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Mine Safety and Health Administration MSHA's Accident Prevention Program
Safety Idea

Work Platforms

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Mine Type: All Surface
Category: Fall Protection



MSHA recommends using the following safety equipment and practices when working from platforms suspended by Cranes or Derricks:

Suspended Work Platform - Use a full body harness with the lanyard secured to the suspended platform or above the crane hook or ball.

- Inspect the crane or derrick prior to suspending a work platform. This should include inspection of the wire rope, hoist drum brakes, boom and other mechanical and rigging equipment vital to the safe operation of the crane or derrick.

- Use a work platform approved by a qualified engineer and rigging approved by a qualified person.

- The platform should be equipped with an access gate. The access gate should swing inward, and should be equipped with a positive locking latch.

Platform perimeter protection should consist of:


  • a top rail approximately 42 inches above the floor,

  • a toeboard at least 4 inches high, and

  • a midrail approximately halfway between the top rail and the toeboard.
Link to American National Standards Institute The platform is to be positively locked to the load block or hook in a manner that prevents accidental disengagement.

For additional information on industry accepted safety standards on suspended work platforms, reference American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A10.28-Safety Requirements for Work Platforms Suspended from Cranes or Derricks. This standard or other safety standards can be purchased directly from ANSI by clicking on the ANSI graphic link that goes directly to the ANSI Standard Information web page.


Reissued: 08/12/2002
Tag # AP2002-S021