A crane's auxiliary hoist line can be used for hoisting personnel as long as the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1431 and the platform manufacturer are met.
Regulation
The auxiliary hook can be used to lift a personnel platform, provided the selected hoist line complies with US OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1431 which outlines equipment requirements for hoisting personnel. Along with proper crane set up, key points of the regulation as it pertains to the hoisting equipment are:
- 1926.1431(d)(1)
Capacity: Use of suspended personnel platforms. The total load (with the platform loaded, including the hook, load line and rigging) must not exceed 50 percent of the rated capacity for the radius and configuration of the equipment, except during proof testing.
- 1926.1431(d)(5)
Devices.- 1926.1431(d)(5)(i)
Equipment (except for derricks and articulating cranes) with a variable angle boom must be equipped with all of the following:
- 1926.1431(d)(5)(i)(A)
A boom angle indicator, readily visible to the operator, and - 1926.1431(d)(5)(i)(B)
A boom hoist limiting device.
- 1926.1431(d)(5)(i)(A)
- 1926.1431(d)(5)(iv)
Equipment with telescoping booms must be equipped with a device to indicate the boom's extended length clearly to the operator, or must have measuring marks on the boom. - 1926.1431(d)(5)(v)
Anti two-block. A device which automatically prevents damage and load failure from contact between the load block, overhaul ball, or similar component, and the boom tip (or fixed upper block or similar component) must be used. The device(s) must prevent such damage/failure at all points where two-blocking could occur... - 1926.1431(d)(5)(vi)
Controlled load lowering. The load line hoist drum must have a system, other than the load line hoist brake, which regulates the lowering rate of speed of the hoist mechanism. This system or device must be used when hoisting personnel.- Note: Free fall of the load line hoist is prohibited (see § 1926.1426(d); the use of equipment in which the boom hoist mechanism can free fall is also prohibited (see § 1926.1426(a)(1).
- 1926.1431(d)(5)(vii)
Proper operation required. Personnel hoisting operations must not begin unless the devices listed in this section are in proper working order. If a device stops working properly during such operations, the operator must safely stop operations. Personnel hoisting operations must not resume until the device is again working properly. Alternative measures are not permitted. (See § 1926.1417 for tag-out and related requirements.)
- 1926.1431(d)(5)(i)
Industry Standard
As for the manufactured suspended personnel platform, ASME B30.23-1.1.2 (A) reminds us to always follow the manufacturer's operation manual for inspection, use, and maintenance.
Best Practice
ITI recommends as a best practice that lifting a personnel platform from the jib or aux line, to remove the main load block (to avoid interference) and never exceed 50% of the machine's rated chart capacity.
___
Disclaimer: The information provided above: (i) is intended only as a general educational resource for Users of our Knowledge Base, and is not intended for a specific use in, and does not constitute advice for, a User’s specific situation; and (ii) may no longer be accurate as of the date of a User’s access due to unforeseen changes to regulations, standards or other factors. By accessing our Website and Knowledge Base, you acknowledge and agree that you are solely and exclusively liable and responsible for your actions arising out of the Website and Knowledge Base, and ITI shall have no liability or responsibility therefore.
For personalized advisement to your organization, please contact ITI at info@iti.com.