![]() ![]() Equivalent device would be a hook with a spring-loaded gate or another type of hook that would provide the same level of safety as a hook with a closing latch.Exceptions may apply to employees engaged in the initial connection of steel or employees who may be unhooking the load.OSHA 1926.753(d) prohibits steel erectors from working directly underneath a suspended load unless self-closing latches or their equivalent are used to prevent components from becoming accidentally unfastened from the hook and falling on workers below.Hooks with latches are required when used in conjunction with a personnel platform, overhaul ball assembly, lower load block, or other attachment assemblies.OSHA 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B) states that requirements for latches on hooks are not mitigated by the size of the hook or “grandfathered” for older hooks without safety latches.Also, there is no “grandfather” exception for older hooks without safety latches. Neither the personnel platform nor the steel erection/working under load requirement has an exception for large hooks – the requirements apply irrespective of the size of the hook. A hook with another type of closing device, i.e., a hook with a spring-loaded gate or another type of safety hook that would provide the same level of safety as a safety hook with a self-closing latch.The preamble to the proposed rule explained that an “equivalent” device would include: This provision was intended to prevent the components from becoming accidentally unfastened from the hook and falling on the worker below.Hooks with self-closing safety latches or their equivalent shall be used to prevent components from slipping out of the hook.One such criterion is the requirement for safety latches. Where those exceptions apply (i.e., where workers are engaged in the initial connection of steel or employees are unhooking the load), specific criteria apply. Section 1926.753(d) prohibits: Workers engaged in steel erection activities from being directly under a suspended load, with some exceptions. This provision is intended to prevent personnel platforms from falling as a result of becoming accidentally unfastened from the hook. Alternatively, an alloy anchor type shackle with a bolt, nut and retaining pin may be used. ![]() Section 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B) states: Hooks on overhaul ball assemblies, lower load blocks, or other attachment assemblies shall be of a type that can be closed and locked, eliminating the hook throat opening. Safety latches on hooks are required in two instances: OSHA Response: OSHA requirements for a safety latch on hooks do not depend on the size of the hook but rather the activity for which the hook is being used. Question: Is it mandatory for large crane hooks to have safety latches on them? If so, are older hooks without them “grandfathered”? It is always the responsibility of the end user or other designated or qualified person to inspect their rigging equipment and make sure that it is in proper working condition and rated for the specific task, prior to performing a lift. However, the term “safety” implies that the user will always be safe when lifting a load using a hook with a latch. Please Note: As a company, we use the terms “hook latch” or “hooks with latches.” OSHA uses the term “safety latches,” so for the purpose of this article, we may use that term to summarize OSHA’s interpretations or standards. For clarity’s sake when reading the OSHA interpretations below, OSHA provides definitions for the terms “shall” and “should” as follows: Our goal for this article is to provide you with the information that is available regarding the use of hook latches, as well as some interpretations that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided in response to questions that have been asked of them.īelow are four such interpretations pertaining to the use of latches on hooks. We provide our customers with user/operator training, rigging inspection and repair services, and we also make and distribute wire rope, chain slings, synthetic slings, and rigging hardware. When deciding on whether to use a latch or not, careful consideration must be given to the specific lifting application.Īt Mazzella, quality and safety are cornerstones of our success. With no clear industry-wide rules on whether a hook latch is required on a crane hook or a sling hook, the decision is ultimately left up to the owner or end-user. Unfortunately, there are limited explanations or interpretations of when a latch on a hook must be utilized. While some people argue that hook latches are always required and should always be utilized, others argue that latches are not required. The use of latches on hooks is a topic that is constantly up for debate in the lifting and rigging industries. ![]()
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