Wheco

What does OSHA say about Crane Repair?

OSHA is often cited, but frequently misunderstood when it comes to structural crane repairs and component replacement. OHSA has issued letters of interpretation regarding crane repairs when performed or supplied by persons other than the original equipment manufacturer. Like repairs to other consumer, commercial and industrial equipment, compliance with federal, state and local laws and requirements must be met and maintained but are not proprietary to the OEM or their distributors and agents. Recent changes in the OSHA Standard serve to reconfirm OSHA’s position regarding repairs under the old 1926.550.  In the new standard, OSHA is very careful to distinguish between “modified equpment” and “repaired/adjusted equipment”.  The following are links to the U.S. Department of Labor standard interpretation letter that addresses the issue of repairs versus modifications, as well as the new OSHA Standard.

New OSHA Crane & Derricks in Construction Standard 1926.1412 – Inspection:

http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=43

Who Can Perform Repairs?  (Letter of Interrpretation)

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21677

The key points in the OSHA standard refer to the “operation”, “capacity” and “safe operation” of a crane. The attached “OSHA Standards Interpretation and Compliance Letter” dated 01/18/1995 explains OSHA’s position. A summary of the interpretation follows:

• Paragraph 29CFR1926.550 and (a)—“Neither specifically addresses repairs made to the crane.” “OSHA has interpreted the language “specifications and limitations applicable to the operation” to apply to the way a crane is used and maintained.” “This section would not apply to a limitation on where repairs could be made unless the repair affected the safe operation of the crane.”
• Paragraph 1926.550 (a) (16)—“By their very nature major repairs to crane components create the potential for adversely affecting capacity or safe operation, and for that reason such repairs should be reviewed and approved by the manufacturer to make sure that the crane’s capacity and safe operation are not affected.” “Alternatively, this could be done by seeking the certification of a registered professional engineer that a repair has restored the crane component to its original configuration and strength so that the capacity and operation of the crane is unaffected by the repair.”

The OSHA letter of interpretation is clear that customers and insurance companies have options when considering who to use for structural and other types of repairs.

WHECO’s engineered structural repair services are very specialized and often challenging. It is for this reason that most OEM’s choose only to provide a replacement alternative to damaged structural components. Too often this leaves the customer with few alternatives and often drives them to use discreet, non reputable sources for repairing their equipment. WHECO eliminates the need for such activity. Our services have proven to be safe, compliant, effective and economical repair solutions that bring significant value to the equipment owners and insurance companies.

Further, repairs that meet with all federal, state and local regulations would not appear to have any reason to put the equipment in jeopardy of having its warranty voided. Like other reputable and reliable third party service organizations WHECO’s repairs are fully warranted. WHECO is also bondable and fully insured.

In an effort to provide the highest quality of repairs, WHECO has and will continue its effort to communicate with the crane manufacturers and their dealers and agents. We are always eager to share information, policies, procedures, materials, parts and components that will provide the best and most cost effective repair solution for the customer.

WHECO has built a reputation for providing the highest quality of repair services to the crane and heavy equipment industry. Our team of skilled technicians has proven their ability to resolve even the most difficult and challenging of repairs. WHECO has over 32 years of providing engineered structural repairs to the crane industry and we look forward to many more.