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U.S. Department of Labor | ![]() |
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Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
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Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms
U.S. Department of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Secretary Occupational Safety and Health Administration John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary OSHA 3100 2002 (Revised) This informational booklet provides a generic, non-exhaustive overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; Teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627. Contents Introduction What does this booklet cover? What OSHA standards govern suspended personnel platforms? Crane and Derrick Operations What are the requirements for safe crane operation? Must cranes and derricks have certain instruments and components? Personnel Platforms What are the design specifications for personnel platforms? What are the load restrictions for personnel platforms? What does the OSHA standard require concerning rigging? Are there any requirements for inspections and tests before hoisting personnel? What actions are required after the trial lift? Must employers meet with workers before hoisting operations begin? Safe Work Practices How can workers make hoisting operations safer? How can crane and derrick operators make lift operations safer? What rules apply to cranes traveling while hoisting personnel? OSHA Assistance What are safety and health system management guidelines? What are state programs? How do I obtain consultation services? What are Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs)? What is the Strategic Partnership Program? Does OSHA offer training and education? Does OSHA provide any information electronically? How do I learn more about related OSHA publications? How do I contact OSHA about emergencies, complaints, or further assistance? OSHA Office Directory OSHA Regional Offices OSHA Area Offices States with Approved Plans OSHA Consultation Projects Introduction What does this booklet cover? This booklet highlights selected OSHA requirements for hoisting personnel by crane or derrick in the construction industry, prescribes the measures employers must take to bring their work operations into compliance, and describes safe work practices for employees. It is not a substitute for OSHA standards. OSHA standards for hoisting personnel are written in performance oriented language that allow employers flexibility in deciding how to best protect employees from the hazards of hoisting operations and how to comply with the standards. What OSHA standards govern suspended personnel platforms? The following standards cover the use of suspended personnel platforms:
Crane and Derrick Operations When conventional means of access (e.g., scaffolds, ladders) are unsafe, personnel hoisting operations that comply with the provisions of the OSHA standard are allowed. Employee safety -- not practicality or convenience -- must determine an employer’s choice of method. What are the requirements for safe crane operation? Because using cranes or derricks to hoist personnel poses a serious risk to the employees being lifted, any cranes and derricks that hoist personnel must conform to the following:
Note: The crane operator must always be at the controls when the crane engine is running and the personnel platform is occupied. The crane operator also must have full control over the movement of the personnel platform. Must cranes and derricks have certain instruments and components? Yes. Employers must ensure the following:
What are the design specifications for personnel platforms? A qualified engineer, or a qualified person competent in structural design, must design platforms used for lifting personnel to do the following:
conform to the following requirements:
Rigging for personnel platforms must conform to the following requirements:
Yes. Before hoisting employees, crane or derrick operators must conduct a trial lift of an unoccupied personnel platform immediately prior to placing personnel on the platform by taking the following actions:
After the trial lift, employers must ensure that the personnel platform is hoisted a few inches and inspected to ensure that it is secure and properly balanced. Before workers are hoisted, employers must ensure that a check is performed to ensure the following:
Employers must ensure that the platform and rigging are proof tested to 125 percent of the platform’s rated capacity in the following circumstances:
Must employers meet with workers before hoisting operations begin? Yes. Before any hoisting operations are performed, employers must meet with all workers involved in personnel hoisting operations -- crane or derrick operators, signal persons, employees to be lifted, and the person responsible for the hoisting operation -- to review all of the OSHA requirements in 29 CFR Part 1926.550(g) and the procedures everyone must follow. Employers must hold this meeting before the trial lift at each new worksite and repeat it for all employees newly assigned to the operation. Safe Work Practices How can workers make hoisting operations safer? Workers can contribute to safe personnel hoisting operations and help reduce the number of associated accidents and injuries. Employees must follow the following safe work practices:
To make lift operations safer, crane and derrick operators must adhere to the following safe work practices:
Personnel hoisting is prohibited while cranes are traveling except when employers demonstrate that this is the least hazardous way to accomplish the task or when portal, tower, or locomotive cranes are used. When cranes are moving while hoisting personnel, operators must observe the following rules:
OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of programs, including technical assistance about effective safety and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic partnerships, and training and education, and more. An overall commitment to workplace safety and health can add value to your business, to your workplace, and to your life. What are safety and health system management guidelines? Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective safety and health program forms the basis of good worker protection and can save time and money -- about $4 for every dollar spent -- increase productivity, and reduce worker compensation costs. Safety and health add value to your business, to your work, and to your life. To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54 (16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines can be applied to all places of employment covered by OSHA. The guidelines identify four general elements that are critical to the development of a successful safety and health management system:
What are state programs? The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA approves and monitors these plans. There are currently 26 state plans: 23 cover both private and public (state and local government) employment; 3 states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, cover the public sector only. States and territories with their own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plans must adopt standards identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standards. How do I obtain consultation services? Consultation assistance is available on request to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state governments employing professional safety and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems, work practices, and occupational safety and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer’s present job safety and health program. In addition, the service offers assistance to employers in developing and implementing an effective safety and health program. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by the consultant. OSHA provides consultation assistance to the employer with the assurance that his or her name and firm and any information about the workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA enforcement staff. Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers may request participation in OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participation in SHARP includes receiving a comprehensive consultation visit, demonstrating exemplary achievements in workplace safety and health by abating all identified hazards, and developing an excellent safety and health program. Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an exemption from programmed inspections (not complaint or accident investigation inspections) for a period of 1 year. For more information concerning consultation assistance, see the list of consultation projects listed at the end of this publication. What are Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs)? Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consultation services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three VPPs -- Star, Merit, and Demonstration -- are designed to recognize outstanding achievements by companies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs into their total management system. The VPPs motivate others to achieve excellent safety and health results in the same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship between employers, employees, and OSHA. For additional information on VPPs and how to apply, contact the OSHA regional offices listed at the end of this publication. What is the Strategic Partnership Program? OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the newest member of OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps encourage, assist, and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker safety and health. Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program and VPP entail one-on-one relationships between OSHA and individual worksites, most strategic partnerships seek to have a broader impact by building cooperative relationships with groups of employers and employees. These partnerships are voluntary, cooperative relationships between OSHA, employers, employee representatives, and others (e.g., trade unions, trade and professional associations, universities, and other government agencies). For more information on this and other cooperative programs, contact your nearest OSHA office, or visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. Does OSHA offer training and education? OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information services, such as compliance assistance, technical advice, publications, audiovisual aids and speakers for special engagements. OSHA’s Training Institute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees, and their representatives. The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA Training Institute Education Centers to address the increased demand for its courses from the private sector and from other federal agencies. These centers are nonprofit colleges, universities, and other organizations that have been selected after a competition for participation in the program. OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost. For more information on grants, training, and education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810. For further information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this publication. Does OSHA provide any information electronically? OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available on its website -- www.osha.gov. These include e-Tools such as Expert Advisors, Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools (e-CATs), Technical Links; regulations, directives, publications; videos, and other information for employers and employees. OSHA’s software programs and compliance assistance tools walk you through challenging safety and health issues and common problems to find the best solutions for your workplace. OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpretations, directives, and more and can be purchased on CD-ROM from the U.S. Government Printing Office. To order, write to the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 or phone (202) 512-1800, or order online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. How do I learn more about related OSHA publications? OSHA has an extensive publications program. For a listing of free or sales items, visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov or contact the OSHA Publications Office, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., N-3101, Washington, DC 20210. Telephone (202) 693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-2498. How do I contact OSHA about emergencies, complaints, or further assistance? To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek OSHA advice, assistance, or products, call 1-800-321-OSHA or contact your nearest OSHA regional or area office listed at the end of this publication. The teletypewriter (TTY) number is 1-877-889-5627. You can also file a complaint online and obtain more information on OSHA federal and state programs by visiting OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. For more information on grants, training, and education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, Il 60018, (847) 297-4810, or see Outreach on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. OSHA Office Directory OSHA Regional Offices Region I (CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*) JFK Federal Building, Room E340 Boston, MA 02203 (617) 565-9860 Region II (NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*) 201 Varick Street, Room 670 New York, NY 10014 (212) 337-2357 Region III (DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV) The Curtis Center 170 S. Independence Mall West Suite 740 West Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309 (215) 861-4900 Region IV (AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*) SNAF 61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 6T50 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 562-2300 Region V (IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI) 230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 353-2220 Region VI (AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX) 525 Griffin Street, Room 602 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 767- 4731 or 4736 x224 Region VII (IA,* KS, MO, NE) City Center Square 1100 Main Street, Suite 800 Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 426-5861 Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*) 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690 PO Box 46550 Denver, CO 80202-5716 (303) 844-1600 Region IX (American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI, NV,* Northern Mariana Islands) 71 Stevenson Street, Room 420 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 975-4310 Region X (AK,* ID, OR,* WA*) 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715 Seattle, WA 98101-3212 (206) 553-5930 *These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and health programs (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York plans cover public employees only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard. OSHA Area Offices Anchorage, AK (907) 271-5152 Birmingham, AL (205) 731-1534 Mobile, AL (251) 441-6131 Little Rock, AR (501) 324-6291 (5818) Phoenix, AZ (602) 640-2348 Sacramento, CA (916) 566-7471 San Diego, CA (619) 557-5909 Denver, CO (303) 844-5285 Greenwood Village, CO (303) 843-4500 Bridgeport, CT (203) 579-5581 Hartford, CT (860) 240-3152 Wilmington, DE (302) 573-6518 Fort Lauderdale, FL (954) 424-0242 Jacksonville, FL (904) 232-2895 Tampa, FL (813) 626-1177 Savannah, GA (912) 652-4393 Smyrna, GA (770) 984-8700 Tucker, GA (770) 493-6644/6742/8419 Des Moines, IA (515) 284-4794 Boise, ID (208) 321-2960 Calumet City, IL (708) 891-3800 Des Plaines, IL (847) 803-4800 Fairview Heights, IL (618) 632-8612 North Aurora, IL (630) 896-8700 Peoria, IL (309) 671-7033 Indianapolis, IN (317) 226-7290 Wichita, KS (316) 269-6644 Frankfort, KY (502) 227-7024 Baton Rouge, LA (225) 389-0474 (0431) Braintree, MA (617) 565-6924 Methuen, MA (617) 565-8110 Springfield, MA (413) 785-0123 Linthicum, MD (410) 865-2055/2056 Augusta, ME (207) 622-8417 Bangor, ME (207) 941-8177 Portland, ME (207) 780-3178 Lansing, MI (517) 327-0904 Minneapolis, MN (612) 664- 5460 Kansas City, MO (816) 483-9531 St. Louis, MO (314) 425-4249 Jackson, MS (601) 965-4606 Billings, MT (406) 247-7494 Raleigh, NC (919) 856-4770 Bismark, ND (701) 250-4521 Omaha, NE (402) 221-3182 Concord, NH (603) 225-1629 Avenel, NJ (732) 750-3270 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (201) 288-1700 Marlton, NJ (856) 757-5181 Parsippany, NJ (973) 263-1003 Carson City, NV (775) 885-6963 Albany, NY (518) 464-4338 Bayside, NY (718) 279-9060 Bowmansville, NY (716) 684-3891 New York, NY (212) 337-2636 North Syracuse, NY (315) 451-0808 Tarrytown, NY (914) 524-7510 Westbury, NY (516) 334-3344 Cincinnati, OH (513) 841-4132 Cleveland, OH (216) 522-3818 Columbus, OH (614) 469-5582 Toledo, OH (419) 259-7542 Oklahoma City, OK (405) 278-9560 Portland, OR (503) 326-2251 Allentown, PA (610) 776-0592 Erie, PA (814) 833-5758 Harrisburg, PA (717) 782-3902 Philadelphia, PA (215) 597-4955 Pittsburgh, PA (412) 395-4903 Wilkes-Barre, PA (570) 826-6538 Guaynabo, PR (787) 277-1560 Providence, RI (401) 528-4669 Columbia, SC (803) 765-5904 Nashville, TN (615) 781-5423 Austin, TX (512) 916-5783 (5788) Corpus Christi, TX (361) 888-3420 Dallas, TX (214) 320-2400 (2558) El Paso, TX (915) 534-6251 Fort Worth, TX (817) 428-2470 (485-7647) Houston, TX (281) 591-2438 (2787) Houston, TX (281) 286-0583/0584 (5922) Lubbock, TX (806) 472-7681 (7685) Salt Lake City, UT (801) 530-6901 Norfolk, VA (757) 441-3820 Bellevue, WA (206) 553-7520 Appleton, WI (920) 734-4521 Eau Claire, WI (715) 832-9019 Madison, WI (608) 264-5388 Milwaukee, WI (414) 297-3315 Charleston, WV (304) 347-5937 States with Approved Plans Juneau, AK (907) 465-2700 Phoenix, AZ (602) 542-5795 San Francisco, CA (415) 703-5050 Wethersfield, CT (860) 263-6505 Honolulu, HI (808) 586-8844 Des Moines, IA (515) 281-3447 Indianapolis, ID (317) 232-2378 Indianapolis, IN (317) 232-3325 Frankfort, KY (502) 564-3070 Baltimore, MD (410) 767-2215 Lansing, MI (517) 322-1814 St. Paul, MN (651) 284-5010 Raleigh, NC (919) 807-2900 Trenton, NJ (609) 292-2975 Santa Fe, NM (505) 827-2850 Carson City, NV (775) 684-7260 Salem, OR (503) 378-3272 Hato Rey, PR (787) 754-2119 Columbia, SC (803) 896-4300 Nashville, TN (615) 741-2582 Salt Lake City, UT (801) 530-6901 Richmond, VA (804) 786-2377 Christiansted, St. Croix, VI (340) 773-1990 Montpelier VT (802) 828-2288 Olympia, WA (360) 902-4200 (360) 902-5430 Cheyenne, WY (307) 777-7786 OSHA Consultation Projects Anchorage, AK (907) 269-4957 Tuscaloosa, AL (205) 348-3033 Little Rock, AR (501) 682-4522 Phoenix, AZ (602) 542-1695 Sacramento, CA (916) 263-2856 Fort Collins, CO (970) 491-6151 Wethersfield, CT (860) 566-4550 Washington, DC (202) 541-3727 Wilmington, DE (302) 761-8219 Tampa, FL (813) 974-9962 Atlanta, GA (404) 894-2643 Tiyam, GU 9-1-(671) 475-1101 Honolulu, HI (808) 586-9100 Des Moines, IA (515) 281-7629 Boise, ID (208) 426-3283 Chicago, IL (312) 814-2337 Indianapolis, IN (317) 232-2688 Topeka, KS (785) 296-2251 Frankfort, KY (502) 564-6895 Baton Rouge, LA (225) 342-9601 West Newton, MA (617) 727-3982 Laurel, MD (410) 880-4970 Augusta, ME (207) 624-6400 Lansing, MI (517) 322-1809 Saint Paul, MN (651) 284-5060 Jefferson City, MO (573) 751-3403 Pearl, MS (601) 939-2047 Helena, MT (406) 444-6418 Raleigh, NC (919) 807-2905 Bismarck, ND (701) 328-5188 Lincoln, NE (402) 471-4717 Concord, NH (603) 271-2024 Trenton, NJ (609) 292-3923 Santa Fe, NM (505) 827-4230 Henderson, NV (702) 486-9140 Albany, NY (518) 457-2238 Columbus, OH (614) 644-2631 Oklahoma City, OK (405) 528-1500 Salem, OR (503) 378-3272 Indiana, PA (724) 357-2396 Hato Rey, PR (787) 754-2171 Providence, RI (401) 222-2438 Columbia, SC (803) 734-9614 Brookings, SD (605) 688-4101 Nashville, TN (615) 741-7036 Austin, TX (512) 804-4640 Salt Lake City, UT (801) 530-6901 Richmond, VA (804) 786-6359 Christiansted, St. Croix, VI (809) 772-1315 Montpelier, VT (802) 828-2765 Olympia, WA (360) 902-5638 Madison, WI (608) 266-9383 Waukesha, WI (262) 523-3044 Charleston, WV (304) 558-7890 Cheyenne, WY (307) 777-7786 |
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