ASME Codes for Lifting of very small loads

[iainuts]

I design reciprocating compression equipment that is skidded, and a question has come up regarding overhead lifting devices supplied as an integral part of the skid. The skid is a welded steel frame with an overhead I-beam (aprox. 8 ft above grade) on which a chain fall is mounted to aid in the removal/installation of pump components. The maximum weight is roughly 600 pounds.

QUESTION: What codes does this need to comply with?
Note: These skids are not sold, they are leased. They are also maintained by our own mechanics. When the contract is terminated, the equipment is removed.

I'm assuming if we go all the way with this, we should be complying with ASME B30.20 and ASME BTH-1. I'm not very familiar with either of these, and I suspect additional OSHA requirments apply, but I haven't gotten that far. As near as I can tell, there is no certifying body such as the National Board for coded vessels. Lifting devices like this seem to be user designed but should also be tested per the codes.

To do this properly, I understand we need to:
- Have an as built assembly drawing showing materials of construction, etc...
- Perform calculations to certify it meets the calculations set forth in BTH-1.
- Mark the assembly per ASME B30.20 section 20-1.2
- Verify the assembly was constructed per ASME B30.20 including welding was performed IAW ANSI/AWS D14.1 (as per ASME B30.20 para 20-1.2.2 and ASME BTH-1, para 1-4.6)
- Have the lifting device inspected, tested and maintained per ASME B30.20 section 20-1.3

This seems like a whole lot of additional work for something that has such a light load and low stress (basic stress analysis shows it's WAY overdesigned). Besides which, it is not exactly overhead - when the equipment is raised it is no more than 4' off the ground.

My main problem is we have no one in engineering that has the expertise to go through this quickly and efficiently, being we design reciprocating equipment, not lifting equipment.

So getting back to the question, what codes does this really need to comply with? Obviously, we can spend a hundred hours on this and do it by the book, but is that really necessary for such a low risk piece of equipment? Would this be considered "out of scope" of either of the ASME codes mentioned?

 

[GregTirevold]

Look at OSHA

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10686

for some further information. Warning that it contains A LOT of details that may not apply to you.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtirevold

 

[KENAT]

There are some related threads over in one of the structural forums, can't recall which but you should be able to find some using the google search at the top of the page.

Like Greg says Osha drives much of this but it's surprising what they don't say.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​