Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 13. Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment
Article 97.1. Floating Cranes/Derricks and Land Cranes/Derricks on Barges

§4988.5. Inspections.

In addition to meeting the requirements of Article 100 for inspecting the crane/derrick, the employer shall inspect the barge, pontoons, vessel or other means of flotation used to support a floating crane/derrick or land crane/derrick, and ensure that:

(a) Shift. For each shift inspection, the means used to secure/attach the equipment to the vessel/flotation device is in proper condition, including wear, corrosion, loose or missing fasteners, defective welds, and (when applicable) insufficient tension.

(b) Periodic. For each periodic inspection:

(1) The means used to secure/attach the equipment to the vessel/flotation device is in proper condition, including inspection for wear, corrosion, and, when applicable, insufficient tension.

(2) The vessel/flotation device is not taking on water.

(3) The deck load is properly secured.

(4) The vessel/flotation device is watertight based on the condition of the chain lockers, storage, fuel compartments, and hatches.

(5) The firefighting and lifesaving equipment is in place and functional.

(c) The shift and periodic inspections shall be conducted by a qualified person, and:

(1) If any deficiency is identified, an immediate determination shall be made by a qualified person whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard.

(2) If the deficiency is determined to constitute a hazard, the vessel/flotation device shall be removed from service until the deficiency has been corrected.

(d) Annual. External vessel/flotation device inspection. For each annual inspection:

(1) The external portion of the barge, pontoons, vessel or other means of flotation used shall be inspected annually by a qualified person who has expertise with respect to vessels/flotation devices and the inspection includes the following items:

(A) The items identified in subsections (a) (Shift) and (b) (Periodic) of this section.

(B) Cleats, bitts, chocks, fenders, capstans, ladders, and stanchions, for significant corrosion, wear, deterioration, or deformation that could impair the function of these items.

(C) External evidence of leaks and structural damage; evidence of leaks and damage below the waterline may be determined through internal inspection of the vessel/flotation device.

(D) Four-corner draft readings.

(E) Firefighting equipment for serviceability.

(2) Rescue skiffs, lifelines, work vests, life preservers and ring buoys are inspected for proper condition.

(3) If any deficiency is identified, an immediate determination shall be made by the qualified person whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard or, though not yet a hazard, needs to be monitored in the periodic inspections.

(A) If the qualified person determines that the deficiency constitutes a hazard, the vessel/flotation device shall be removed from service until it has been corrected. See requirements in Section 5008.1(e).

(B) If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a hazard, the deficiency needs to be monitored, the deficiency shall be checked in the periodic inspections.

(e) Four-year internal vessel/flotation device inspection. For each four-year inspection:

(1) A licensed marine engineer or other qualified person who has expertise with respect to vessels/flotation devices surveys the internal portion of the barge, pontoons, vessel, or other means of flotation.

(2) If the surveyor identifies a deficiency, an immediate determination shall be made by the surveyor as to whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard or, though not yet a hazard, needs to be monitored in the periodic or annual inspections, as appropriate.

(A) If the surveyor determines that the deficiency constitutes a hazard, the vessel/flotation device shall be removed from service until it has been corrected.

(B) If the surveyor determines that, though not presently a hazard, the deficiency needs to be monitored, the deficiency shall be checked in the periodic or annual inspections, as appropriate.

(f) Documentation. The periodic and annual inspections required in subsections (b) and (d) are documented in accordance with Sections 5031(c)(3)(C) and 5031(d)(5) respectively, and that the four-year inspection required in subsection (e) is documented in accordance with Section 5031(d)(5), except that the documentation for that inspection shall be retained for a minimum of 4 years. All such documents shall be made available, during the applicable document retention period, to all persons who conduct inspections in accordance with Article 100.

Credits

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

History

1. New section filed 7-26-2022; operative 7-26-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 30). Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.