Personnel transfer baskets at offshore construction sites

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 6, 1989

MEMORANDUM FOR: JAMES W LAKE,
Regional Administrator, Region X

THROUGH: LEO CAREY, Director
Office of Field Programs

THROUGH: THOMAS J SHEPICH, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

FROM: GERALD P REIDY, Director
Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance

SUBJECT: Interpretation re: "Billy Pugh" basket

This is in response to your memorandum dated January 18, 1989 regarding the use of the "Billy Pugh" type basket for personnel transfer to and from a boat.

As you are aware, there are no regulations in the OSHA maritime or general industry standards that address transferring personnel from an oil platform to and from a boat.

As far as the Construction Standards are concerned, the "Billy Pugh" basket does not meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.550(g)(4), "Crane or Derrick suspended Personnel Platforms." Specifically, the basket does not meet the requirements of sections 1926.550(g)(4)(i)(b), 1926.550(g)(4)(ii)(a), 1926.550(g)(4)(ii)(b), 1926.550(g)(4)(ii)(e), 1926.550(g)(4)(ii)(f), 1926.550(g)(4)(ii)(i) and 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(a). It is also felt that this basket could not be brought into compliance with this construction standard.

We would suggest that if the basket is used to transfer personnel, that a safety belt be used to provide a more positive means of preventing a person from falling from the basket, particularly in rough weather, and tag lines be attached to the basket to help guide it to its destination.

[Corrected 3/31/2009]