OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
May 5, 1998
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| FROM: |
STEVEN F. WITT
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
HAZARD INFORMATION BULLETIN:
Retrofit of Boom Pin Retention Assembly on Digger Derricks
and Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work
Platforms |
In October, 1996, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) investigated an accident
involving a two-man crew who were using a hydraulically operated digger derrick crane to
remove power lines from a utility pole. MSHA determined that through lack of proper
inspection and maintenance, the boom pin retention assembly failed. It was also determined that
such equipment may need to be retrofitted with a redesigned boom pivot pin.
Although the original problem was identified on a truck derrick manufactured by Altec
Industries, this condition may exist on truck derricks and similar equipment manufactured by any
company. In connection with their investigation, MSHA issued a Memorandum on retrofitting
of boom pivot pins on digger derricks manufactured by Altec Industries. Table 1 provides a list
of Atlec Industry units that have been identified as affected by the recall program. This
equipment is typically used for power line maintenance, construction, general industry and other
above ground work. OSHA has concluded that it is appropriate to expand MSHA's warning to
indicate that there is a potential hazard with similar equipment used in general industry and in the
construction industry if it is not properly inspected and maintained.
The Office of Science and Technology Assessment has determined that the pin failure as
described by MSHA investigators represents a significant risk if the subject units are not properly
maintained. MSHA's memorandum provided the following information.
Background
Investigators from MSHA's Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center and Approval and
Certification Center (A&CC) reported that a digger derrick was involved in an accident in
Hutchinson, West Virginia. The digger derrick had not been retrofitted in accordance with Altec
Industries's Service Bulletin No. SB-D-203, dated February 1, 1988.
This Service Bulletin details a method for strengthening the boom pivot pin retention assembly.
The Service Bulletin indicates that units in service do not require replacement of end cap bolts if
the owner properly inspects the boom pivot pin regularly. The accident investigation found that
inadequate inspection of the boom pivot pin allowed an unsafe condition to go undetected.
Recall Program
Altec's Service Bulletin (SB-D 203) was issued because failure to inspect the boom pivot pin in
accordance with the owner's manual could lead to pin failure. Notices of the Bulletin were
reportedly sent to all customers who had purchased the derricks.
Altec Industries, Inc. reported that the number of retrofitted units has not been documented.
They did report that:
1) The total number of units affected by Service Bulletin Number SB-D-203 was
approximately 2,306; and
2) More than 2,800 boom pivot pin replacement kits have been distributed.
Altec's representative reported that boom pivot pin assemblies are replaced by Altec on any
derrick returned for servicing. All derricks produced since 1988 reportedly use the redesigned
pin assembly. However, some digger derricks equipped with the original pivot pin may still be
in service. The serial numbers of the machines affected by this retrofit are attached.
Altec reports that no accidents have been reported involving retrofitted machines.
Identification
There are no markings or labels applied to retrofitted units to identify them. The only visible
differences in the boom pivot pin retention system are:
1) The roll pin has been replaced with a cap screw on one end; and
2) on the end opposite the roll retention screw, the retaining bolts are 3/8" diameter which
replace 5/16" diameter bolts.
Non-Retrofitted units
Altec Industries, Inc has indicated that they will continue this retrofit program for the identified
units until all the units have been accounted for.
Applicable Standards
This Hazard Information Bulletin underscores the need for employers, as well as for OSHA
Inspectors, to inspect all boom pivot pins to ensure that they are in good working order.
OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.550) contain general inspection requirements for cranes,
derricks and hoists. These requirements are applicable irrespective of whether or not such
equipment may have been retrofitted.
Please distribute this bulletin to all area offices, State Plan States, Consultation Projects and
appropriate local, labor and industry associations. Copies of the HIB may be used for outreach
purposes.
Table I List of Affected Serial Numbers
| Model # |
Serial # Range |
# of Units |
| D800 |
1083-A0898 through 1087-A1207 |
144 |
| D820 |
1083-A0915 through 1187-A1208 |
122 |
| D880 |
1083-D0686 through 1187-D1585 |
893 |
| D890 |
1083-E0191 through 1187-B1402 |
308 |
| D900 |
1083-B1196 through 1187-B1402 |
114 |
| D9043 |
1083-L0160 through 1187-L0379 |
22 |
| D9047 |
1083-L0162 through 1087-L0380 |
178 |
| D9990 |
1083-F0340 through 1087-F0443 |
104 |
| D9943 |
1083-M0160 through 0687-M0278 |
24 |
| D9947 |
1083-M0162 through 1087-M0283 |
104 |
| D1000 |
1283-N0130 through 1087-N0235 |
106 |
| D1090 |
1083-C0397 through 1187-C0585 |
187 |
|
Back to Top
Printing Instructions