Overhead Crane – Latch Removal on Hooks Legislative Interpretations

Question

Can a latch be removed on an overhead crane fitted with a latch-equipped hook?

Answer

In most instances, a latch-equipped hook shall be present when operating an overhead travelling crane. A latch can be removed under the conditions set below, permanently or for specific tasks.

In the General Regulation, 91-191, CSA standard B167-08 (R2015), “Overhead travelling cranes – Design, inspection, testing, maintenance, and safe operation” is cited. The standard refers to hook latches and specifically denotes, “where present”.

Although the CSA standard suggests that a hook latch is an optional device, it does not provide guidance on the conditions under which they may be removed. In the absence of advice, two ASME standards were consulted to clarify the conditions around latch removal:

• ASME 2-2016 – Overhead and Gantry Cranes
• ASME 10-2019 – Hooks

ASME B30.2 does specify that latch-equipped hooks shall be used unless the application makes the use of the latch impractical or unnecessary. Furthermore, ASME B30.10 stipulates that a hook latch that is inoperative shall be repaired, replaced, or removed if not required.

Prior to opting for latchless hooks, the following shall be assessed:

• Convenience should not be a consideration when determining if the use of a latch is impractical or unnecessary. The criteria for its removal should primarily focus on the prevention of an undue health and safety risk to the employee(s). 

• As a substitution for a latch, a qualified person shall evaluate the option of mousing the throat opening of the hook. As per ASME B30-10, mouse is a method to close the throat opening of a hook using a device such as rope, wire, or other suitable means. 

• Ensure continuous hook engagement of slings and rigging hardware; load handling that could lead to slack rigging conditions should be avoided.

• If work conditions change such that the use of a latch is no longer impractical or unnecessary, then the employer shall reinstall a latch onto the hook. 

• Employer has a duty to ensure all applicable regulations and guidance in both General Regulation, 91-191, and CSA standard B167-08 are adhered to.

The hazard assessment shall be documented and available to an officer upon request. To help with the assessment, the word “impractical” is defined by the Oxford dictionary as: not sensible or realistic with synonyms; unrealistic, unfeasible, unworkable.

Examples of situations a latch may be impractical; removing a load from the hook over a hazard (molten metal, boiling vat) or unnecessary: automated system with no employees, load is never lifted more than a few inches off the ground, etc.

Lastly, although a hook may be removed in certain situations or tasks, the employer shall assess the risk of the entire lift process and may have to implement adequate additional controls i.e. mousing the throat of the hook, changing the hook to a different configuration, reducing the load, ensuring load control, etc.

Referenced Legislation

207(2)(a) An employer and an operator of a hoisting apparatus shall each ensure that the hoisting apparatus is erected, installed, assembled, started, operated, used, handled, stored, stopped, serviced, tested, cleaned, adjusted, maintained, repaired, inspected and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the following CSA standards, if applicable:

        B167-08 (R2015), “Overhead travelling cranes – Design, inspection, testing, maintenance, and safe operation” or a standard
        offering equivalent or better protection.