PART 23

PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION AND EXCAVATION OPERATIONS
(Statutory authority: Labor Law, §§27-a, 27, 29)
 

SUBPART 23-6    MATERIAL HOISTING

23-6.1     General requirements
23-6.2     Rigging, rope and chains for material hoists
               Table XVI     Rope Clip Requirements
23-6.3     Material platform or bucket hoists
 

SUBPART 23-6
MATERIAL HOISTING

Historical Note

Subpart added, filed May 30, 1972 eff. June I, 1972.

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§ 23-6.1 General requirements.

(a) Application of Subpart. The general requirements of this Subpart shall apply to all material hoisting equipment except cranes, derricks, aerial baskets, excavating machines used for material hoisting and fork lift trucks.

(b) Maintenance. Material hoisting equipment shall at all times be maintained in good repair and proper operating condition with sufficient inspections to insure such maintenance. All defects affecting safety shall be immediately corrected either by necessary repairs or replacement of parts, or such defective equipment shall be immediately removed from the job site.

(c) Operation. (1) Only trained, designated persons shall operate hoisting equipment and such equipment shall be operated in a safe manner at all times.

(2) Operators of material hoisting equipment shall remain at the controls while any load is suspended.

(d) Loading. Material hoisting equipment shall not be loaded in excess of the live load for which it was designed as specified by the manufacturer. Where there is any hazard to persons, all loads shall be properly trimmed to prevent dislodgment of any portions of such loads during transit. Suspended loads shall be securely slung and properly balanced before they are set in motion.

(e) Signal system required. (1) Operators and signalmen. Material hoists shall be operated only in response to a signal system and all operators and signalmen shall be able to comprehend the signals readily and to execute them properly.

(2) Signal transmittal. Such signal system shall consist of manual signals, telephone communications or a visual or audible signal code. Such signaling methods may be used separately or in combination. Where manual or visual signals are used, the signalman shall have a clear and unobstructed view of the hoist operator at all times and the hoist operator shall have a clear and unobstructed view of the signalman at all times. The maximum distance between the signalman and the operator shall be 80 feet. Where persons are loading or unloading at more than one level or where the signalman cannot be readily seen by the hoist operator, an electrically- or mechanically-operated bell system shall be provided and used. Where audible signals are used, such signals shall be capable of being heard at all times above the normal sound level in the area. Intercommunication or telephone systems shall be provided in addition to manually-operated electrical or mechanical bell signal systems where necessary for safe operation of the hoist. Weatherproof electrical connections and fittings shall be used for electrically-operated signal or communication systems on hoist towers that are exposed to the elements.

(3) Visual and audible signal code. Where a visual or audible signal system is used in the operation of any material hoist, the following signal code shall be employed:

(4) Posting of signal code. Where a visual or audible signal code is used, a copy of such code shall be posted in a conspicuous location adjacent to the hoisting controls, clearly visible to the hoist operator from his operating position. Where there is a car attendant, such code shall also be posted in a conspicuous position in the hoist car.

(f) Protection of hoist operator. (1) Where an overhead hazard exists, the operator of a hoisting machine shall be provided with overhead protection equivalent to tight planking not less than two inches thick which is supported to develop its full strength.

(2) The area or space occupied by the hoisting machine and its operator shall be protected from the elements and shall be heated in cold weather to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times such area or space is occupied.

(g) Protection of moving parts. Gears, belts, sprockets, drums, sheaves and points of contact between moving parts of power-driven hoist equipment, when not guarded by location, shall be guarded in compliance with this Part (rule) and with Industrial Code Part (rule) 19.

(h) Tag line. Loads which have a tendency to swing or turn freely during hoisting shall be controlled by tag lines.

(i) Riding. Riding on loads, buckets, slings, balls or hooks or material hoisting equipment is prohibited.

(j) Hoisting machine. (1) Hoist brakes. Hoist brakes, capable of stopping and holding 150 percent of the rated capacity of the hoist, shall be provided for every material hoist. Each manually-operated material hoist shall be equipped with an effective pawl and ratchet capable of holding the rated load capacity when such a load is suspended. Each electric motor-driven material hoist shall be provided with a mechanical automatic motor brake or an electrical or mechanical device which will stop and hold 150 percent of the rated capacity of the hoist automatically in case of power failure.

(2) Hoisting machine anchorage. Hoisting machines shall be so constructed, installed and secured in place as to prevent tipping or dislodgment.

(k) Repairs and lubrication. No repairing, cleaning or lubricating of machinery shall be done unless such machinery is at rest.

Historical Note

Sec. added, filed May 30, 1972 eff. June 1, 1972.

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§ 23-6.2 Rigging, rope and chains for material hoists.

(a) Hoisting rope. (1) Types required. Only wire rope of the improved plow steel classification or equivalent having a safety factor of not less than six shall be used with power-driven hoisting machinery, except for winchheads or capstan hoists where fibre rope may be used.

(2) Fibre rope. (i) Fibre rope shall be first grade manila hemp or synthetic fibre. Means to prevent chafing shall be provided where necessary. Proper size blocks to accommodate the rope shall be used. Fibre rope shall be protected where acid or any other harmful or corrosive agent or chemical is used. All fibre rope shall be stored in a dry condition and in a dry place protected from the elements.
(ii) Fibre rope that is unsound in any way or that shows the effects of severe wear, deterioration or abrasion shall not be used and shall be removed from the job site. Frozen rope shall be thawed before being used.

(3) Wire rope. (i) Wire rope shall be so handled and stored as to prevent kinks and shall be maintained lubricated to prevent corrosion. Wire rope that is kinked shall not be used on any material hoist. Wire rope shall be discarded and replaced when more than 10 percent of the total wires of any lay are broken. A rope lay is that distance measured along the rope in which one strand makes a complete revolution around the rope axis. Wire rope shall be discarded and replaced when the wires on the crown of the strand are worn down to less than 60 percent of their original cross-sectional area, when visual inspection indicates marked signs of corrosion, deterioration or abrasion and when any combination of broken wires and abrasion has reduced the original strength of the rope to 80 percent or less.
(ii) The ends of wire rope shall be securely attached to the hoist drums and at least four turns of rope shall remain on each drum at all times.
Exception: Attachment of the rope to the hoist drum shall not be required on traction type hoists.

(iii) Means shall be provided to prevent accidental contact with or damage to any hoisting rope. Such means shall consist of substantial covering, fencing or guarding by location.

(4) Wire rope fastenings. (i) Wire rope fastenings shall consist of zinc-filled sockets, wedge sockets with at least one rope clip above each socket, eye-splices with pear-shaped thimbles to fit the rope, proper size thimbles with rope clips or other approved fastenings.
(ii) Where clips are used as fastenings, the number used shall be in accordance with Table XVI of this Subpart.

(iii) The spacing between clips shall be at least six times the diameter of the rope. The U-bolts of clips shall be placed over the short ends of the ropes.

TABLE XVI
ROPE CLIP REQUIREMENTS

Return

(b) Sheaves. Load-bearing sheaves for wire rope shall be of proper diameter and grooving to accommodate the rope but in no case shall such diameter be less than 20 times the diameter of the rope. Sheaves shall be maintained properly lubricated. Sheaves and blocks that are so excessively worn, damaged, deteriorated or otherwise defective as to cause or threaten to cause failure of the equipment shall not be used. Sheaves intended for use with fibre rope shall not be used with wire rope.

(c) Fittings. All hooks, shackles and other fittings subject to tension or shear shall be drop-forged. The use of deformed or damaged hooks, shackles, chains or other fittings is prohibited. All suspended pulley blocks, sheaves, well wheels or similar devices shall be moused or securely fastened or safety hooks shall be used.

(d) Use of chains. (1) Chains shall not be used as slings in hoisting operations except for the raising or lowering of wooden piles, large timbers, large pieces of masonry or large stones.

(2) Chains shall not be knotted nor shall they be shortened or spliced by the use of nails or bolts.

(3) Defective chains shall not be used.

(e) Heat treating of chains. The annealing or normalizing of chains shall be performed only by the manufacturer or his authorized agent.

Historical Note

Sec. added, filed May 30, 1972 eff. June 1, 1972.

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§ 23-6.3 Material platform or bucket hoists.

(a) Design requirement. Every material platform or bucket hoist erected after June 1, 1972 shall be designed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York. The design plans and specifications for any such hoist shall be kept on the job site available for examination by the commissioner.

(b) Material hoist towers. (1) The tower of every material hoist shall be supported by a firm foundation of such dimensions and area as to adequately distribute the intended load so as not to exceed the safe load-bearing capacity of the supporting soil. Tower bracing shall be constructed of such material and shall be so installed as to secured tower stability and rigidity and to keep the tower plumb.

(2) Each such tower shall be secured with guys or rigid braces at each corner at intervals not to exceed 26 feet vertically. Tower guys shall be at least one-half inch diameter improved plow steel wire rope and shall be securely fastened to adequate anchorages with wire rope clips in accordance with Table XVI of this Subpart.

(3) The erection and dismantling of any material hoist tower shall be performed only under the direct supervision of a designated person experienced in this type of work. Timber hoist towers shall be erected only to a height necessary for the performance of the work and shall be extended in height only when the construction work has progressed sufficiently to provide for the anchorages and bracing heretofore required. Hoist towers constructed of metal shall not be erected to a height exceeding 50 feet above the highest portion of the buildings or other structures which may be used as suitable anchorages for guying such towers.

(4) Hoist towers shell be so constructed that there shall be at least four feet of clearance between the lowest point on the circumference of the cathead sheave and the highest point on the hoisting rope fastening on the car or bucket when such conveyance is at the uppermost terminal or landing.

(c) Hoistway enclosures. (1) Interior. Interior hoistways for material hoists shall be enclosed at every floor level to a height of at least eight feet on all sides except entrance openings. Such enclosures shall be constructed of wire mesh of not less than No. 18 U.S. gage steel with openings which will reject a one-half inch diameter ball or such enclosures shall be partitions of exterior grade plywood at least three-quarters inch thick, of wood slats not less than three-quarters inch thick installed horizontally and spaced not more than two inches apart or of other material of equivalent strength. Such enclosures shall be adequately supported, braced and secured.

(2) Enclosed exterior. When any exterior hoistway for a material hoist is enclosed, such enclosure shall extend from the lowest terminal points to the cathead elevations on all sides except entrance openings. Such enclosures shall be constructed of wire mesh of not less than No. 18 U.S. gage steel with openings which will reject a one-half inch diameter ball.

(3) Unenclosed exterior. When any exterior hoistway for a material hoist is unenclosed, the following requirements shall apply:
(i) Such hoistway shall be enclosed at the ground or grade level to a height of at least six feet on all sides except entrance openings. Such enclosure shall be constructed of wire mesh of not less than No. 18 U.S. gage steel with openings which will reject a one-half inch diameter ball. Entrance openings of any such hoistway shall be provided with gates or bars in compliance with this Part (rule) except that sliding bars may be used in lieu of hinged bars. Such gates or bars shall be kept closed whenever the car is hoisted.

(ii) In addition to the enclosure of the hoist car as required by this Part (rule), each loading side of any such car shall be provided with a self-closing gate at least 66 inches in height, constructed of the same material as the car enclosure.

(iii) Where any point on a moving car or counterweight of a material hoist passes less than eight feet from a floor, roof, scaffold platform or other work surface or position, such floor, roof, scaffold platform or other work surface shall be provided with a partition at least six feet in height. Such partition shall extend horizontally at least five feet past the horizontal projection of the path of the car or counterweight. Such partition shall be at least equal in construction to hoistway enclosures as specified in this Part (rule).

(d) Entrances to hoistways. (l) All entrances to any hoistway used for material hoisting above the lowest loading terminal or grade entrance shall be guarded by substantial gates painted fluorescent orange or yellow. When closed, such gates shall guard the full width of the entrance openings. The top of each such gate shall be at least 36 inches in height above the floor surface when located two feet or more from the hoistway line. Any such gate located less than two feet from the hoistway line shall be not less than 66 inches in height above the floor surface. If such entrance gates are constructed with a grille, wire mesh, lattice or other openwork material, the openings therein shall reject a ball more than two inches in diameter. Any such gate shall have an underclearance of not more than two inches. Such entrance gates shall be either vertical sliding, horizontal sliding or swinging gates. Any swinging gate shall swing in the direction of egress from the car to the floor.

(2) At the lowest loading terminal or grade entrance, a wood or metal bar may be used to guard the entrance to a hoistway used for material hoisting. Such bar shall be painted fluorescent orange or yellow. Such bar shall be mechanically or electrically interlocked with the hoist car so that the bar shall be closed and locked before the car can leave the lowest terminal or grade level and cannot be opened until the car has returned to such level.

(3) Bars or pipes shall not be used to guard hoistway entrances at any level or floor above the lowest terminal or grade level.

(4) Gates at hoistway entrances above the lowest terminal or grade level shall be kept closed when the car is not at such entrances.

(e) Car construction. (1) Hoist cars used for material hoisting shall be enclosed from floor to crosshead with solid enclosures on all sides not used for loading or unloading. Every such hoist car shall be provided with overhead protection installed at the crosshead to protect any person from falling objects or materials. Such overhead protection shall consist of planking at least two inches thick, exterior grade plywood at least three-quarters inch thick or other material of equivalent strength.

(2) In lieu of solid enclosures, hoist cars may be enclosed with expanded metal of not less than No. 9 U.S. gage steel with openings which will reject a one and one-half inch diameter ball. Such enclosed cars shall also be provided with toeboards at least four inches in height on all sides except those used for loading and unloading.

(3) Car platforms shall be provided with securely fastened blocks and cleats to prevent the rolling of wheeled vehicles and the shifting of other equipment.

(f) Guide rails. The guide rails of material hoists shall be constructed of steel or sound, structural grade hardwood securely fastened at intervals so as not to deflect more than one-quarter inch during normal operation of the hoist.

(g) Operation of hoist. The operation of any hoist car, bucket or platform is prohibited whenever persons are climbing the hoist tower or working on any part of the tower below the cathead.
Exception: The platform, cage, car or bucket may be used to raise persons for authorized maintenance
and repairs that cannot be done otherwise.

(h) Protection of operator. The operator of every hoisting machine used with material platform or bucket hoists shall be provided with overhead protection against falling objects or materials. Such overhead protection shall be equivalent to tight planking not less than two inches thick supported to develop its full strength.

(i) Loading and roping of platform hoists. The maximum safe capacity of each platform hoist shall be determined by using a factor of safety of eight. Such maximum safe capacity shall be posted conspicuously on the crosshead or side members of every such hoist and such capacity shall not be exceeded.

(j) Thoroughfare. Hoistways for material hoists shall not be located either partially or wholly over sidewalks, passageways or other areas to which persons have access unless a broken-rope safety device is provided for each such hoistway. Such safety devices shall be capable of stopping and holding the platform or bucket with its rated load. Such safety device requirement shall also apply to the counterweights of such hoists, if provided.

(k) Riding. Riding by any person on a material hoist is prohibited except for necessary inspection, maintenance and repairs. Signs to that effect shall be posted in conspicuous locations on both sides of the crosshead or side members and at every entrance to any such hoist. The legend on every such sign, in letters not less than one and one-half inches in height on contrasting backgrounds, shall read as follows: "WARNING – RIDING BY ANY PERSON PROHIBITED"

Historical Note

Sec. added, filed May 30, 1972 eff. June 1, 1972.