Kyle asks the following question about load testing:

A  company I work with conducts a special lift twice a year where they lift 100,000 lbs. with a 50 Ton crane.  Are there any special requirements as far as load testing, inspections or OSHA requirements that need to be considered when doing this lift?  If so, could we get them in writing?

Tom answers:

Since 100,000 lbs. is 50 Tons, and the capacity of their crane is 50 tons, nothing special is required. They can legally do this all day long as many times as they want (within the CMAA Class of the crane).

On the other hand, if a crane owner wants to lift a load that exceeds the rated capacity of the crane, that owner may do so twice in a 12 month period.  ASME B30 standards refer to this as a “Planned Engineered Lift.”   The requirements can be found in the appropriate ASME B30 Standard, Section three (3). Please review and follow the standards as published.

To summarize, the following conditions must be met:

1.  Review the service/maintenance history of the crane.

2.  A Periodic Inspection must be conducted just prior to the lift and immediately following the lift.

3.  This type of lift is restricted to powered cranes and hoists rated at 5 tons or greater.

4.  The load shall not exceed 125% of the rated load of the crane or hoist.

5.  This event is limited to twice in a twelve-month period.

6.  A written report, documenting all aspects of the event, must be  placed on file. Documentation is very important and needs to be emphasized.