ASME B30.20 Below-theHook Lifting Devices (006).pdf

A N A M E R I C A N N A T I O N A L S T A N D A R D

ASME B30.20-2025

(Revision of ASME B30.20-2021)

Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings

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(Revision of ASME B30.20-2021)

Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings

AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Two Park Avenue • New York, NY • 10016 USA x

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Date of Issuance: April 30, 2025

Thenexteditionof this Standard is scheduled for publication in2028. This Standardwill becomeeffective 1year after theDateof Issuance.

This codeor standardwas developedunder procedures accredited asmeeting the criteria for AmericanNational Standards. The standards committee that approved the code or standard was balanced to ensure that individuals from competent and concerned interests had an opportunity to participate. The proposed code or standard was made available for public review and comment, which provided an opportunity for additional public input from industry, academia, regulatory agencies, and the public-at-large.

ASME does not “approve,” “certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity. ASME does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any items mentioned in this document, and does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing a standard against liability for infringement of any applicable letters patent, nor does ASME assume any such liability. Users of a code or standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is entirely their own responsibility.

Participation by federal agency representatives or persons affiliated with industry is not to be interpreted as government or industry endorsement of this code or standard.

ASME accepts responsibility for only those interpretations of this document issued in accordance with the established ASME procedures and policies, which precludes the issuance of interpretations by individuals.

The endnotes and preamble in this document (if any) are part of this American National Standard.

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All rights reserved.“ASME” and the above ASME symbol are registered trademarks of The American Society ofMechanical Engineers. No part of this documentmaybecopied,modified, distributed, published, displayed,orotherwise reproduced inany formorbyanymeans, electronic, digital, or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of ASME. No works derived from this documentor any content thereinmaybe createdwithout theexpresswrittenpermissionofASME.Using this documentor any content therein to train, create, or improve any artificial intelligence and/or machine learning platform, system, application, model, or algorithm is strictly prohibited.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Two Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990

Copyright © 2025 by

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Printed in U.S.A.

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CONTENTS

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Committee Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Correspondence With the B30 Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

B30 Standard Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

Summary of Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

Chapter 20-0 Scope, Definitions, Personnel Competence, Translations, and References Section 20-0.1 Scope of ASME B30.20 Section 20-0.2 Definitions — General Section 20-0.3 Definitions For Chapter 20-1 Section 20-0.4 Definitions for Chapter 20-2 Section 20-0.5 Definitions For Chapter 20-3 Section 20-0.6 Definitions For Chapter 20-4 Section 20-0.7 Definitions For Chapter 20-5 Section 20-0.8 Definitions for Chapter 20-6 Section 20-0.9 Personnel Competence Section 20-0.10 Translations Section 20-0.11 References to Other Codes and Standards Chapter 20-1 Structural and Mechanical Lifting Devices Section 20-1.1 Scope Section 20-1.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation Section 20-1.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-1.4 Operation Section 20-1.5 Instruction Manuals Chapter 20-2 Vacuum Lifting Devices Section 20-2.1 Scope Section 20-2.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation Section 20-2.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-2.4 Operation Section 20-2.5 Instruction Manuals Chapter 20-3 Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets Section 20-3.1 Scope Section 20-3.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation Section 20-3.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-3.4 Operation Section 20-3.5 Instruction Manuals Chapter 20-4 Remotely Operated Lifting Magnets Section 20-4.1 Scope Section 20-4.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation iii

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Section 20-4.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-4.4 Operation Section 20-4.5 Instruction Manuals Chapter 20-5 Scrap and Material-Handling Grapples Section 20-5.1 Scope Section 20-5.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation Section 20-5.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-5.4 Operation Section 20-5.5 Instruction Manuals Chapter 20-6 Clamps Section 20-6.1 Scope Section 20-6.2 Marking, Construction, and Installation Section 20-6.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Section 20-6.4 Operation Section 20-6.5 Instruction Manuals

Nonmandatory Appendix A Marking of Multiple-Rated-Load Lifting Devices

Figures 20-1.1-1 Structural Lifting Devices 20-1.1-2 Mechanical Lifting Devices 20-1.1-3 Mechanical Supporting Lifting Devices 20-1.1-4 Load-Containing Lifting Devices 20-2.1-1 Vacuum Lifting Devices 20-3.1-1 Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets 20-4.1-1 Remotely Operated Lifting Magnets 20-5.1-1 Scrap and Material-Handling Grapples 20-6.1-1 Load-Supporting Clamps 20-6.1-2 Friction-Type Pressure-Gripping Clamps 20-6.1-3 Indentation-Type Pressure-Gripping Clamps 20-6.1-4 Anchoring and Positioning Clamps 20-6.1-5 Hybrid Clamps A-2-1 End Cap Spreader Bar A-2-2 Modular Spreader Bar A-2-3 Lifting Beam A-3.2-1 Examples of Single-Use Labels for End Cap Spreader Bars A-3.2-2 Example of a Single-Use Label for Modular Spreader Bars A-3.3-1 Load Chart Label for a Lifting Beam

Table 20-1.3.3-1 Minimum Inspection for Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices iv

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FOREWORD

This AmericanNational Standard, Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings, has beendevelopedunder theprocedures accreditedby theAmericanNational Standards Institute (ANSI). This Standardhad its beginning in December 1916, when an eight-page Code of Safety Standards for Cranes, prepared by the American Society ofMechanical Engineers (ASME) Committee on the Protection of IndustrialWorkers,was presented at the annual meeting of ASME.

Meetings and discussions regarding safety on cranes, derricks, and hoists were held from 1920 to 1925 involving the

ASMESafety CodeCorrelatingCommittee, theAssociationof Iron and Steel Electrical Engineers, theAmericanMuseumof Safety, the American Engineering Standards Committee (AESC) [later changed to American Standards Association (ASA), then to theUnitedStatesofAmerica Standards Institute (USASI), and finally toANSI],Departmentof Labor—StateofNew Jersey,Department of Labor and Industry—State of Pennsylvania, and theLocomotiveCraneManufacturersAssociation.

On June11, 1925, theAESCapproved theASMESafetyCodeCorrelatingCommittee’s recommendationandauthorized the project with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Bureau of Yards and Docks, and ASME as sponsors.

In March 1926, invitations were issued to 50 organizations to appoint representatives to a Sectional Committee. The call for organization of this Sectional Committee was sent out October 2, 1926, and the Committee was organized on November 4, 1926, with 57 members representing 29 national organizations.

Commencing June 1, 1927, and using the eight-page Code published by ASME in 1916 as a basis, the Sectional

Committee developed the Safety Code for Cranes, Derricks, and Hoists. The early drafts of this safety code included requirements for jacks, but, due to inputsandcommentson thosedrafts, theSectionalCommitteedecided in1938 tomake the requirements for jacks a separate code. In January 1943, ASA B30.2-1943 was published addressing a multitude of equipment types, and in August 1943, ASA B30.1-1943 was published addressing only jacks. Both documents were reaffirmed in 1952 and widely accepted as safety standards.

Due to changes in design, advancement in techniques, and general interest of labor and industry in safety, the Sectional

Committee, under the joint sponsorshipofASMEand theBureauofYards andDocks (nowtheNaval FacilitiesEngineering Command), was reorganized on January 31, 1962, with 39 members representing 27 national organizations. The new Committee changed the format of ASA B30.2-1943 so that the multitude of equipment types it addressed could be published in separate volumes that could completely cover the construction, installation, inspection, testing, mainte-nance, and operation of each type of equipment that was included in the scope of ASA B30.2. This format change resulted in B30.3, B30.5, B30.6, B30.11, and B30.16 being designated as revisions of B30.2with the remainder of the B30 volumes beingpublishedas totallynewvolumes.ASAchanged itsname toUSASI in1966and toANSI in1969,which resulted inB30 volumes from 1943 to 1968 being designated as either ASA B30, USAS B30, or ANSI B30, depending on their date of publication.

In 1982, the Committeewas reorganized as anAccreditedOrganization Committee operating under procedures devel-oped by ASME and accredited by ANSI. This Standard presents a coordinated set of rules that may serve as a guide to government and other regulatory bodies and municipal authorities responsible for the guarding and inspection of the equipment falling within its scope. The suggestions leading to accident prevention are given both as mandatory and advisory provisions; compliance with both types may be required by employers of their employees.

In case of practical difficulties, newdevelopments, or unnecessaryhardship, the administrative or regulatory authority maygrant variances fromthe literal requirementsorpermit theuseof otherdevicesormethodsbut onlywhen it is clearly evident that an equivalent degree of protection is thereby secured. To secure uniform application and interpretation of this Standard, administrative or regulatory authorities are urged to consult the B30 Committee, in accordance with the format described on the CorrespondenceWith the B30 Committee page, before rendering decisions on disputed points.

Safety codes and standards are intended to enhance public safety. Revisions result from committee consideration of factors suchas technological advances, newdata, andchangingenvironmental and industryneeds.Revisionsdonot imply that previous editions were inadequate.

B30.20, Below-the-HookLiftingDevices,was first published in1985;neweditionswerepublished in1993, 1999, 2003, and2006. In the2010edition,maintenancewasmademandatory, definitionswere revised andother changesweremade to improve clarity. The 2013 revision added requirements for personnel competence, operating controls marking and inspection, translationofnon-Englishdocumentation intoEnglish, andupdates to thedefinitionofDutyCycle toalignwith revisionsmade to BTH-1. In addition, responsibilities for Owners andOperators are defined for each piece of equipment.

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The 2018 edition added Chapter 6 on clamps, revisions to product safety labeling, addition of rated load marking requirements for remotely operated magnets, expanded and clarified magnet testing requirements, revision to the permanent magnet rating factor, revisions to align with changes to ASME BTH-1, and updates to the operating practices sections to align with revisions to the standards applicable to the equipment used with below-the-hook lifting devices.

The 2021 edition improved clarity and readability of inspection requirements, added removal criteria, and contained revisions to load test.

This 2025 edition addresses adjustable and modular spreader bars and clamps, includes new figures for load-containing lifters, and clarifies lifting devices. It also adds Nonmandatory Appendix A and an updated method to load test lifting devices, among other revisions. References have been updated.

This Volume of the Standard, which was approved by the B30 Committee and by ASME, was approved by ANSI and designated as an American National Standard on January 22, 2025.

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ASME B30 COMMITTEE

Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings

(The following is the roster of the committee at the time of approval of this Standard.)

STANDARDS COMMITTEE OFFICERS

E. D. Fidler, Chair

T. Sicklesteel, Vice Chair S. D. Wood, Vice Chair K. Peterson, Secretary

STANDARDS COMMITTEE PERSONNEL

N. E. Andrew, Neil E. Andrew and Associates, LLC B. B. Bacon, Tennessee Valley Authority T. L. Blanton, OGR Consulting Services, LLC P. A. Boeckman, The Crosby Group, LLC J. R. Burkey, Consultant J. A. Danielson, The Boeing Co.

D. R. Decker, Becket Training and Consulting L. D. DeMark, Sr., Equipment Training Solutions, LLC D. W. Eckstine, Eckstine and Associates, Inc.

E. D. Fidler, Grove U.S., LLC M. Gardiner, ICC Forensics, LLC J. A. Gilbert, JAGwire Management, LLC D. A. Henninger, Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group M. M. Jaxtheimer, Navy Crane Center T. W. Klein, Wireco R. M. Kohner, Landmark Engineering Services A. J. Lusi, Jr., Lumark Consulting, LLP T. C. Mackey, HiLine Engineering and Fabrication, Inc.

J. Mihlbauer, All Ship and Cargo Surveys, Ltd.

M. Parnell, Industrial Training International, Inc.

J. T. Perkins, All Material Handling K. Peterson, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers B. A. Pickett, Systems Engineering and Forensic Services J. A. Pilgrim, Manitowoc Cranes S. K. Rammelsberg, CB&I Storage Solutions J. M. Randall, J. E. Spear Consulting, LP K. Rask, NationsBuilders Insurance Services, Inc.

K. Reynolds, Shell Exploration and Production C. L. Richardson, Lone Star Rigging, LP J. E. Richardson, Navy Crane Center J. W. Rowland III, Consultant A. R. Ruud, Atkinson Construction L. K. Shapiro, Howard I. Shapiro & Associates T. Sicklesteel, National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, Inc.

C. H. Smith, Morrow Equipment Company, LLC D. W. Smith, J. E. Spear Consulting, LP W. J. Smith, Jr., NationsBuilders Insurance Services, Inc.

R. S. Stemp, Lampson International, LLC R. G. Strain, Advanced Crane Technologies, LLC J. Sturm, Sturm Corp.

D. Sullivan, IUOE Local 542 JATC P. A. Vallejos, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, LLC C. Warren, Webber, LLC J. D. Wiethorn, International Crane and Construction Safety Solu-tions, LLC

S. D. Wood, Terex Corp.

D. Boyle, Alternate, The Crosby Group M. Chaudanson, Alternate, Howard I. Shapiro & Associates P. B. Debuigne, Alternate, Blue Origin D. Duerr, Alternate, 2DM Associates, Inc.

M. Eckstine, Alternate, Eckstine and Associates D. Frerking, Alternate, XCMG American Research Corp.

T. Gordon, Alternate, IUOE Local 14-14b J. B. Greenwood, Alternate, Navy Crane Center D. Jordan, Alternate, American International Crane Bureau, LLC L. D. Means, Alternate, Consultant W. J. Merrill, Alternate, Merrill Safety Solutions, LLC G. D. Miller, Alternate, Manitowoc Cranes D. A. Moore, Alternate, Unified Engineering, LP P. Quick, Alternate, Affiliated Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

G. M. Ray, Alternate, Tennessee Valley Authority M. Riggs, Alternate, Riggsafe Solutions, Inc.

S. Santee, Alternate, Navy Crane Center J. R. Schober, Alternate, American Bridge Co.

J. E. Spear, Alternate, J. E. Spear Consulting, LP J. A. Stewart, Alternate, Stewart Safety Consulting A. Thompson, Alternate, Wireco W. Tubbs, Alternate, Craneology, Inc.

J. J. Van Egeren, Alternate, Manitowoc Cranes M. Zerba, Alternate, Lampson International, LLC J. W. Downs, Jr., Honorary Member, Downs Crane and Hoist Co., Inc.

J. L. Franks, Honorary Member, Consultant C. W. Ireland, Honorary Member, National Oilwell Varco J. M. Klibert, Honorary Member, Lift-All Co., Inc.

J. C. Ryan, Honorary Member, Boh Bros. Construction Co., LLC vii

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B30.20 SUBCOMMITTEE PERSONNEL

J. D. Edmundson, Chair, Konecranes Nuclear G. A. Bond, Tech-Puzzle Guide, LLC D. Duerr, 2DM Associates, Inc.

T. Eicher, The Caldwell Group, Inc.

K. M. Jankowski, Industrial Magnetics, Inc./Walker Magnetics M. Lane, Mammoet USA South, Inc.

T. C. Mackey, HiLine Engineering and Fabrication, Inc.

M. P. McShane, Washington River Protection Solutions L. Radu, Mazzella Lifting Technologies T. Raines, Jr., CMCO D. T. Rebbin, Bradley Lifting Corp.

P. A. Vallejos, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, LLC D. Verenski, Hunter Lift, Ltd.

M. Zerba, Lampson International, LLC T. J. Brookbank, Alternate, Hunter Lift, Ltd.

T. Cobb, Alternate, Columbus McKinnon Corp.

D. Meuchel, Alternate, Wood’s Powr-Grip J. E. Rea, Alternate, Bradley Lifting Corp.

P. Boyd, Contributing Member, Retired P. B. Debuigne, Contributing Member, Blue Origin W. A. Holley, Contributing Member, Framatome, Inc.

M. Nowotarski, Contributing Member, Carpenter Technology, Inc.

T. F. Pritchett, Contributing Member, Crane Inspection Services D. Staber, Contributing Member, Nuclear Waste Partnership, LLC J. W. Downs, Jr., Honorary Member, Downs Crane and Hoist Co., Inc.

B30 INTEREST REVIEW GROUP

O. Akinboboye, Ropetech Engineering Services, Ltd.

B. Dobbs, LEEA J. Edmundson, Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services, LLC M. J. Eggenberger, Berry Contracting, Inc.

Y. T. F. Elhola Axess Group D. Ferland, AMECO A. Gomes Rocha, Industrial Training International J. Groce, WireCo N. C. Hargreaves, Hargreaves Consulting, LLC

J. Hui, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing D. Mabelane, South African Nuclear Energy Corp.

A. C. Mattoli, Prowinch, LLC T. McCullough, Allegiance Crane and Equipment D. Modzeleski, Dematic Corp.

C. Neth, Neth Engineering, PLLC A. Payne, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement P. Juhren, Honorary Member, Morrow Equipment Co., LLC

B30 REGULATORY AUTHORITY COUNCIL

C. Stribling, Jr., Chair, Kentucky Labor Cabinet K. Peterson, Secretary, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

R. D. Jackson, U.S. Department of Labor D. E. Latham, State of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

M. J. Nelmida, State of California, Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board

S. Sumeshwar, State of California Department of Industrial Regulations

T. Taylor, North Carolina Department of Labor N. Reynolds, Alternate, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health viii

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CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE B30 COMMITTEE

ð25ÞGeneral. ASME codes and standards are developed and maintained by committees with the intent to represent the consensus of concerned interests. Users of ASME codes and standards may correspond with the committees to propose revisions or cases, report errata, or request interpretations. Correspondence for this Standard should be sent to the staff secretary noted on the committee’s web page, accessible at https://go.asme.org/B30committee.

Revisions and Errata. The committee processes revisions to this Standard on a continuous basis to incorporate changes that appear necessary or desirable as demonstrated by the experience gained from the application of the Stan-dard. Approved revisions will be published in the next edition of the Standard.

In addition, the committee may post errata on the committee web page. Errata become effective on the date posted.

Users can register on the committee web page to receive email notifications of posted errata.

This Standard is always open for comment, and the committee welcomes proposals for revisions. Such proposals should be as specific as possible, citing the paragraph number, the proposed wording, and a detailed description of the reasons for the proposal, including any pertinent background information and supporting documentation.

Cases. The committee does not issue cases for this Standard.

Interpretations. Upon request, the committee will issue an interpretation of any requirement of this Standard. An interpretation can be issued only in response to a request submitted through the online Inquiry Submittal Form at https://go.asme.org/InterpretationRequest. Upon submitting the form, the inquirer will receive an automatic email confirming receipt.

ASME does not act as a consultant for specific engineering problems or for the general application or understanding of the Standard requirements. If, based on the information submitted, it is the opinion of the committee that the inquirer should seek assistance, the requestwill be returnedwith the recommendation that such assistance beobtained. Inquirers can track the status of their requests at https://go.asme.org/Interpretations.

ASMEprocedures provide for reconsideration of any interpretationwhen or if additional information thatmight affect an interpretation is available. Further, persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. ASME does not “approve,” “certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.

Interpretationsarepublished in theASMEInterpretationsDatabaseathttps://go.asme.org/Interpretationsas theyare issued.

Committee Meetings. The B30 Standards Committee regularly holds meetings that are open to the public. Persons wishing to attend anymeeting should contact the secretary of the committee. Information on future committeemeetings can be found on the committee web page at https://go.asme.org/B30committee.

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B30 STANDARD INTRODUCTIONð25Þ

SECTION I: SCOPE

The ASME B30 Standard contains provisions that apply to the construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and use of cranes and other lifting and material-movement-related equipment. For the convenience of the reader, the Standard has been divided into separate volumes. Each volume has been written under the direction of the ASME B30 Standards Committee and has successfully completed a consensus approval process under the general auspices of the Amer-ican National Standards Institute (ANSI).

As of the date of issuance of this Volume, the B30 Stan-dard comprises the following volumes:

B30.1 Jacks, Industrial Rollers, Air Casters, and Hydraulic Gantries

B30.2 Overhead and Gantry Cranes (Top Running Bridge, Single or Multiple Girder, Top Running Trolley Hoist)

B30.3 Tower Cranes B30.4 Portal and Pedestal Cranes B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes B30.6 Derricks B30.7 Winches B30.8 Floating Cranes and Floating Derricks B30.9 Slings B30.10 Hooks B30.11 Monorails and Underhung Cranes (withdrawn

2018—requirements found in latest revision of B30.17)

B30.12 Handling Loads Suspended From Rotorcraft B30.13 Storage/Retrieval (S/R) Machines and

Associated Equipment B30.14 Side Boom and Rotating Pipelayers B30.15 Mobile Hydraulic Cranes (withdrawn 1982 — requirements found in latest revision of B30.5)

B30.16 Overhead Underhung and Stationary Hoists B30.17 Cranes andMonorails (With Underhung Trolley or Bridge) B30.18 Stacker Cranes (Top or Under Running Bridge, Multiple Girder With Top or Under Running Trolley Hoist)

B30.19 Cableways B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

B30.21 Lever Hoists B30.22 Articulating Boom Cranes B30.23 Personnel Lifting Systems B30.24 Container Cranes B30.25 Scrap and Material Handlers B30.26 Rigging Hardware B30.27 Material Placement Systems B30.28 Balance Lifting Units B30.29 Self-Erecting Tower Cranes B30.30 Ropes B30.31 Self-Propelled, Towed, or Remote-Controlled

Hydraulic Platform Transporters1

B30.32 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Used in Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, and Load- Handling Operations

SECTION II: SCOPE EXCLUSIONS

Any exclusion of, or limitations applicable to, the equip-ment, requirements, recommendations, or operations contained in this Standard are established in the affected volume’s scope.

SECTION III: PURPOSE

The B30 Standard is intended to

(a) prevent or minimize injury to workers, and other-wise provide for the protection of life, limb, and property by prescribing safety requirements

(b) provide direction to manufacturers, owners, employers, users, and others concerned with, or respon-sible for, its application

(c) guide governments and other regulatory bodies in the development, promulgation, and enforcement of appropriate safety directives

SECTION IV: USE BY REGULATORY AGENCIES

These volumes may be adopted in whole or in part for governmental or regulatory use. If adopted for govern-mental use, the references to other national codes and standards in the specific volumes may be changed to refer to the corresponding regulations of the govern-mental authorities.

1 This volume is currently in the development process.

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SECTION V: EFFECTIVE DATE

(a) Effective Date. The effective date of this Volume of the B30 Standard shall be 1 yr after its date of issuance.

Construction, installation, inspection, testing, mainte-nance, and operation of equipment manufactured and facilities constructed after the effective date of this Volume shall conform to the mandatory requirements of this Volume.

(b) Existing Installations. Equipment manufactured and facilities constructed prior to the effective date of this Volume of the B30 Standard shall be subject to the inspection, testing, maintenance, and operation re-quirements of this Standard after the effective date.

It is not the intent of this Volume of the B30 Standard to require retrofitting of existing equipment. However,when an item is being modified, its performance requirements shall be reviewed relative to the requirements within the current volume. The need to meet the current require-ments shall be evaluated by a qualified person selected by the owner (user). Recommended changes shall be made by the owner (user) within 1 yr.

SECTION VI: REQUIREMENTS ANDRECOMMENDATIONS

Requirements of this Standard are characterized by use of the word shall. Recommendations of this Standard are characterized by the word should.

SECTION VII: USE OF MEASUREMENT UNITS

This Standard contains SI (metric) units as well as U.S.

Customaryunits. Thevalues stated inU.S. Customaryunits are to be regardedas the standard. The SI units are a direct (soft) conversion from the U.S. Customary units.

SECTION VIII: ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE

The equipment covered by the B30 Standard is subject tohazards that cannotbeabatedbymechanicalmeans, but only by the exercise of intelligence, care, and common sense. It is therefore essential to have personnel involved in the use andoperation of equipmentwho are competent, careful, physically and mentally qualified, and trained in the proper operation of the equipment and the handling of loads. Serious hazards include, but are not limited to, improper or inadequate maintenance, overloading, drop-ping or slipping of the load, obstructing the free passage of the load, and using equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended or designed.

The B30 Standards Committee fully realizes the impor-tance of proper design factors, minimum or maximum dimensions, and other limiting criteria of wire rope or chain and their fastenings, sheaves, sprockets, drums, and similar equipment covered by the Standard, all of which are closely connected with safety. Sizes, strengths, and similar criteria are dependent on many different factors, often varying with the installation and uses.

These factors depend on

(a) the condition of the equipment or material

(b) the loads

(c) the acceleration or speed of the ropes, chains, sheaves, sprockets, or drums

(d) the type of attachments

(e) the number, size, and arrangement of sheaves or other parts

(f) environmental conditions causing corrosion or wear

(g) many variables that must be considered in each in-dividual case The requirements and recommendations provided in the volumes must be interpreted accordingly, and judg-ment used in determining their application.

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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Following approval by the ASME B30 Standards Committee and ASME, and after public review, ASME B30.20-2025 was approved by the American National Standards Institute on January 22, 2025.

Throughout ASME B30.20-2025, the term “lifting device” or “lifting magnet” has replaced "lifter," “magnet lifter,” and related variations. The term “rated load” has replaced “load rating,” “rated capacity," and “rated load limit.” Gender pronouns have been eliminated. ASME B30.20-2025 also includes the following changes identified by a margin note, (25).

Page Location Change ix Correspondence With the B30

Committee Added x B30 Standard Introduction Updated 1 Section 20-0.2 (1) Definition of below-the-hook lifting device revised

(2) Definition of load block added 1 Section 20-0.3 Definition of lifting beam revised

(2) Definition of load-containing lifting device added 2 Section 20-0.5 Definition of normal service revised 3 Section 20-0.6 Definition of normal service revised 3 Section 20-0.7 Definition of heavy service revised 4 Section 20-0.11 Updated 5 Section 20-1.1 Revised 5 20-1.2.1 In subpara. (a), second and third paragraphs added 9 Figure 20-1.1-4 Added 10 20-1.3.3 Subparagraphs (a) through (d) deleted by errata 12 20-1.3.9.2 Subparagraph (b) revised in its entirety 12 20-1.4.2 Subparagraph (a)(6) revised 13 20-1.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised and subpara. (f)(3) added 13 20-1.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 14 20-1.4.4 In subpara. (a)(2), punctuation revised 17 20-2.3.3 Penultimate sentence revised 18 20-2.3.9.2 (1) In subpara. (a), last sentence revised

(2) Subparagraph (d) added and subsequent subparagraph redesignated

19 20-2.4.2 Subparagraph (a)(6) revised 20 20-2.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised 20 20-2.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 21 20-2.4.4 In subpara. (a)(2), punctuation revised 21 Section 20-2.5 Subparagraphs (c), (f), and (h) revised 24 20-3.2.2 In subpara. (e), last sentence revised 25 20-3.3.3 Penultimate sentence revised xii

(1)

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Page Location Change 25 20-3.3.4 In first sentence,“performed and recorded at intervals” corrected by errata to “performed at intervals” 26 20-3.3.7 First paragraph and subpara. (i) corrected by errata 27 20-3.4.2 Subparagraph (a)(6) revised 28 20-3.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised 28 20-3.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 29 20-3.4.4 (1) In subpara. (a)(2), punctuation revised

(2) Subparagraph (a)(14) revised 33 20-4.3.2 (1) First sentence corrected by errata to “Liftingmagnets shall be inspected at intervals”

(2) Penultimate sentence revised

33 20-4.3.6 Subparagraph (j) revised 34 20-4.3.7 In first sentence, “the damage” corrected by errata to “the deficiency” 34 20-4.3.8.2 Subparagraph (a) revised 35 20-4.4.2 Subparagraph (a)(6) revised 35 20-4.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised 36 20-4.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 36 20-4.4.4 In subpara. (a)(2), punctuation revised 37 Section 20-4.5 Subparagraphs (a) and (b) revised 40 20-5.3.2 Penultimate sentence revised 41 20-5.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised 42 20-5.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 42 20-5.4.4 In subpara. (a)(2), punctuation revised 49 20-6.3.3 Last sentence revised 50 20-6.3.9.2 Subparagraph (b) revised in its entirety 51 20-6.4.2 Subparagraph (a)(6) revised 51 20-6.4.3.1 Subparagraph (f)(2) revised 52 20-6.4.3.2 Subparagraph (n) revised 52 20-6.4.4 In subpara. (b)(2), punctuation revised 53 Section 20-6.5 First paragraph and subpara. (e) revised 54 Nonmandatory Appendix A Added xiii

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Chapter 20-0 Scope, Definitions, Personnel Competence, Translations, and

References

SECTION 20-0.1: SCOPE OF ASME B30.20

Volume B30.20 includes provisions that apply to the marking, construction, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and operation of below-the-hook lifting devices, other than components addressed by other ASME B30 volumes or other standards, used for attaching loads to a hoist. The requirements in this Volume also apply to clamps used for positioning and anchoring.

The devices are arranged in six chapters as follows:

Chapter 20-1: Structural and Mechanical Lifting Devices

Chapter 20-2: Vacuum Lifting Devices Chapter 20-3: Close Proximity Operated Lifting

Magnets Chapter 20-4: Remotely Operated Lifting Magnets Chapter 20-5: Scrap and Material-Handling Grapples Chapter 20-6: Clamps

SECTION 20-0.2:ð25Þ DEFINITIONS — GENERAL abnormal operating conditions: environmental conditions that are unfavorable, harmful, or detrimental to or for the operation of the equipment, such as excessively high or low ambient temperatures, exposure to adverse weather, corrosive fumes, dust-laden or moisture-laden atmo-spheres, and hazardous locations.

altered: a physical change, addition, or deletion thatmodi-fies the original design, or intended functioning, of the equipment.

below-the-hook lifting device: a device, other than a load block, used for attaching a load to a hoist. The liftingdevice may be reeved directly into the hoist. The lifting device maycontain components suchas slings, hooks, and rigging hardware addressed by other ASMEB30 volumes or other standards.

design category: lifting device classification that specifies the design factor to be used to establish static stress limits for the design.

hoist: amachineryunit that is used for lifting and lowering.

lifter: see below-the-hook lifting device.

lifting device: see below-the-hook lifting device.

load block: the assembly of hook or shackle, swivel, bearing, sheaves, pins, and frame suspended by the hoisting rope or load chain.

maintenance parts: parts designated by the manufacturer thatmay be periodically replaced as part of normal opera-tion of the lifting device.

modification: see altered.

normal operating conditions: conditions during which the lifting device is performing functions within the scope of the original design.

qualified person: a person who, by possession of a recog-nized degree in an applicable field or certificate of profes-sional standing, or who, by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subjectmatter and work.

rated load: the maximum load designated by the manu-facturer for which the equipment is designed and built.

repair: the process of reconditioning, renewing, or repla-cing parts, components, or subsystems to a condition equal to the original manufacturer’s specifications for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with the applicable requirements.

service class: a lifting device classification that establishes the allowable stress range for the specified fatigue life (load cycles).

severe service: service that involves normal or heavy service with abnormal operating conditions.

shall: a word indicating a requirement.

should: a word indicating a recommendation.

special or infrequent service: service that involves opera-tion other than normal, heavy, or severe.

SECTION20-0.3: ð25ÞDEFINITIONSFORCHAPTER20-1 heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated load that exceeds the limits of normal service.

latch: a device for holding a lifting device in the open or closed position.

ASME B30.20-2025

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lifting beam (spreader beam): a load-supporting lifting device [see Figure 20-1.1-1, illustration (a)].

load-containing liftingdevice:a liftingdevice that is used to handle loose or flowable materials (see Figure 20-1.1-4).

manipulating lifting device: a lifting device that rotates the load about one ormore axes during the lifting process (see Figure 20-1.1-2).

mechanical lifting device: a mechanism composed of two or more rigid parts that move with respect to each other for attaching a load to a hoisting device.

normal service:

Design Category A lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load with not more than four operations above 65% of the rated load per 24-hr period.

Design Category B lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load, averaging less than 65% of rated load.

structural lifting device: a lifting device consisting of an assembly of rigid parts designed to hold and attach a load to a hoisting device.

supporting lifting device: a lifting device that carries the load on rigid projections or bearing surfaces [see Figure 20-1.1-3, illustrations (b), (c), (d), and (e)].

SECTION 20-0.4: DEFINITIONS FOR

CHAPTER 20-2

heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated load that exceeds the limits of normal service.

horizontal surface lift: a condition where the surface to which the vacuum pad (or pads) is attached is in a hori-zontal plane.

nonporous material: a material that is not permeable by fluid or air.

normal service:

Design Category A lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load with not more than four operations above 65% of the rated load per 24-hr period.

Design Category B lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load, averaging less than 65% of rated load.

porous material: a material that is permeable by fluid or air.

seal ring: that part of the vacuumpad that forms the seal of the vacuum chamber between the vacuum pad body or vacuum lifting device and the attached material.

single-pad mechanical vacuum lifting device: see Figure 20-2.1-1, illustration (b).

two-pad mechanical vacuum li ft ing device: see Figure 20-2.1-1, illustration (a).

vacuum: pressure less than ambient atmospheric pres-sure.

vacuum lifting device: a below-the-hook lifting device for lifting and transporting loads using a holding force by means of vacuum (see Figure 20-2.1-1).

vacuum manipulator: a vacuum lifting device capable of repositioning the load while suspended.

vacuum pad: a device that applies a holding force on the load by means of vacuum.

vacuum reservoir: the evacuated portion of the vacuum system that functions to compensate for leakage into the vacuum system or to provide a vacuum reserve in the event of vacuum generator failure.

vertical surface lift: a conditionwhere the surface towhich a vacuum pad is attached is in a vertical plane.

SECTION 20-0.5: ð25ÞDEFINITIONS FOR

CHAPTER 20-3

battery backup system: batteries used to guard against inadvertent load release due to the loss of primary power to the system.

battery-powered lifting electromagnet: a lifting magnet that requires continuous current supplied by a battery tomaintain holding force [see Figure 20-3.1-1, illustration (a)].

breakaway force: the force required to detach a properly engaged lifting magnet from a piece of ferromagnetic material when the force is applied normal to the lifting surface of the magnet.

breakaway force test: a test that is carried out per para. 20-3.3.9.2 in order to establish the rated breakaway force.

close proximity operated lifting magnet: a lifting magnet used in such a fashion that the operator manually posi-tions the lifting magnet on the load and manually guides the lifting magnet and load during a lift.

cold current: the current drawnby the liftingmagnetwhen its coil is at 68°F (20°C) and at rated voltage.

electrically controlled permanent lifting magnet: a lifting magnet that derives holding force from permanent magnet material and requires electrical current during attachment or release. Also called electro perm, perm electro, or similar names [see Figure 20-3.1-1, illustration (b)].

externally powered lifting electromagnet: a lifting magnet suspended from a crane that requires power from an external source.

ASME B30.20-2025

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Not for Resale, 09/15/2025 09:34:15 MDTNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from Accuris general application lifting magnet: a lifting magnet that is intended by the manufacturer to be used on a number of different geometrical shapes and that does not fall under the category of remotely operated lifting magnets.

heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated load that exceeds the limits of normal service.

internal control function indicator: an indicator that shows that the permanent magnet material in one type of elec-trically controlled permanentmagnet has beenpositioned internally to provide full magnetic attraction.

magnet duty cycle: the percentage of time an electro-magnet can be energized, Te, relative to total cycle time. Deenergized time equals Td. If not rated as contin-uous, themagnetdutycycle rating includes informationon maximum continuous energized time and minimum deenergized time to prevent overheating.

T

T T magnet duty cycle 100e e d

EXAMPLE: 3 min energized, 2 min deenergized equal

× =3

3 2 100 60% manually controlled permanent lifting magnet: a lifting magnet that derives holding force from permanent magnet material and requires a manual effort during period of attachment or release [see Figure 20-3.1-1, illus-tration (c)].

normal service: service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load, averaging less than 65% of rated load with the lifting magnet operating at, or below, the magnet duty cycle.

rated load: the maximum load that the lifting magnet is designated by the manufacturer to handle.

remotely operated lifting magnet: a lifting magnet that does not require the operator or other personnel to be in close proximity to the lifting magnet or its load while the lifting magnet is in use.

specified application breakaway force test: a test that is carried out in accordance with instructions from the manufacturer of the lifting magnet in order to establish the application breakaway force.

specified application lifting magnet: a liftingmagnet that is designed for lifting specified geometrical configurations and weights of designated parts, identified by part number or other controlled definition and used in a controlled manner.

specified application load: a load applied to the lifting magnet when it is used to handle a specified load.

SECTION 20-0.6: ð25ÞDEFINITIONS FOR

CHAPTER 20-4

close proximity operated lifting magnet: a lifting magnet used in such a fashion that the operator manually posi-tions the lifting magnet on the load and manually guides the lifting magnet and load during a lift.

cold current: the current drawnby the liftingmagnetwhen its coil is at 68°F (20°C) and at rated voltage.

heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated load that exceeds the limits of normal service.

magnet duty cycle: the percentage of time an electro-magnet can be energized, Te, relative to total cycle time. Deenergized time equals Td. If not rated as contin-uous, themagnetdutycycle rating includes informationon maximum continuous energized time and minimum deenergized time to prevent overheating.

T

T T magnet duty cycle 100e e d

EXAMPLE: 3 min energized, 2 min deenergized equal

× =3

3 2 100 60% normal service: service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load, averaging less than 65% of rated load with the lifting magnet operating at, or below, the magnet duty cycle over one shift (8 hr).

rated load: the maximum load that the lifting magnet is designated by the manufacturer to handle.

remotely operated lifting magnet: a lifting magnet that does not require the operator or other personnel to be in close proximity to the lifting magnet or its load while the liftingmagnet is inuse [seeFigure20-4.1-1, illus-trations (a) and (b)].

SECTION 20-0.7: ð25ÞDEFINITIONS FOR

CHAPTER 20-5

heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated volume capacity and rated load for

(a) onework shift per dayworking inmaterial thatwill not crush or deform as the grapple closes

(b) two or more work shifts per day working in mate-rial that will crush or deform as the grapple closes normal service: service that is limited to operation for a periodof one shift or lessper dayworkingwithin the rated load in material that will crush or deform as the grapple closes.

rated volumecapacity: the volumeof scrapormaterial that can be handled with the grapple closed and the tine tips touching. This is expressed in cubic yards or cubicmeters.

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SECTION 20-0.8: DEFINITIONS FOR

CHAPTER 20-6

friction-type pressure-gripping clamps: clamps that grip the load without significant or harmful permanent defor-mation of the load surface (see Figure 20-6.1-2).

heavy service: service that involves operation within the rated load that exceeds the limits of normal service.

indentation-type pressure-gripping clamps: clamps that carry the load by applying force to indent the sides of the load (see Figure 20-6.1-3).

normal service:

Design Category A lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load with not more than four operations above 65% of the rated load per 24-hr period.

Design Category B lifting devices (for ASME BTH-1):

service that involves operation with various weights within the rated load, averaging less than 65% of rated load.

SECTION 20-0.9: PERSONNEL COMPETENCE

Persons performing the functions identified in this Volume shall, through education, training, experience, skill, and physical fitness, as necessary, be competent and…