Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
(OP)
Hello All:
Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection? Does ASCE or any other building code cover these requirements?
Thank you!
jochav5280
Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection? Does ASCE or any other building code cover these requirements?
Thank you!
jochav5280






RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
OSHA 1910.184(f)(4)(ii) “All welded end attachments shall not be used unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test, and make it available for examination.”
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
First off, let me clarify that by "lifting lug", I am referring to a steel piece welded to the item to be lifted, usually left in place. IE, it is part of the load itself, not an accessory item attached to the load. See the attached picture for an example. This is common in pressure vessel construction among other applications.
Section 1910.184(a) applies to slings, requires load testing.
1910.184(e)(e) The employer shall ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, shall be proof tested by the sling manufacturer or equivalent entity, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the American Society of Testing and Materials Specification A391-65, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6 (ANSI G61.1-1968).
Here it is fairly evident that it refers to components in the sling assembly, not components of the load, that are proof tested.
1910.184(f)(4)
End attachments.
1910.184(f)(4)(i)
Welding of end attachments, except covers to thimbles, shall be performed prior to the assembly of the sling.
1910.184(f)(4)(ii)
All welded end attachments shall not be used unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test, and make it available for examination.
From the first paragraph, it seems fairly plain that the "end attachments" are parts of the sling, not the load.
The item that would come closest to being applicable is:
1926.251(a)(4)
Special custom design grabs, hooks, clamps, or other lifting accessories, for such units as modular panels, prefabricated structures and similar materials, shall be marked to indicate the safe working loads and shall be proof-tested prior to use to 125 percent of their rated load.
However, the way I read this, the grabs, hooks, clamps, etc., need to be labeled and proof-tested. The "modular panels, prefabicated structure and similar materials" do not need to be labeled and proof tested.
Looking in ASME B30.20, I find the definitions given as:
"below-the-hook lifting device": A device used for attaching loads to a hoist.
"Structural Lifting Device": A lifter consisting of an assembly of rigid parts designed to hold and attach a load to a hoisting device.
"Mechanical Lifting Device": A mechanism composed of two or more rigid parts which move with respect to each other for attaching a load to a hoisting device.
In each case, the "device" is between the load and the hoist, not a part of the load.
I went over to Google Images, put in "Lifting Lugs" and "Pad Eyes" there. I find a lot of small forged hardware that has capacities imprinted on it. However, the custom-designed plate-style lifting lugs, I don't see any that have a name plate, capacities, etc., as are required for below-the-hook lifting devices.
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
I would look at OSHA, just to be sure, but I don’t think you will find anything there, if I understand the question you are asking. You might look at what OSHA has to say about structural steel erection, they have a few requirements on that account. OSHA typically pertains to lifting equipment and reusable lifting components related to the rigging business; the same goes for the ASME BTH standards. Components such as slings, clevises, lifting/spreader beams with lifting lugs or pad eyes on them, etc. OSHA does not typically comment on parts of a piece of equipment which are used in lifting it during its installation and maintenance. I tend to agree with Jstephen on this. Then, if it is a structural component I would look to AISC, and the like; if it’s a piece of equipment being lifted I would look to that industry’s design standards.
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
While I agree with your general thrust, there is at least one portable tank code that does have you test to some multiple of the empty dead weight. You fill it up part way with fluid to do the test.
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.
(Just passed the 16-hour SE exam, woohoo!)
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?
That being said... OSHA won't help you here as they don't even require load testing on every type of rigging (EVEN before the first use). Neither does ASME. I agree with TehMightyEngineer in that the ASME BTH-1 (2011?) does indeed address pinned connection design but it is not immediately clear (to me, at least) that BTH-1 applies to lugs which are a part of the load itself. However, there's certainly nothing that I've seen that better addresses the issue so it's what I use for lug design as well.
David Duerr has put out some excellent articles on the matter.
RE: Are lifting lugs required to be load tested prior to using for field erection?