Section 7.384. Special personnel hoists used in chimney construction

(a) General. The provisions of this chapter shall apply generally. The employer shall comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations applicable to the operation of these special hoists. Where the manufacturer’s specifications are not available, the limitations assigned to the equipment shall be based on the determination of the Elevator Inspection Division and a certified State Commissioned Inspector competent in the field.

(b) Hoisting machines. Hoisting machines shall conform with the following:

(1) A base mounted drum hoist designed for man hoisting and complying with these requirements shall be used.

(2) The hoist machine may be powered by internal combustion engine, electric motor or other prime mover with positive controls to provide proper speeds and direction. The machine shall be such design that it must be powered in the up and down directions. Friction gearing, clutch mechanisms and belt drives shall be prohibited.

(3) The hoist machine shall be designed to effect proper spooling on the hoist drum.

(4) The winding drum shall be not less than 30 times the diameter of wire rope used. The winding drum shall have flanges not less than 1 1/2 times the drum diameter. Wire rope shall not be spooled closer than two inches to edge of flange.

(5) The winding drum shall have not less than three turns of wire rope when the hoist cage or car is at the lowest point of travel. A line-speed indicator shall be installed to control various speeds.

(6) The hoist machine shall be equipped with two independently operated brakes, each capable of holding 150% of the rated load. A manually controlled brake applied to hoist drum or drive shaft. An electro-magnetic brake or automatic braking device which shall be automatically applied when power is cut off.

(7) The hoist machine shall be equipped with a deadman control switch which shall stop the machine immediately when released.

(8) The hoist machine shall be securely anchored in position to prevent movement, shifting or dislodgement due to pressure from the hoisting operation.

(9) Hoist machine shall be equipped with final limit switches to prevent over travel at top and bottom terminals.

(10) All electric equipment shall be weather proof.

(c) Operation of hoists. Operation of hoists shall conform with the following:

(1) The operator of the hoist shall be a qualified or licensed operator.

(2) Operating signal systems shall be installed to have constant communications between the operator and the riders in the car or cage. The operator and machine shall be protected by a suitable and safe enclosure.

(d) Hoisting cables. Hoisting cables shall conform with the following:

(1) All hoisting cables shall be iron or steel of accepted quality. Cable tags shall be attached showing manufacturer’s name, size and safety factor. All hoisting ropes shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions of approved methods.

(2) A deflector sheave shall be installed at base to provide proper alignment of hoist cable to cat head or overhead structure.

(3) The overhead structure shall be secured by a sufficient number of bolts to prevent spreading or movement, sheaves of proper diameter shall be installed to provide correct rotation of hoisting cable. Sheaves shall be not less than 24 times the diameter of hoist cables.

(4) The cage or car suspended guide ropes shall be securely anchored to the cat head or overhead structure.

(5) The suspended car or cage guide ropes shall be of approved material and sufficient strength to accept the impact imposed upon the rope in the event the approved safety device actuates. The manufacturer’s cable tag shall be attached to the guide ropes with approved data showing factors of safety for speed, rated loads and impact.

(6) Wire rope shall be removed from service when any of the following conditions exists:

(i) In hoisting ropes, six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.

(ii) Abrasion, scrubbing, flattening or peening, causing loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires.

(iii) Evidence of any heat damage resulting from a torch or any damage caused by contact with electrical wires.

(iv) Reduction from nominal diameter of more than 3/64 inch for diameters up to and including 3/4 inch; 1/16 inch for diameters 7/8 to 1 1/8 inches; and 3/32 inch for diameters to 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches.

(7) Car or cage shall be constructed of approved material as required by ANSI A10.4 1973 regulations. The car frame must be designed to withstand the force resulting from loading conditions or impact of car safeties actuating.

(8) All welding must meet the National Standard requirements. All bolts, rivets or rods must meet National Standards requirements. The maximum load shall be eight employes or 1,200 pounds.

(9) Cars or cage shall be permanently enclosed on all sides and tops, except sides used for entrances or exit, which shall have car gates or doors. The car gate or door shall be the entire height and width of the opening.

(10) Each car gate or door shall have a mechanical lock which may be opened only when cars are at the terminal landings.

(11) Each car shall be provided with an approved device that shall stop the car in the event of a wire rope failure or other emergencies.

(12) Each car shall be provided with an emergency exit panel that may be removed from the inside or outside of the car.

(13) Each car shall be provided with an emergency descent control device. This device must be approved by the Inspection Bureau at each erection of the hoist.

(14) The car or cage shall be guided by approved wire rope of approved size that meets all factors of safety. The suspended wire rope shall be securely anchored to the overhead structure and properly weighted and secured at the bottom landing.

(15) The bottom landing shall have adequate protection and controlled access during personnel hoisting operations. The top terminal landing shall be protected by drop bars or other adequate protection around the opening.

(16) When the erection of the hoist is completed and before they are put in service, a complete inspection will be made by an approved State Elevator Inspector. Upon the approval of the hoist and the equipment, a current certificate of operation shall be issued by the Department, upon payment of the current inspection fee.

(17) Upon re-erection of the hoist, a complete inspection and safety test will be required and a new operating certificate will be issued.

(18) A visual check shall be conducted daily and a full inspection will be made weekly. Records shall be kept on file for the duration of each job.

(19) The hoist shall be inspected every three months during use by a certified State Elevator Inspector.

The provisions of this § 7.384 adopted November 22, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 2419.