Work platforms suspended from cranes are not recommended by OSHA.
Using cranes to lift personnel platforms is considered to be hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA does allow the use of a work platform suspended from a crane if there is no safer way of reaching the designated work area. The guidelines and rules for work platforms that are suspended from cranes are strict and should be followed for the safety of the employee.
Crane
The crane must be set on a solid foundation and must be leveled before raising the work platform. The operator of the crane must always be at the controls while the platform is raised, even when the workers have reached the work area. The wire rope of the crane used to lift the work platform must be able to lift seven times the intended load, or a seven rating. The load of the work platform, workers and tools will not exceed half the capacity of the crane. This means that if the crane can lift two tons, then the combined weight of the workers, platform and tools cannot exceed 2,000 pounds.
Rigging
The work platform can be attached to the crane by use of rigging, but there are restrictions. When the work platform cannot be directly attached to the crane, a sling or wire rope bridle can be used. The sling and wire rope bridle must be attached to the work platform with closed or locked connections. The wire rope or sling must keep the work platform level at all times. The wire rope bridle or sling can not be used for any other lifting except for the work platform.
Platform Construction
The work platform must be designed by a qualified engineer and welded together by a certified welder. The capacity of the work platform should be five times the intended load and the work platform must be designed to prevent tipping. Each platform must have a guardrail with toe board and be enclosed from the center rail to the toe board to prevent tools from sliding off the platform. There must be a grab rail installed on the inside of the work platform for workers to hold onto when necessary. The access gate must only open to the inside of the work platform. The capacity of the work platform must be clearly marked and visible at all times.
Inspection and Testing
The work platform must have an inspection performed, as must the crane, to ensure everything is working properly. This inspection will look at all the components on the crane, rigging and work platform. Before lifting the workers, a test lift must be made to make sure that the work platform will not come in contact with any objects, the height can be reached safely and the anticipated weight is not hazardous. If the crane is moved, then an inspection and test must be performed at each location before the workers are lifted into position.
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