ASME B30 Standards
The ASME B30 series is the main set of safety standards for cranes, hoists, rigging and below-the-hook lifting devices. Manufacturers, inspectors and riggers rely on it daily.
- Construction
- General Industry
Commonly used volumes
| Volume | Covers |
|---|---|
| B30.2 | Overhead and gantry cranes |
| B30.3 | Tower cranes |
| B30.5 | Mobile and locomotive cranes |
| B30.9 | Slings |
| B30.10 | Hooks |
| B30.16 | Overhead underhung and monorail hoists |
| B30.20 | Below-the-hook lifting devices (vacuum lifters, spreader bars) |
| B30.21 | Lever hoists |
| B30.22 | Articulating boom cranes |
| B30.23 | Personnel lifting systems |
| B30.26 | Rigging hardware (shackles, eyebolts, turnbuckles) |
OSHA rules reference some ASME B30 provisions, and many employers require compliance with the current editions for inspections and removal criteria.
How a B30 volume is organized
Most volumes follow the same pattern, so once you know one you can find your way around the others:
- Scope and definitions: what equipment the volume covers
- Construction and installation: design, markings and capacity labels
- Inspection, testing and maintenance: frequent and periodic inspections, load tests, and removal criteria
- Operation: operator and rigger duties, signals, and how to handle loads
- Training and qualification
“Shall” means a requirement of the standard; “should” means a recommendation.
Inspection types you’ll hear about
| Inspection | Typical timing | Records |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Before first use, and after repair or alteration | Yes |
| Frequent | Daily to monthly, often before each shift or use | Usually not required |
| Periodic | Monthly to yearly, depending on service | Yes |
Removal criteria
The B30 volumes list the conditions that take equipment out of service, such as broken wires in wire rope, a stretched or twisted hook, cracked welds, missing capacity markings, or synthetic slings with cuts or exposed core yarns. When in doubt, take it out of service and have a qualified person decide.
Who uses B30
- Operators and riggers: daily inspections and safe operating rules
- Inspectors: periodic inspections and removal decisions
- Employers: training programs and lift procedures
- Manufacturers: design and marking
Standards & references
- ASME codes and standards
- See also: Sling Inspection
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