Subchapter 20. Tunnel Safety Orders
Article 19. Shafts and Hoisting Systems

§8501. Shafts and Hoisting Systems Inspections.

(a) A written systematic procedure of inspection testing and maintenance of shafts, hoisting systems, conveyances, hoist ropes and rigging required by this article and other applicable safety orders shall be developed and followed. Such inspection, testing and maintenance shall be done by a qualified person. If it is found or suspected that any component is not functioning properly, hoisting shall not be conducted until the malfunction has been located and corrected. (See suggested example in Appendix D of these safety orders.)

(b) All hoisting machinery, anchorages, hoist ropes and rigging, and safety appliances connected therewith shall be inspected at the beginning of each shift and during hoist use, as necessary.

(c) At the beginning of each shift, after any repairs to the shaft or hoisting system, or following any occurrence that might restrict or obstruct the conveyance, the conveyance on which no personnel are riding shall be operated up and down in the working part of the shaft at least once before resuming hoisting operations. Special attention shall be given during this test run to the condition of the hoisting machinery and shaft. No personnel shall be hoisted or lowered until all hazards disclosed by this trial are corrected except for those employees necessary to correct the condition and only under direct supervision and after appropriate precautions have been taken.

(d) Where broken rope safety devices are used, the weight on the hoisting rope shall be relieved to test the unrestricted functioning of the safety devices and their activating mechanisms at the beginning of each shift.

(e) A weekly inspection of all shafts shall be made by a competent person and a report made and kept on file for inspection by the Division.

(f) All wire rope used for hoisting shall be checked once every three months by cutting from the lower end of such wire rope a section not less than five feet in length and having such section examined carefully, both externally and internally for indications of wear, corrosion, fatigue and breaks.

EXCEPTION: Permanently affixed end connection such as poured zinc socket may be examined by an acceptable nondestructive test.

(g) When performing nondestructive test of the active length of the rope or rope diameter, measurements shall be made when the following conditions exist:

(1) Wherever wear is evident;

(2) Where the hoist rope rests on sheaves at regular stopping points;

(3) Where the hoist rope leaves the drum at regular stopping points; and

(4) At drum crossover and change-of-layer regions.

(h) In order to ensure suitable operation and safe condition of the functions and safety devices, each hoisting system shall be inspected and load-tested to 100 percent of its rated capacity at the time of installation and the following:

(1) After any repairs or alterations affecting its structural integrity;

(2) After the operation of any safety device; and

(3) Annually.

(i) At the time of completion, the person performing inspections, tests, and maintenance of shafts, hoisting systems, conveyances, hoist ropes and rigging required by this article and other applicable safety orders shall certify in writing that they had been done. The employer shall prepare a certification record which includes the date each inspection and load test was performed; the signature of the person who performed the inspection or test; and a serial number or identifier for the system component that was inspected or tested. The certification record shall be maintained on the job site until the completion of the project.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment of section heading, repealer of subsections (a)-(b), new subsections (a)-(b), amendment of subsection (c), and new subsections (d)-(i) and Note filed 3-5-96; operative 4-4-96 (Register 96, No. 10).