4/9/2015
CASE STUDY: Eye and
Shoulder Bolts
Luis A. Ramos-Morales
Milwaukee OSHA Office
WSC 2015
Objectives:
Identify hazards of using eye & shoulder bolts
Applicable Standards
Means of Abatement
Lessons Learned
Eyebolt
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4/9/2015
Shoulder Bolt
Employee was pinned
below the metal platform
after the eye and shoulder
bolts failed. The platform
weighed approximately
7,600lbs.
What was wrong?
•The employees were working below a
suspended load. 29 CFR 1910.184(c)(9)
•The employees were lifting the platform at an
angle with eyebolts. ANSI/ASME B18.15
•The employees were lifting at greater than 45
degrees with eye and shoulder bolts.
ANSI/ASME B18.15
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4/9/2015
Recreated the sling pattern, which indicated 30 degree angle.
Calculations
(A) Weight of platform: 7,624 lbs
(X) Angle of sling: 30 degrees
Total # of legs: 4
(A)/sin(X) or 7,624lbs/sin(30 degrees)= 15,248 lbs
15,248 lbs/4 legs = 3,812 lbs.
Ratings
Eye bolt: 804 lbs @ 30 degrees
Shoulder bolt: 890 lbs @30 degrees
How did it happen?
•Employees were not taught the difference between
eye and shoulder bolts.
•Eye and shoulder bolts had been used in the shop
for years, and employees learn to use them
through on-the-job training.
•The eye bolts were used for straight vertical lifts
and employees then started using them for angular
lifts.
•Home/Shop-Made eye and shoulder bolts were
introduced to the plant.
•The employer did not conduct a reasonable
evaluation of the job.
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4/9/2015
Condition of the Eye/Shoulder Bolts
Condition of the Eye/Shoulder Bolts
ABATEMENT
•Training employees
Proper use of lifting
equipment/hardware
Retraining on NOT working
under a suspended load.
•Removing all eyebolts from the plant
•Use of swivel eyebolts, rated for the
lifts.
•Employer/Employee evaluation of job
requirements.
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4/9/2015
Lessons Learned
1. Improper use of rigging gear can result in
equipment damage, personnel injuries, and even
death.
2. Employers need to evaluate the workplace
periodically and when jobs or equipment change.
3. Employees must follow work rules, and employers
most enforce work rules.
4. When in doubt, stop and ask for guidance.
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