Abstract:

OSHA proposes to revise section 1926.550, Cranes and Derricks, of
OSHA's construction industry standards, by adding a new paragraph
(g). None of the other paragraphs of 1926.550 will be affected by
this rulemaking. The use of a friction of hydraulic porta, tower,
crawler, locomotive, truck, and wheel mounted crane or derrick to
hoist employees on a platform is occasionally necessary due to
worksite conditions. However, several accidents have occurred as a
result of this practice, the most recent of which resulted in four
fatalities at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida, March 31, 1983. While
OSHA's construction standards do cover the use of elevators,
personnel hoists, and aerial lifts to hoist employees, they do not
currently provide guidance concerning safe work practices while
hoisting personnel platforms with cranes or derricks. This proposed
regulatory action would remedy that lack of coverage by providing
criteria for the allowance of such a practice as well as design,
operational, inspection and testing requirements.