Prelift plans for crane suspended work platforms

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

January 31, 1984

G.W. (Buddy) Riedmueller,
Director of Safety,
Personnel & Training
Nabholz Construction Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Riedmueller:

This is in response to your letter of December 21, 1983, concerning the prelift plans required in OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.2B.

Cranes may be used to hoist and suspend employees on a work platform or to provide access and egress in unique work situations when such action results in the least hazardous exposure to employees. Prelift plans which show boom angle and maximum intended load shall be prepared for each group of lifts to ensure that employers meet the applicable requirements of the subject instruction. The manufacturers rated capacity of the crane at the radius at which the lift will be made shall be divided by four before hoisting employees. The above mentioned limits shall not be exceeded and shall be recorded. It is not necessary for the employer to physically depict or sketch on paper how a lift appears, but to record information which ensure the safety of exposed employees.

OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.2B does not address the use of safety belts and lanyards when using such platforms. However, employers may use such equipment safety as an extra precaution.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations