

A piece of equipment that carries objects from one location to another. Lifting devices include cranes, hoists, and forklifts.

lifting medium

The component of a hoist that provides the vertical raising and lowering of a load. Wire rope and chain are commonly used as lifting media.

limit switch

A mechanical sensor that requires physical contact to detect the presence or absence of an object. Limit switches use an actuator to make or break an electrical connection that performs an action, such as turning a light on or off.

load balancing

The practice of loading a lifting device so that the weight is evenly distributed. Load balancing reduces wear on equipment and makes accidents less likely.

load shifting

The change in the distribution of the weight of a load or objects that make up a load. Load shifting causes the load to become unbalanced and may result in damage to objects or personnel.

load-bearing surface

A surface that supports weight. The wider the load-bearing surface is, the more weight it can support.

lug

A large nut that mates with a heavy bolt. A lug can be used to mount a hoist.

magnetic field

The area in and around a magnet in which a magnetic force exists. Magnetic fields exhibit the powers of attraction and repulsion.

magnets

A metallic object or substance that possesses a force that attracts or repels other metals, especially iron. Magnets are used on some derricks to lift metal loads.

marking

A tag permanently affixed to the sling stating the size, grade, rated capacity, and reach of the sling. A marking is also called a sling identification tag.

mast

The upright structure of a derrick. The mast is responsible for lifting and bearing the weight of the load.

metal mesh slings

A type of sling composed of fabric made of metal spirals connected by cross rods. Metal mesh slings are recommended for lifting hot and sharp objects.

motors

A machine that converts one form of energy, such as electricity, into mechanical energy or motion. Motors, in conjunction with cables, are sometimes used to power and support lifting mechanisms.

natural fiber rope slings

A rope sling composed of fibers that occur in nature. Natural fiber rope slings are used to handle fragile loads.

nylon

A tough, lightweight, elastic polymer often used as a synthetic fabric. There are many types of nylon, and all nylons are strong and flexible.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets standards to maintain accident-free workplaces.

operation type

The type of power provided to the lifting device. The operation type determines whether a lifting device is powered electrically, manually, or pneumatically.

operational test

A test required by OSHA and performed prior to the initial use of a lifting device. The operational test ensures the main components and functions are safe and in compliance with OSHA standards.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A government agency dedicated to reducing injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. OSHA sets standards to maintain accident-free workplaces.

overhead cranes

A crane with hoists that travels along fixed, overhead runways. Overhead cranes have a bridge and a wheeled trolley that travels across the bridge horizontally.

overhead cranes

Cranes with hoists that travel along fixed, overhead runways. Overhead cranes have a bridge and a wheeled trolley that travels across the bridge horizontally.

overhead hoists

A hoisting mechanism used with overhead lifting devices, such as cranes. Overhead hoists lift and move parts over long distances.

periodic inspection

An inspection that occurs at regular intervals. The frequency of periodic inspections depends on the degree of exposure to wear and deterioration and malfunction of critical components.

pneumatically

Powered by the controlled motion of gas, often air, under pressure. High-capacity hoists are usually powered pneumatically.

polyester

A type of thermoset that is commonly combined with other polymers for numerous commercial uses. Polyester is light, strong, and resistant to weather and corrosion.

polypropylene

A synthetic polymer of propylene often used in ropes and fabrics. Polypropylene is economical, versatile, and very lightweight.

portable cantilever hoists

A lifting device with a hoisting mechanism and a beam that extends beyond the runway structure. A portable cantilever hoist can be manually moved to the load for lifting.

portable crane hoists

A mobile lifting device used for lifting in confined areas. Portable hoists, or portable lifting stands, usually come equipped with a boom for use at multiple lifting heights.

portable hoists

• A mobile lifting device used for lifting in confined areas. Portable hoists, or portable lifting stands, usually come equipped with a boom for use at multiple lifting heights.

portable lifting stands

A compact structure that is mobile and uses a sling to lift loads. Portable lifting stands, or portable hoists, are used when obstructions prevent the use of other overhead devices.

portable lifting stands

A mobile lifting device used for lifting in confined areas. Portable lifting stands, or portable hoists, usually come equipped with a boom for use at multiple lifting heights.

preventive maintenance program

A program required by OSHA and based on the manufacturer's recommendations for adjustment and repair of the lifting device and components. The employer is responsible for developing and enforcing the preventive maintenance program.

proof test

A nondestructive tension test performed by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity. A proof test verifies construction and workmanship of a sling.

pulleys

A type of simple machine consisting of a circular device that raises or lowers a load or transmits motion. Pulleys are a part of the reeving of a derrick.

rated capacity

The manufacturer's guidelines for how much weight a sling can safely support. The rated capacity of a sling appears on its identification tag.

rated load test

A test required by OSHA and performed prior to the initial use of a lifting device to test the load rating. The rated load test is performed to understand a system's behavior under different load conditions.

reach

The effective length of a sling measured from top to bottom. Reach is indicated on a sling identification tag.

reeving

A hoisting mechanism in which fabric or wire rope travels around drums and sheaves. Reeving is used with hooks, baskets, grabs, grapples, and magnets to lift a load.

ring

A round link that is used to form some types of chains. Rings are often made from hardened alloy steel.

roller load chains

A set of connected, metal links with spaces designed for lifting. Roller load chains are a type of lifting medium.

runways

An assembly of rails, beams, girders, brackets, and framework on which a crane or trolley travels. Runways are stationary.

semigantry cranes

A type of gantry crane with one end of the bridge supported by one or more legs that run on a fixed rail or runway. On a semigantry crane, the other end of the bridge is supported by a truck running on an elevated rail or runway.

setup

The necessary preparation that occurs before a crane is ready to use. Setup includes ensuring the crane is on a stable surface, all attachments and lifting devices are in working order, and that pathways are clear of people and obstacles.

shoulder eyebolt

An eyebolt used for increased strength when side forces impact the load during lifting. Shoulder eyebolts have a flange or shoulder mounted to them to keep from sinking into the surface to which they are bolted.

sling identification tag

A tag permanently affixed to the sling stating the size, grade, rated capacity, and reach of the sling. A sling identification tag is also called a marking.

slings

A loop of material that connects a load to a lifting device. Slings can be made of natural or synthetic materials in the form of chain, wire, fabric, or metal mesh.

spreader bars

A device that is usually formed of adjustable pipe and is used to distribute weight while lifting wide frames. Spreader bars are usually constructed of metal.

standard eyebolt

An eyebolt that has no wide edges around its base. The standard eyebolt is used only for vertical lifting.

steel chains

A chain used for general-purpose lifting because of its strength and durability. Steel chains are usually made from alloy steel.

storage bridge cranes

A gantry crane whose bridge is supported on one or more legs. Storage bridge cranes are usually used for bulk storage of material.

stress

A force that attempts to deform an object. The amount of stress determines the size of the diameter of a sling to be used to handle a load.

suspension type

The mounting or method used to support a hoist. Common suspension types include hook-mounted, lug-mounted, trolley-mounted, and wall-mounted.

synthetic fiber rope slings

A rope sling composed of manufactured fibers. Synthetic fiber rope slings are used to handle fragile loads.

synthetic web slings

A sling made of a mesh constructed of manufactured fabric. Synthetic web slings are made of lightweight, flexible materials like nylon for fragile loads.

threads

A long, spiraling groove or ridge that may appear on the interior or exterior of an object. Threads help fasteners, such as screws and eyebolts, transform motion, grip material, and hold components together.

three-strand construction

A method for constructing rope in which three strands of fiber are right-laid and twisted together. Three-strand construction provides increased strength.

trolley

The structure that is attached to the bridge and holds the hoist. The trolley carries the hoist along the bridge.

wall cranes

A type of crane with or without trolleys. A wall crane is supported by a side wall or columns of a building.

welded link chains

A chain with links that are connected by a weld. Welded link chains are often used as lifting medium.

wire rope

A rope made from strands of steel or iron. Wire rope is used to move loads that require the rope to be extremely strong and resistant to abrasion.

wire rope slings

A type of metal sling composed of rope made from strands of steel or iron. Wire rope slings are the most commonly used type of slings.