Load Block as a suspended load 1

[DanielHF]

I would like to know if there is any standard that defines whether the hook block (load block) should be considered a suspended load (wihout a load attached)
There is a discussion at the company where I work where we cannot reach a consensus.
I would like to base myself on some technical standard.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

...if there is any standard that defines whether the hook block (load block) should be considered a suspended load (without a load attached).

Yes, and the standard excludes block load... ASME BTH-1 Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

 

[DanielHF]

I got to check this BTH-1 standard (i have the 2005 version).
Could you tell me which part of the rule you quote from?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

I have not review this standard recently. Since the hook is part of the block, by definition "below-the-hook" means the block is not included.

 

[DanielHF]

yes, but the scope of BTH-01 is to define design criteria for lifting accessories that are used by the crane. The criteria for the load block are defined in the DIN standards for hooks and crane standards (AISE, FEM...)
I don't know if I was clear in my question. thank you anyway

 

[JStephen]

OSHA 1926.1401, Definitions: "Load refers to the object(s) being hoisted and/or the weight of the object(s); both uses refer to the object(s) and the load-attaching equipment, such as, the load block, ropes, slings, shackles, and any other ancillary attachment."
That is under the Construction section, so may vary elsewhere.
Another source would be the load charts and manuals for the crane under consideration, which should specify which items are deducted from the rated loads in the charts.
Another source would be crane operator training and certification material.

 

[WinelandV]

What exactly is the argument in your office about "suspended load"? Some more details could help us understand what you're asking.

Please note that is a "v" (as in Violin) not a "y".

 

[dhengr]

DanielHF:
You said..., “I don't know if I was clear in my question,” and then, did not do any clarifying; nor were you at all clear about the details/facts of the matter and situation around the argument/discussion in your office, or about what brought the topic to a head, or the various definitions of ‘suspended load’ which seem to be at issue here, or what conditions cause the need for a specific code or standard paragraph to resolve this conundrum. The hook block (load block) is designed as, designed with, and considered part of the crane. It is not disconnected from (removed from) the crane or crane boom after every lift, it is part of that particular crane arrangement. Sometimes when you re-reeve a boom and/or install a different load block, you may have to rework the crane’s lifting charts because of the weight of the wire rope and load block beyond the tip of the boom, and to that extent the load block might be considered a suspended load, for that particular calculation relating to the crane capacity and stability. Otherwise, I would say suspended loads are everything below the hook. OSHA 1926 may be the work safety law, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t full of canary water on lots of things. Nobody out in the field knows the weight of the load block or the amount of wire rope that’s involved. They are expected to know the weights of their various rigging equipment though, so most of JStephen’s OSHA quote is still o.k. in this case. Maybe you would do well to talk with your local OSHA office if this is the crux of the discussion. You might also talk with a couple crane rental outfits or manuf’ers. to get their take of the question.

 

[JStephen]

From a random online Liebherr chart: