Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024

Title 29 - Labor last revised: Oct 31, 2024
Appendix Appendix IV - Appendix IV to Part 1918—Special Cargo Gear and Container Spreader Test Requirements (Mandatory) [see § 1918.61 (f), (g), (h)]
Type gearTest requirementTested byProof test
A. All Special Cargo Handling Gear Purchased or Manufactured on or After January 21, 1998
1. Safe Working Load—greater than 5 short tons (10,000 lbs./4.5 metric tons)Prior to initial useOSHA accredited agency onlyUp to 20 short tons125% SWL.
Prior to reuse after structural damage repairFrom 20 to 50 short tons5 short tons in excess of SWL.
Every four years after initial proof load testOSHA accredited agency or designated personOver 50 short tons110% SWL.
2. Safe Working Load—5 short tons or lessPrior to initial useOSHA accredited agency or designated person125% SWL.
Prior to reuse after structural damage repair
3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gearPrior to initial useOSHA accredited agency only125% SWL.
Prior to reuse after structural damage repair
Every four years after initial proof load testOSHA accredited agency or designated person
B. All Special Cargo Handling Gear in Use Prior to January 21, 1998 and Proof Load Tested Prior to Initial Use (See Note Below)
1. Safe Working Load—greater than 5 short tons (10,000 lbs./4540 kg.)Every four years starting on January 21, 1998OSHA accredited agency or designated personUp to 20 short tons125% SWL.
Prior to reuse after structural damage repairOSHA accredited agencyFrom 20 to 50 short tons5 short tons in excess of SWL.
Over 50 short tons110% SWL.
2. Safe Working Load—5 short tons or lessPrior to reuse after structural damage repairOSHA accredited agency or designated person125% SWL.
3. Intermodal container spreaders not part of vessel's cargo handling gearEvery four years starting on January 21, 1998OSHA accredited agency or designated person125% SWL.
Prior to reuse after structural damage repairOSHA accredited agency.
Note to appendix IV:

Special stevedoring gear in use prior to January 21, 1998 was covered by § 1918.61(b), in effect prior to January 21, 1998. (See 29 CFR Parts 1911 to 1925 revised as of July 1, 1997). The assumption is made that gear in use prior to January 21, 1998, has already been proof load tested, although not necessarily by an accredited agency. However, if the employer cannot certify that such gear was proof load tested under § 1918.61(b), in effect prior to January 21, 1998, (See 29 CFR Parts 1911 to 1925 revised as of July 1, 1997), than it must be proof load tested in accordance with § 1918.61 in effect on January 21, 1998, (See 29 CFR Parts 1911 to 1925 revised as of July 1, 1998.)

[65 FR 40950, June 30, 2000]
authority: 33 U.S.C. 941; 29 U.S.C. 653,655,657; Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017), 5-2002 (67 FR 65008), 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), 4-2010 (75 FR 55355), 1-2012 (77 FR 3912), or 8-2020 (85 FR 58393), as applicable; and 29 CFR 1911
source: 62 FR 40202, July 25, 1997, unless otherwise noted.