§ 71.47-40 - Proof test of cargo gear as a unit.

(a) Winches with their accessory gear, including the derricks and attachments, at least once in each five years, shall be tested as a unit with proof loads exceeding the safe working load as set forth in Table 71.47-40(a).

Table 71.47-40(a)Safe working load of assembled gearProof loadNot exceeding 20 tons25 percent in excess.Over 20 tons but not exceeding 50 tons5 tons in excess.Over 50 tons10 percent in excess.

(b) The proof load applied to winches and their gear shall be lifted with the ship's normal tackle, including the winches, and with the boom at an angle which should not be greater than 15 degrees to the horizontal or to the lowest angle approved in association with the design, or when these angles are impracticable to the lowest practicable angle. When the load has been lifted, it shall be swung as far as possible in both directions.

(1) Where electrical winches are fitted with electromagnetic brakes, or where electrohydraulic winches are fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch, mechanical brakes for manual operations will not be required, but if so fitted shall be in satisfactory operating condition.

(2) Current for electric winch operation during the test shall be taken from the ship's circuits. Shore current may be used if it passes through the ship's switchboard.

(c) Cranes and other hoisting machines with their accessory gear, at least once in each five years, shall be tested with a proof load which shall exceed the safe working load as set forth in Table 71.47-40(a).

(d) The proof load applied to cranes and hoists shall be lifted, topped and swung (slewed) as far as possible in each direction. If the boom of the crane has a movable radius, it shall be tested with a proof load as set forth in this section at the maximum and minimum radii of the boom. In the case of hydraulic cranes whose capacity is limited by pressure, and with which it is not possible to lift a load 25 percent in excess of the safe working load, the greatest possible load in excess of the safe working load, shall be used. These tests and the amounts of the loads shall be recorded.

(e) After satisfactory completion of the proof load testing of the cargo gear in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the cargo gear and all component parts shall be given a thorough visual examination, supplemented as necessary by other means such as a hammer test or with electronic or ultrasonic devices, to determine if any of the parts were damaged, deformed, or otherwise rendered unsafe for further use. If found defective, such gear shall be replaced.

(1) When the test is being conducted for the first time on a vessel, accessory gear shall be dismantled or disassembled for examination after the test. The sheaves and pins of the blocks included in this test need not be removed unless there appears to be evidence of deformation or failure.

(2) For subsequent tests such parts of the machinery and gear shall be dismantled and/or disassembled after the test as necessary to determine its suitability for continued service.

(f) Appropriate means shall be provided to prevent the foot of the boom from being accidentally lifted from the socket during the test.

(g) Vessels whose cargo gear has been in use but are without the valid registers and certificates described in § 71.25-25 will be inspected for defective cargo gear. The gear shall then be tested and examined as prescribed in this section. If the movable weights for proof testing are not reasonably available, a spring or hydraulic scale certified for accuracy may be used. Whenever such scales are used, the proof load shall be applied with the boom swung out as far as possible in one direction and then in the other direction, and at such intermediate positions as may be indicated. At any position, the indicator of the scale must maintain a constant reading under the proof load for a period of five minutes.

(h) On all types of winches and cranes efficient means shall be provided to stop and hold the proof load in any position, and the efficiency of such means shall be demonstrated.

(1) Electric winches, electrohydraulic winches fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch, or cranes shall be equipped so that a failure of the electric power shall stop the motion and set the brakes without any action on the part of the operator.

(2) Current for electric winch and crane operations during the tests shall be taken from the ship's circuits. Shore current may be used if it passes through the ship's switchboard.