Frequently Asked Questions

A. OSHA - NEW Crane and Derrick Standard

1. When does the new Osha Crane & Derrick Standard go into effect?

November 8, 2010.

2. Who does the new Osha Crane & Derrick standard primarily effect?

A new OSHA standard for Cranes in Construction goes in to effect November 8, 2010. It requires operators of most cranes above 2,000 pounds capacity when used in construction to be either certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization or qualified through an audited employer program. It requires a "Qualified" rigger and signal person. See standard for exact details. A copy of the regulatory text is available at http://www.osha.gov/doc/cranesreg.pdf.

3. Does the new Osha Crane & Derrick Standard require a "certified" rigger?

No! It requires a "qualified"rigger.

4. What is the definition of a "qualified rigger" per the Osha (CDAC) standard?

The new Osha standard says that a "qualified rigger" is someone who meets the definition of a qualified person. Osha states that a "Qualified Person" is - a person who by possession of a recognized degree or certificate of professional standing, or who, by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work.

5. When is a "Qualified Rigger" required per the new Osha CDAC standard?

A qualified rigger is required during the assembly/disassembly of cranes, and when employees are engaged in hooking, unhooking or guiding the load, or in initial connection of a load to a component or structure and are within the fall zone.

6. Definition of "Fall Zone"

The area (including but not limited to the area directly beneath the load) in which it is reasonably foreseeable that partially or completely suspended materials could fall in the event of an accident.

7. Where can I get a copy of the new Osha Crane and Derrick standard (CDAC)?

A copy of the regulatory text is available at http://www.osha.gov/doc/cranesreg.pdf

8. Who is responsible for paying the employees cost to meet the standard?

Employers must provide certification and /or qualification at no cost to the employee.

9. Does Crosby offer rigging training courses (Train the Trainer type courses) to assist companies in their training efforts to qualify riggers in their employment?

Yes. Crosby does offer a two-day Rigging Trainer Development course at no charge to full line Crosby Distributors and end users of our products. Day one is designed for those product users who need fundamentals of rigging only. Day two is designed for trainers or individuals that need more advanced information. Students who wish to attend day two must have attended the day one 24 hours prior.

List of what successful day two attendees receive from Crosby:

  • PowerPoint files provided by Crosby that can be utilized by end user trainers in their classroom training sessions for educating their employees on fundamentals of rigging while using Crosby rigging hardware in conjunction with slings.
  • All day one attendees receive a certificate for attending the "Fundamentals of Rigging" class and successful day two attendees receive a certificate stating that they are authorized to use Crosby training materials for 48 months from date of issue.
    Successful day two attendees also receive a certificate stating they have earned 1.9 "CEUs"
  • Authorization to purchase Crosby classroom training materials at discounted rates for their in-house rigging training needs.
  • CD ROMs for computer based rigging training sessions. Those individuals who successfully complete a Crosby CD ROM computer based training program can request a Certificate of Achievement from Crosby for documentation of education achieved.
  • CD ROM with PowerPoint files for 30 ? 45 minute refresher rigging training sessions.

Note: Interested parties working in manufacturing or construction environments should request the ASME/OSHA Rigging Trainer Development Schedule from Crosby. If working in Land Based Oil or Gas environments please request the Land Based Rigging Trainer Development Schedule. If working in offshore environments, please request the API Rigging Trainer Development Schedule. Seminar schedules for the two-day Rigging Trainer Development courses can be downloaded from the Crosby website: www.thecrosbygroup.com. Click onto "Training"and select "Seminar Schedule."

10. Does attendance at a Crosby rigging seminar make the attendee a certified rigger?

No! Crosby does not certify riggers. Certification normally requires passing a written and hands on practical exam administered by a third party. Crosby however does provide educational seminars that greatly help individuals in their endeavors to become a competent or qualified rigger. The time spent in our seminars and certificate of training received goes a long way in proving rigger qualifications when using Crosby rigging products in conjunction with slings. The education achieved can also prove useful in preparing for the written and practical exams to be a certified rigger. See information later in this memo on how to become a certified rigger. To request an "On Site" 4 or 8 hour Crosby seminar, please sign onto the Crosby website www.thecrosbygroup.com. Click onto "Training" and select "Request for On Site Seminar". Proper paperwork must be submitted and reviewed by Crosby before training can be confirmed.

11. Does Crosby have a form to assist end users in proving that a rigger is "Qualified" in their employment?

Yes! Please download the "Qualified Rigger Management Sign Off Authorization Form" below.

Crosby's Qualified Rigger Management Sign Off Authorization Form

12. What is required to become a "Certified" rigger?

Normally one must pass a written and a practical "hands on" exam. The organizations below administer or offer rigger certification.

  • NCCCO ? National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators ? www.nccco.org
  • NCCER ? National Center for Construction Education and Research ? www.nccer.org
  • Contact ACRP (Association of Crane and Rigging Professionals) ? www.acrp.net for other possible sources of testing.

Note: Some cities, states or employers may have special requirements.

13. What training does Crosby offer?

  • Crosby offers 4 and 8 hour rigging seminars at no charge for end users of our products. (Certain criteria must be met.)
  • Crosby offers two-day Rigging Trainer Development courses at no charge in selective cities nationwide.
  • Crosby provides all seminar attendees complete set of training materials at no charge.
    Crosby offers computer based rigging training programs via CD ROM.
  • Beginning November 2010, all two-day seminar attendees will receive at no charge "prep" materials for the NCCCO Level I rigger exams.
  • Crosby issues Certificate of Achievement to all seminar attendees. This certificate provides proof of attendance as a means to document one's education on the subject matter provided.
  • Crosby has trained over 250,000 individuals since 1991.
    Most Crosby end user seminars are conducted by "certified" riggers.

Special Note: Classroom training as provided by Crosby is only one element in becoming a qualified, competent, or certified rigger. Crosby strongly encourages that seminar attendees also obtain "hands on" training and appropriate on the job experience as well.

See Crosby "Seminar Schedules" for list of two and three day Rigging Trainer Development courses offered in selective cities.

See Crosby "Request On Site Training" to request a possible on site Crosby four hour or eight hour seminar.

14. How do I contact Crosby in regards to training or training materials?

By Phone: Primary contact is Julie Wilson at 918-834-4611 ext. 235 or secondary contact is Toni Vestal at ext. 357.

Via E-mail: Seminar schedules for the two-day Rigging Trainer Development courses can be downloaded from the Crosby website at: www.thecrosbygroup.com

Need more information? Contact us at info@bairstow.com.

B. Twin-Path Extra Covermax Slings

1. Can a Twin-Path be used in a fitting or trunion which is less than the slings width?

Yes, A Twin-Path Sling can fit spaces half of their catalog width with no reduction in capacity.
More info...

2. What is the difference between the Tell-Tails and the Fiber Optic inspection systems?

The Tell-Tails are overload indicators and will retract and eventually disappear if the sling is overloaded. The Fiber Optic determines if the interior core of the sling has suffered chemical, heat or crushing damage. If light does not pass from one end to the other, remove the sling from service and send to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.

3. What do I do if both Tell-Tails are not visible?

Tell-Tails should extend past the tag area of each sling. If both Tell-Tails are not visible, remove the sling from service. Send the sling to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.

4. What pin diameter or hardware diameter is ok with a Twin-Path Sling?

Slings used with fittings shall be compatible with the fittings used. The lifting capacity shall be rated at the lower of the sling or fitting. Fitting openings shall be of the proper shape and size to assure that the sling will seat properly.
More info... (PDF Format)

5. What happens if oil or gasoline gets on my Twin-Path Sling?

Hydrocarbons and oils do not affect the performance of any Twin-Path sling.

6. Is there a way to shorten a synthetic sling's length?

G-Link Connectors can be used to shorten the length or reach of a synthetic sling.
More info...

7. What about stretch? I've seen loads bounce with synthetic slings.

At rated capacity, nylon slings will stretch up to 15%. Round slings made with polyester will stretch 3%. Braided Polyester slings will stretch 9%. Twin-Path Extra Slings w/ K-Spec core yarn stretch less than 1% at rated capacity.
More info... (PDF Format)

8. If a synthetic round sling has one interior core yarn which has been damaged or cut, can it still be used if the sling's capacity is de-rated?

NO! Roundslings that suffer damage to the load bearing cores must be removed from service. These slings shall be destroyed to prevent inadvertent use.

9. Are all Twin-Path Extra Slings proof tested before reaching the customer?

Yes. As part of our manufacturing process, each Twin-Path Extra Sling is proof tested to two times its vertical rated capacity. Every repaired Twin-Path Extra Sling is also proof tested before it is returned to the customer.

C. Protector Pads

1. How do I know if a load edge is "sharp" enough to require a CornerMax Pad?

The word "sharp" is considered subjective and is no longer used in our catalog or website. Any material can be cut when exposed to enough pressure and a sharp edge. Diamonds, the hardest substance known, can be split into smaller parts by skilled cutters. CornerMax Pads must be utilized to protect the sling from all edges and corners. For an example, press your hand against the edge of a table. If you run your hand back and forth with some pressure applied, you'll realize that the edge doesn't need to be "sharp" to cut.
More info... (PDF Format)

2. Can I use a Synthetic Armor Pad for cut protection?

No. The technology that developed the CornerMax pad is for cut protection. Synthetic Armor pads are intended for abrasion protection or to increase the diameter of a bearing surface.
More info...

3. What is the difference between abrasion protection and cut protection?

Abrasion protection is needed when the sling is wrapped around a load which is rough, dirty or gritty. Cut protection is needed when there is an edge or corner that the sling will come in contact with.
More info... (PDF Format)

D. Wire Rope Slings

1. Why use a multipart wire rope sling instead of a single-strand wire rope sling?

A single strand sling is less flexible than a multipart wire rope sling. Also, a multipart wire rope sling provides a better D/d ratio.

2. Why are the D/d ratios different for the body and the eye of Gator-Max, Gator-Laid, Gator-Flex and T&D Ultra-Flex Slings?

There are 12 parts of wire rope in the loops and 9 in the body.

3. What kind of wire rope will my Gator-Max, Gator-Laid, Gator-Flex and T&D Ultra-Flex slings be made of?

Up to 1-1/8", 6x25 IWRC. Over 1-1/8", 6x37 IWRC is used. T&D Ultra's are made from 7x19 GAC.

4. What is the difference between a Gator-Max and a Gator-Laid sling?

Gator-Max is handspliced, Gator-Laid is made using swaged sleeves.

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