• Standard Number:
    1918.74(a)(6)
Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

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(Date Unreadable)

R. H. Maul,
Vice President
Crescent Wharf and Warehouse Co.
Post Office Box 398
Wilmington, California 90744

Dear Mr. Maul:

Assistant Secretary John H. Stender has asked me to respond to your letter dated May 9, 1975, requesting a permanent variance from Section 1918.74(a)(6) Cranes and Derricks Other Than Vessel's Gear of the Maritime Safety and Health Regulations.

The requirements of the above standard are that no counterweights in excess of manufacturer's (or design) specifications shall be fitted. All equipment shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's (or design) specifications and recommendations.

You have stated that you are operating mobile cranes with counterweights attached to the truck or carrier portion of the assembly but not on the crane portion. The need for these counterweights is to stabilize the assembly when traveling with the boom attached.

A careful study has been made of your request and we have concluded that the requirements of the standard apply to the crane and not to the truck or carrier. The purpose of the prohibition in this standard is to insure that the manufacturer's (or design) load limits are not exceeded. It would appear that your use of counterweights on the truck is not within the scope of Section 1918.74(a)(6), therefore, a variance is not required.

No further action will be taken on your request for variance.

Sincerely,



Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary for
Regional Programs