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IS 8189:1976 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for safety in use of cranes, derricks and other hoisting appliances. This code of practice outlines the safety requirements for the use, inspection, testing, and maintenance of cranes, derricks, and other hoisting appliances. It aims to prevent accidents by providing guidelines on safe working loads, proper erection, load handling procedures, and standardized signaling.
Lays down safety requirements for the installation, operation, maintenance, and testing of cranes, derricks, and other hoisting appliances.
! This code is foundational for site safety plans involving lifting operations and is often supplemented by the manufacturer's specific guidelines.
! Compliance with this standard is critical for fulfilling legal obligations under The Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act and state Factory Rules.
! The role and qualification of the 'Competent Person' responsible for testing and examination should be clearly documented as per regulations.
BS 7121-1:2016BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Code of practice for safe use of cranes - Part 1: General
Provides comprehensive recommendations for management, personnel, procedures, and equipment for safe crane use.
ASME B30.5-2021ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), USA
HighCurrent
Mobile and Locomotive Cranes
Focuses on the safe operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of mobile cranes, a major part of the IS scope.
ISO 12480-1:2021ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Cranes — Safe use — Part 1: General
Establishes general principles for the safe use of cranes, including selection, positioning, erection, and procedures.
AS 2550.1:2011Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Cranes, hoists and winches — Safe use — Part 1: General requirements
Sets out general requirements and best practices for the safe use of various types of cranes and hoisting equipment.
Key Differences
≠IS 8189:1976 is a prescriptive, checklist-style standard, whereas modern equivalents like BS 7121-1 are performance-based, emphasizing comprehensive risk assessment and method statements for every lift.
≠Modern standards mandate specific, defined roles with clear responsibilities and competency requirements (e.g., 'Appointed Person' in BS 7121, 'Lift Director' in ASME). IS 8189 uses more generic terms like 'operator' and 'slinger' with less detail on competency frameworks.
≠The Indian standard's requirements for lift planning are very general. In contrast, international codes require detailed, documented lift plans, often categorized by complexity (e.g., standard vs. complex lifts), which must be prepared by a competent person.
≠IS 8189, being from 1976, does not address modern electronic safety aids like configurable Load Moment Indicators (LMIs), data loggers, or zone-limiting systems. Modern standards provide detailed guidance on their use and calibration.
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally prohibit exceeding the crane's Safe Working Load (SWL) or Rated Capacity under any circumstances.
≈The fundamental requirement for a standardized system of hand signals between the signaller and the crane operator is a core principle in IS 8189 and all its international counterparts.
≈All codes of practice mandate that the crane must be set up on ground that is firm, level, and able to support the loads imposed by the crane and the lift.
≈The practice of 'side loading' or dragging a load sideways with the hoist rope is strictly forbidden across all standards, as it imposes dangerous structural stress on the crane boom.
≈The concept of daily or pre-use operator checks on critical components like ropes, brakes, hooks, and safety devices is a common requirement in IS 8189 and modern standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Responsibility for Lift Planning
General responsibility assigned to the 'user'. Specific roles are not defined.
Assigned to a specifically trained and competent 'Appointed Person' who is responsible for the entire lifting operation.
BS 7121-1
Proximity to Power Lines
Advises 'utmost care' but does not specify minimum clearance distances.
Specifies absolute minimum clearance distances based on the voltage of the power line (e.g., 20 feet for lines up to 350 kV).
ASME B30.5 (referencing OSHA)
Wind Speed Limit for Operation
States operations should cease in high winds, leaving the specific limit to the manufacturer's advice.
Operations must cease when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's limit or a lower limit determined by the Appointed Person in the lift plan.
BS 7121-1
Factor of Safety (Wire Ropes)
Recommends a minimum factor of safety of 6 for manila ropes and 6 for steel wire ropes.
Specifies a minimum design factor of 5 for running ropes in most applications (this is a design parameter but informs replacement criteria).
ISO 12480-1 (referencing ISO 4301)
Thorough Examination Frequency
At least once every 12 months by a competent person.
Mandates 'Periodic Inspection' (annually) and 'Frequent Inspection' (daily to monthly), with detailed records.
ASME B30.5
Wire Rope Discard Criteria
General guidance on 'excessive wear, broken wires, corrosion or other defects'.
Provides specific, quantifiable criteria (e.g., number of visible broken wires per rope lay, percentage of diameter reduction, degree of corrosion).
ISO 12480-1 (referencing ISO 4309)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Proof load for cranes up to 20t capacity125% of SWL
Proof load for cranes over 20t to 50t capacitySWL + 5 tonnes
Frequency of thorough examinationAt least once every 12 months
Minimum factor of safety for hoisting ropes6
Maximum permissible wind speed for crane operationAs specified by manufacturer (typically ~12.5 m/s or 45 km/h)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Proof Loads for Lifting Appliances Other Than Chain and Wire Rope Slings
Appendix A - Standard Hand Signals
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Testing, Examination and Heat Treatment
Clause 5 - Erection and Dismantling
Clause 6 - Safe Working Loads
Clause 7 - Handling of Loads
Clause 8 - Signalling
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is the proof load for testing a new 15-tonne crane?+
The crane should be tested at 125% of its Safe Working Load (SWL), which is 18.75 tonnes, as per Table 1.
How often does a lifting appliance need to be thoroughly examined?+
A thorough examination by a competent person is required at least once every 12 months, or after substantial alterations or repairs (Clause 4.1.2).
What should be done if the crane operator cannot see the load?+
A designated signalman must be used. A recognized code of signals, like those in Appendix A, must be employed to direct the operator (Clause 8).
Is it permissible to lift people using a crane?+
No person shall be raised, lowered or carried by a crane, except on the driver's platform or in a properly suspended cage specifically designed for that purpose and with adequate safety measures (Clause 7.15).