What You Need to Know About New OSHA Standard of WPG Inspections

Our customers have plenty on their minds – first and foremost completing projects on time, on spec, and on budget! For that reason, we are happy to do the dirty work of keeping you up to date with government requirements for machines that we carry, and in the industries we serve.

To that end, OSHA has a new standard as of November that covers how and when vacuum lifters are to be inspected. Below are key takeaways for our Wood's Powr-Grip^® customers to keep in mind.

Wood's Powr-Grip^® Inspections first need to have lifters checked to ensure rated load stickers are undamaged and on the lifter. If there is any damage to sticker, it must be replaced.

When do lifters need to be inspected? 

For rental units, an inspection is required each time they go out. For new units, an inspection is required prior to the sale. They should not be inspected when first arriving at their dealer.

Levels of Inspection:

• Every Lift – Visual inspection only
• Frequent lift – vacuum test – functionality test (does not have to be recorded)
• Periodic lift – Recorded inspection and a fully recorded test. If a unit sits idle for a month it requires this periodic inspection. If a periodic inspection fails, a load test is also required before putting back into service. 
  • Daily to weekly usage – requires quarterly inspections
  • Weekly to monthly usage – requires semiannual inspection 
  • Monthly usage – requires annual inspection 

OSHA REQUIRES A MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Below are the details of the OSHA guidelines for a maintenance program. If you need assistance and want the peace-of-mind of maintenance, you can read about our newly created maintenance program here, or contact us for more information. https://www.greatlakeslifting.com/great-lakes-lifting-solutions-unveils-machine-maintenance-solutions/

(a) Maintenance Program. A maintenance program shall be established and be based on recommendations made by the vacuum lifting device manufacturer. If a qualified person determines it is appropriate, the program should also include that individual’s additional recommendations based on a review of the vacuum lifting device application and operations. 20-2.4.3.1 Responsibilities of the Lifting Device Owner. The responsibilities of the lifting device owner shall include the following: (a) providing a lifting device, and all necessary components specified by the manufacturer, that meets the requirements of Sections 20-2.2 and 20-2.3 as well as specific job requirements. (b) providing all applicable operating instructions. (c) providing field assembly, and disassembly (if applicable), operation and maintenance information, and warning decals and placards installed as prescribed by the lifting device manufacturer. (d) establishing an inspection, testing, and maintenance program in accordance with Section 20-2.3. (e) using designated personnel to perform the required maintenance, repair, and inspections. (f) ensuring that the lifting device is in proper operating condition prior to initial use at the work site by the following: (1) verifying that all inspections have been performed as required by Section 20-2.3 

ABOUT GREAT LAKES LIFTING SOLUTIONS:

Great Lakes Lifting Solutions is an authorized Illinois Spydercrane & Wood's Powr-Grip® dealer and exclusive Midwest SmartLift^® distributor. It is a family-owned and operated business since 2007.
*Exclusive SmartLift® distributor in the following states: IL, WI, IN, KY, MN, TN, OH, MI, MO

For more information, contact Great Lakes Lifting Solutions by phone at (815) 931-4825 or online at https://www.greatlakeslifting.com/contact/