OAR 437-002-0233: Oregon Rules for Hammerhead Cranes

(1) Definition. “Hammerhead Crane” — Lifting machine consisting of a tower (mast) with an upperstructure that rotates and includes a load jib (boom) with trolley extending horizontally and a counterweight jib extending in the opposite direction, neither of which is arranged for luffing. The trolley on the load jib traverses the length of the jib and contains the sheaves and accessory parts that comprise the upper load block. The lower load block is suspended from the trolley. (2) Hammerhead Cranes — General: (a) Adequate clearance shall be maintained between moving and rotating structures of the crane and fixed objects to allow the passage of employees without harm; (b) Employees required to perform duties on the horizontal boom of hammerhead tower cranes shall be protected against falling by guardrails or by safety belts and lanyards attached to lifelines in conformance with OAR chapter 437, division 2/I, Personal Protective Equipment; (c) Buffers shall be provided at both ends of travel of the trolley; (d) Cranes mounted on rail tracks shall be equipped with limit switches limiting the travel of the crane on the track and stops or buffers at each end of the tracks. Cranes with self-contained power plants shall be equipped with warning devices, and stops or buffers at each end of the track; (e) All hammerhead cranes in use shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, maintenance, inspection, and operation as prescribed by the manufacturer and to ensure compliance with the rules in this division; (f) The employer shall provide a wind velocity device which will give a visible or audible alarm to the crane operator at a predetermined wind velocity; and (g) The employer shall ensure that: (A) The wind velocity device is compatible with the manufacturer’s crane specifications; and (B) The crane operators are fully instructed regarding the maximum permissible wind speeds during operation; and (C) The load chart contains the wind velocity operating limits. (3) Mobile Cranes Mounted on Barges: (a) When a mobile crane is mounted on a barge, the rated load of the crane shall not exceed the original capacity specified by the manufacturer; (b) A load rating chart, with clearly legible letters and figures, shall be provided with each crane, and securely fixed at a location easily visible to the operator; (c) When load ratings are reduced to stay within the limits for list of the barge with a crane mounted on it, a new load rating chart shall be provided; (d) Mobile cranes on barges shall be positively secured. (4) Permanently Mounted Floating Cranes and Derricks: (a) When cranes and derricks are permanently installed on a barge, the capacity and limitations of use shall be based on competent design criteria; (b) A load rating chart with clearly legible letters and figures shall be provided and securely fixed at a location easily visible to the operator; (c) Floating cranes and floating derricks in use shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, maintenance, and operation as prescribed by the manufacturer.