Personnel platforms on general-industry overhead cranes

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 22, 1996

Mr. James E. Vaughan
President
Today's Resources, Incorporated
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Vaughan:

This is in response to your letter of June 10, 1996, concerning the use of crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms. I apologize for the delay in our response.

Your letter indicates that your client uses overhead or gantry cranes (covered by 29 CFR 1910.179) to hoist personnel to inspect steel structures for structural failure on a daily basis. Further, your letter indicates that conventional means of access are not feasible due to the height and configuration of the structures.

As you know, 29 CFR 1926.550(g) (Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms) applies to construction industry worksites. There are no corresponding general industry (29 CFR part 1910) regulations addressing this topic. However, compliance with §1926.550(g) in its entirety, at general industry worksites would be considered appropriate protection for employees being hoisted to perform these inspections. Compliance with the requirements of §1910.179, or other crane regulations, as appropriate, is also, required for your client to meet the obligations of the OSH Act.

If we can be of further assistance, please contact Ron Davies, of the Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance. Mr. Davies can be reached at (202) 219-8031.

Thank you for your interest in this matter.

Sincerely,

Russell B. Swanson, Director
Directorate of Construction