Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.42931

Current through Vol. 24-21, December 1, 2024

Section R. 408.42931 - Gin poles

Rule 2931. When installing gin poles, the employer shall ensure that the following requirements are met:

(a) The gin pole shall be attached to a structure in an arrangement, as shown in Figure 2.1 of the ANSI/TIA-1019 2004 Structural Standards for Steel Gin Poles Used for Installation of Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures, with its upper portion cantilevering above the tower top.

(b) The employer shall ensure that when the gin pole is designed, consideration shall be given to the possibility of personnel climbing the pole to perform rigging functions and for tie off points to accommodate fall protection equipment.

(c) The rooster head which is located at the top of the gin pole shall meet the following requirements:

(i) The side plates shall have bolts or pins with spacers around the sheave so the load line is held in place and side plate distance is controlled.

(ii) Sheave diameter and groove shall be designed for the load line size intended.

(iii) The distance between the sheave edge and the side plate shall not exceed 25 percent of load line diameter.

(d) Tracks used to guide and support gin poles during the jumping process shall not be used as a bridle or mid-level support unless specifically designed for such use.

(e) The load line is used to raise and lower the intended load. The load line shall leave the hoist at ground level, go through a block at the base of the tower, then up through the middle of the pole, through the rooster head and back down to the ground to pick up the intended load.

(f) A gin pole chart shall be provided for each pole. Gin pole charts shall contain all of the following information as a minimum:

(i) Identification number or other reference.

(ii) Gin pole description.

(iii) Safe lifting capacities (gross load) based on cantilever projection (La), overall gin pole length (L), and type of tag.

(iv) Reaction forces at gin pole attachment points.

(v) A table to convert degrees to a field measurement.

(vi) A warning that the load chart is for lifting loads and to reduce the safe lifting capacity by 1/2 when lifting personnel.

(g) All lifts shall be within the ratings allowed in the "Load Chart." Any lift or lifting to be allowed on a special basis, which is outside of the "Load Chart", shall only be allowed at the direction of a professional engineer. Special monitoring and measuring conditions, as specified by the engineer, shall be provided and used in the field during all "Special Engineered Lifts."

(h) Markings for gin poles shall be as follows:

(i) Each gin pole shall be permanently marked with an identification number that references a specific load chart.

(ii) For proper assembly, each section and leg of the gin pole shall be marked in a specified sequence.

(i) The designer/engineer specified straightness tolerances shall be used for inspection. Minimum inspection criteria for gin poles shall be as follows:

(i) A detailed documented inspection annually or within 1 year prior to being placed in service.

(ii) A general visual inspection during assembly prior to use on a specific project.

(iii) After any abnormal occurrence.

(j) Rigging equipment for the gin pole shall comply with all of the following:

(i) Wire rope, slings, chains, shackles, turnbuckles, links, hooks, sheaves, rotating rooster heads, blocks, and hoists, used in a gin pole lifting arrangement shall meet the manufacturer's safe working load limits. In addition, each component shall have a nominal breaking strength of not less than 5 times the static load applied. Consideration for end fitting losses and actual positioning of connecting parts shall be given.

(ii) Lugs or other devices for lifting or attaching the gin pole in position shall be designed with load and resistance factors appropriate for their intended use.

(iii) Only alloy chains marked by the manufacturer with an 8, T, or A, rated for lifting, shall be used.

(iv) Only quenched and tempered hooks and shackles shall be used. The manufacturer's load rating shall be stamped on the product.

(v) The breaking strength of the sheave shall equal or exceed the breaking strength of the wire rope intended for the sheave.

(k) Gin pole use shall comply with the following:

(i) A user's gin pole load chart shall be provided for each pole.

(ii) Any special engineered lift that is outside of the load chart shall only be allowed at the direction of a licensed professional engineer. Monitoring and measuring conditions, as specified by a licensed professional engineer, shall be provided and used during all special engineered lifts.

(iii) Modifications or repairs of a gin pole shall be made with like or similar materials to meet or exceed the original specifications. Modifications or repairs shall be recertified by a licensed professional engineer.

(iv) A mechanism shall be in place to prevent the gin pole from tipping during the jumping process.

(l) Wire rope used for rigging shall be as follows:

(i) Compatible with the sheaves of the rooster head and hoisting blocks.

(ii) Lubricated in accordance to manufacturer specifications to prevent corrosion and wear.

(iii) End connections shall be terminated per industry and manufacturer's specifications.

(iv) Wedge sockets shall have a minimum tail length of 1 rope lay with a properly torqued clip attached to prevent accidental disengagement.

(v) Only manufactured Flemish eyes will be acceptable.

(m) The employer shall ensure that gin pole inspections include all of the following:

(i) Gin poles shall have a documented inspection annually by a qualified person.

(ii) In addition to the annual inspection, the employer shall designate a competent person who shall visually inspect the gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to ensure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies shall be repaired before use continues.

(iii) During each inspection, a qualified person or a competent person shall do all of the following:

(A) Inspect the legs and bracing members for bends or distortion.

(B) Inspect the straightness tolerances for the overall assembly (including leg and bracing members).

(C) Visually inspect the welds for quality, deformation, cracks, rust, pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.

(D) Inspect the members for excessive rust, pitting, or loss of cross sectional area.

(E) Inspect the sling attachment points for distortion, wear, cracks, and rust.

(F) Ensure that proper bolts are utilized and all associated hardware is in good condition.

(G) Inspect side plates on rooster heads for distortion or other damage.

(H) Inspect all attachment hardware, including rigging and parts such as cables, slings, and sling attachment points, shackles, hooks, and sockets for wear, distortion, cracks, and rust.

(I) Ensure that all problems identified during the inspection are corrected before placing the gin pole into service.

Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.42931

2009 AACS