CFR 144B - Marine Terminals; Vertical Tandem Lifts

On December 10, 2008, federal OSHA issued this revised final rule (Federal Register) to adopt new regulations (1917.71 - Terminals handling intermodal containers or roll-on roll-off operations) related to the practice of lifting two intermodal containers together, one on top of the other, connected by semiautomatic twistlocks (SATL’s). This is known as a vertical tandem lift. This final rule permits the vertical tandem lift of no more than two empty containers provided certain safeguards are met. The N.C. Commissioner of Labor adopted this final rule verbatim with an effective date of April 23, 2009.

In North Carolina, the OSH Division has authority to cite employers engaged in public sector marine terminal operations. The U.S. Coast Guard regulations do not preempt the OSH Division from citing these employers, however on inspected vessels, the OSH Division has no authority to cite the owner or operator of the vessel with respect to any working conditions of seamen (crew members), regardless of the work they are performing.

Also reference Field Operations Manual Chapter 18 - Maritime Inspection Procedures, CFR 144 - Longshoring and Marine Terminals, CFR 144A - Marine Terminals, and CFR 144C - Marine Terminals; Vertical Tandem Lifts. Additional resources and information can be found on the safety and health topic page for Materials Handling and Storage.