WAC 296-56-60097
Unit proof load test and inspection. Cranes and derricks shall be proof load tested, rated and
certified in tons (2,000 lbs. = 1 ton). Cranes and derricks
shall be inspected and unit proof load tested prior to being
put into use, after any significant modification or repairs of
structural parts, or when deemed necessary by the assistant
director of consultation and compliance or his/her designee. However, each crane or derrick shall be unit proof load tested
at least once during each twelve-month period. Unit proof
load tests shall be carried out by the use of weights as a
dead load. When use of weights for unit proof load tests is
not possible or reasonable a dynamometer or other recording
test equipment may be used. Such equipment shall be tested
for accuracy with certified calibrating equipment within
twelve months prior to being used and a copy of the certified
calibration test shall be made available to authorized
representatives of the division of consultation and compliance
upon request.
The weight of the objects used for a dead load weight
test shall be certified and a record of the weight shall be
made available upon request. Any replacements or repairs
deemed necessary by the person conducting a test shall be
carried out before application of the required proof load unit
test.
(1) The proof load tests for derricks shall be conducted
as follows:
Safe Working Load
Proof Load
to 20 tons
25% in excess
20-50 tons
5 tons in excess
over 50 tons
10% in excess of manufacturer's
recommended lifting capacity.
Proof load shall be applied at the designed maximum and
minimum boom angles or radii, or if this is impractical, as
close to these as practical. The angles or radii of test
shall be stated in the certificate of test. Proof loads shall
be swung as far as possible in all directions. The weight of
auxiliary handling devices such as spreader bars, robots,
clams, magnets, or other gear shall be considered a part of
the load. Brakes shall be tested by holding the proof load
suspended without other mechanical assistance. After
satisfactory completion of a unit proof load test the derrick
and all component parts thereof shall be carefully examined
and nondestructive tests may be conducted to assure that the
equipment is safe for use and has not been damaged in the unit
proof load testing process.
(2) Unit proof load tests for cranes shall be carried out
with the boom in the least stable direction relative to the
mounting, based on the manufacturer's specifications.
Unit proof load tests for cranes shall be based on the
manufacturer's load ratings for the conditions of use and
shall, except in the case of bridge type cranes utilizing a
trolley, consist of application of a proof load of ten percent
in excess of the load ratings at maximum and minimum radius,
and at such intermediate radii as the certifying authority may
deem necessary in the circumstances. (The manufacturer's load
ratings are usually based upon percentage of tipping loads
under some conditions and upon limitations of structural
competence at others, as well as on other criteria such as
type of crane mounting, whether or not outriggers are used,
etc. Some cranes utilizing a trolley may have only one load
rating assigned and applicable at any outreach. It is
important that the manufacturer's ratings be used.) Trolley
equipped cranes shall be subject to a proof load of
twenty-five percent in excess of the manufacturer's load
rating. In cases of foreign manufacture, the manufacturer's
specifications shall be subject to approval by the certifying
authority. The weight of all auxiliary handling devices such
as magnets, hooks, slings, and clamshell buckets shall be
considered part of the load.
(3) If the operation in which equipment is engaged never
utilizes more than a fraction of the safe working load rating,
the owner of the equipment may, at his/her option, have the
crane or derrick certified for and operated at a lesser
maximum safe working load in keeping with the use and based on
radius and other pertinent factors, however, the equipment
concerned shall be physically capable of operation at the
original load rating and the load reduction shall not be for
the purpose of avoiding correction of any deficiency.
(4) Safe working load ratings shall not be increased
beyond the manufacturer's ratings or original design
limitations without prior approval by the accredited
certification agency. Such prior approval shall be based on
the manufacturer's approval of such increase or documented
engineering design analysis or both. All necessary structural
changes shall be completed prior to approval by the accredited
certification agency.