All too often in industrial lifting environments there are regulatory safety compliance shortfalls. The consequences can not only be costly, but deadly.
Below-the-hook (BTH) lifting devices like coil lifters, slab tongs, and spreader beams are critical to plant productivity, but they’re also tightly regulated. Understanding and following OSHA and ASME requirements is key to ensuring safe, legal, and reliable lifting operations.
Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.
OSHA: The Legal Foundation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety standards in the U.S. While OSHA does not issue equipment design specifications for BTH devices, it does hold employers responsible for using equipment that is:
- Properly maintained and inspected
- Used according to manufacturer guidelines
- Capable of safely handling intended loads
General OSHA rules for material handling and machinery that are considered to be relevant for BTH equipment include:
- 29 CFR 1910.184 – Covers slings, which are often used in conjunction with BTH lifting attachments. It applies to the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of slings, which are critical components in material handling systems involving BTH equipment.
- 29 CFR 1910.179 – Pertains to overhead and gantry cranes, including their attachments. BTH devices, such as lifting beams, spreaders, or other custom attachments, are often used with these cranes, and this standard outlines requirements for their safe operation, inspection, and maintenance.
OSHA mandates operator inspections before each lift and stresses periodic formal inspections with documented reports retained for compliance. In practice, these expectations are met by following ASME standards, which OSHA typically references during enforcement and audits.
ASME: The Gold Standard for BTH Equipment
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides the definitive engineering and inspection guidelines for BTH devices. These include:
- ASME B30.20 – Governs the construction, marking, inspection, testing, and maintenance of BTH lifting devices
- ASME BTH-1 – Details the design criteria for BTH equipment, such as allowable stresses and fatigue analysis
- Additional related standards:
- ASME B30.9 (slings)
- ASME B30.10 (hooks)
- ASME B30.26 (rigging hardware)
The ASME standards specify requirements for:
- Markings (e.g., rated load, manufacturer, serial number, BTH designation-if applicable)
- Initial and periodic inspections (frequent, periodic, and documented)
- Load testing (*not required for equipment designed in accordance with ASME specifications and properly labeled)
- Documentation and recordkeeping
Many OSHA inspections reference these ASME standards during audits, making them essential for compliance and liability protection.
Common Compliance Pitfalls
Even well-intentioned programs can fall short of OSHA and ASME requirements. Failing to meet these requirements can result in downtime, fines, or worse. Some of the most common issues include:
- Missing or unreadable load markings
- Lack of documentation for required inspections.
- Using damaged or modified equipment without recertification
Staying Compliant: Best Practices
Here’s a quick checklist to help ensure your BTH devices meet both OSHA and ASME expectations:
- Ensure all devices are clearly marked with rated capacity, manufacturer ID, and serial number. When labeling is not present or the load rating is not known, the equipment should be evaluated by qualified individuals and load tested in accordance with ASME B30.20.
- Perform and document frequent and periodic inspections
- Keep maintenance and inspection records on file and accessible
- Train operators and inspectors – OSHA and ASME require qualified, trained personnel
- Work with a trusted partner who understands the compliance landscape and will advise an effective strategy for managing your lifting equipment.
Bradley Lifting Supports Customer Compliance Efforts
At Bradley Lifting, we go beyond supplying compliant BTH devices:
- Engineer-to-order equipment – Every lifter is designed to ASME B30.20/BTH-1 standards under the supervision of licensed, Professional Engineers.
- Manufacturer-certified inspections – Our field teams conduct visual checks aligned with ASME B30.20, complete with full reporting and record retention .
- On-site services & repairs – Bradley inspects, repairs, reconditions all BTH equipment (not just our own) to restore compliance.
- Training & ongoing support – We help train operators, inspectors, and maintenance teams in best practices, ensuring the right qualification levels.
- Custom safety upgrades – Beyond repair and reconditioning services, Bradley Engineers can evaluate your current equipment for load rating updates, modernization, and safety feature additions.
Bradley Lifting offers expert support for your below-the-hook equipment, from engineering compliant systems and inspections rooted in decades of experience, to precision repairs and industrial-grade support. Reach out today to schedule an inspection or contact us to discuss your next below-the-hook equipment project.