BRAKES

-If the brakes are not mechanically linked to the pedals or control levers (pneumatic hydralic and electric brakes) then the braking system must be designed so that the brakes will be automatically applied if there is a loss of power or pressure. These brakes must not release until the power has been restored to the machine and then only when deliberately released.

-Brake pedals must be constructed so that the operator's feet will not easily slip off. They should also be equipped with a means for latching them in the applied position.

-All load hoisting drums should be equipped with fail-safe brakes capable of being released electrically, hydraulically or pnenmatically. The application of this type of brake must be a direct effect on the hoisting drum and as such no belts or chains are permitted between the brake and the drum.

-All load-holding brakes and clutched must have sufficient size and thermal capacity to control all rated hoist loads with minimum recommended reeving.

-The wearing surfaces of all brake drums must be smooth and free from all defects and the assemblies should have accessible devices to compensate for the wear of the linings.

-If the unit is equipped with travelling brakes they must, in addition to stopping the unit, have sufficient size to prevent the unit from moving during high winds.

-Slew brakes should consist of a fail-safe mechanical unit capable of not only stopping the slew with full load but also holding the full jib in winds of up to 48 km/h (30mph). The brake must be capable of being set in the holding position and remaining that way without further attention from the operator

-The crane must also be equipped with a positive slew lock or house lock that is designed to prevent accidental engagement or disengagement. This lock should be used when travelling the crane and when moving over rough terrain with heavy loads suspended from the jib.

-On mobile cranes the brakes must be capable of holding the machine stationary under normal working conditions, and on the maximum grade for travel recommended by the manufacturer. These brakes must also be fail-safe so as to be able to operate in the event of loss of operation pressure.