Crane-suspended work platforms under construction rules

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

October 28, 1987

MEMORANDUM FOR: JOHN B. MILES, JR.
Regional Administrator

THRU: LEO CAREY, Director
Office of Field Programs

FROM: THOMAS J. SHEPICH, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

SUBJECT: STD 1-11.2B Work Platforms suspended from
Lattice or Hydraulic Crane Booms

The adoption of National Consensus Standards by OSHA, as authorized under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, resulted in many "gray areas" which have required official clarifications and interpretations. This is now accomplished by the use of OSHA instructions. Prior to the formulation of an OSHA instruction, extensive research is done in the developing process. The Offices of Standards Development, Compliance and the Solicitor must concur prior to finalization of these instructions. This office interprets 29 CFR 1926.550(b)(2) to allow the use of suspended working platforms. Section 5-3.2.3e of ANSI B30.5-1968 states that "The operator shall not hoist, lower, swing or travel while anyone is one the load, or hook." However, we and ANSI have interpreted the above requirement as not prohibiting the use of crane suspended working platforms under the conditions required in STD 1-11.2B. At this time we are not aware of any enforcement problems with the subject instruction which clarifies 29 CFR 1926.550(b)(2).