- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
April 29, 1980
MEMORANDUM FOR: ROBERT WENDELL
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
ATTENTION: G. L. Wyatt,
ARA for Technical Support
THRU: ROGER CLARK
Field Coordinator
FROM: GROVER C. WRENN
Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs
SUBJECT: Cable Type Jib Stops
This office concurs with the interpretation dated January 25, 1972, (copy enclosed) written by Gerald F. Scannell to Mr H. H. Damman, Manitowoc Engineering Company, concerning cable type belly slings.
Cable type belly slings are prohibited by reason of their point of attachment and sag. If a sudden thrust were imposed on the jib, such as loss of load or high wind, an additional stress would be added to the load imposed by the overtopping action of the jib.
The cable stop shown in the diagram, Figure 680, would not be considered a belly sling since it is attached to an off-set lug on the jib parallel to the hinge pin of the boom and jib and at right angles to the jib. The configuration of this device makes it a "positive" type jib stop. The cable in the design is below the hinge point and does not come within the meaning of "cable type belly sling," as mentioned in our standard. Cable type belly sling(s) mentioned in 29 CFR 1926.550(b)(1) would be a sling or set of slings suspended from jury rigged, temporary attachment points on the boom and jib with the mid-span of the suspended cable hanging loosely below the boom-jib connection pin location.
Engineered cable stays or pendants attached to suitable lugs, torque arms, or guide struts extending from the boom-jib attachment points which will prevent overtopping of the jib as described in the subject standard are acceptable.
However, problems such as those raised in your memorandum should be checked by the compliance officer, and any alleged violations of Section 5(a)(1) of the act shall be cited accordingly. Cables are used as a positive boom stop satisfactorily, by at least one manufacturer, and are addressed by ANSI B30.5 - 1968.