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Standard Interpretations
03/01/1989 - When and how it it permissible for employees to be hoisted on the load lines of cranes and derricks.
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• Standard Number: 1926.550(g)

March 1, 1989 

MEMORANDUM FOR:      Regional Administrators

ATTENTION:           ARA'S for TECFAP

THROUGH:             Harvey E. Harris, Director
                    Office of Training and Education

FROM:                Zigmas Sadauskas, Director
                    OSHA Training Institute

SUBJECT:             OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.550(g) Cranes and
                    Derricks Suspended Personnel Platforms
Following the October 3, 1988, effective date of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.550(g) (Cranes and Derricks Suspended Personnel Platforms), former OSHA Training Institute students have requested clarification regarding OSHA's policy on when and how it it permissible for employees to be hoisted on the load lines of cranes and derricks.

This is to advise you that the following guidelines relating to this topic are being provided at the Institute:

1. Employees may be hoisted on the load lines of cranes, on construction sites, only if it is more hazardous or infeasible to reach the worksite by conventional means.

2. Employees are not permitted to "ride the ball" under any circumstances. Employees may only ride in a personnel platform that complies with the requirements set forth in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.550(g).

3. All cranes that are used to hoist employees are required to be fitted with anti-two blocking devices.

If members of your staff have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Mr. Henry H. Hale, Chief of the Occupational Safety Training Branch, on FTS 352-2500.

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