502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19

16.T LHE-Supported Personnel (Work) Platforms.

16.T.02 Only LHE with power-operated up and down boom hoists and load lines must be used to support work platforms. The use of machines having live booms is prohibited (i.e., friction cranes). Platforms must be lowered under power and not by the brake.

16.T.03 If a LHE-supported work platform is determined to be the safest, most practical method of access, the operation must be deemed a critical lift (per Section 16.H) and meet the following requirements:

1. The person responsible for the lift must perform an AHA and attest to the need for the operation in writing.
2. The responsible person must sign the AHA and submit it to the GDA for acceptance.
3. Personnel must not be hoisted until the GDA has accepted the AHA.
4. Crane supported work platforms may be used for routine access of employees to underground construction via a shaft.

16.T.04 The work platform and suspension system must be designed and certified by an RPE with knowledge in this area.

1. The work platform (excluding fall protection systems) must be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least five times the maximum intended load. Criteria for fall protection systems are contained in Sections 21 and 16.T.10.
2. The suspension system must be designed to minimize tipping of the platform due to movement of the employees on the work platform.
3. The system used to connect the work platform to the equipment must allow the platform to remain within 10 degrees of level, regardless of boom angle.
4. All welding of the work platform and its components must be performed by an AWS D-1 Certified Welder.

16.T.05 LHE-supported work platforms must meet the following requirements:

1. The scaffold must be of metal or metal frame construction with a standard guardrail system and must be enclosed at least from the toeboard to mid-rail with either solid construction material or expanded metal having openings no greater than 1/2 in (1.2 cm).
2. A grab rail must be installed inside the entire perimeter of the personnel platform.
3. Access gates, if installed, must not swing outward and must be equipped with a device to prevent accidental opening.
4. Headroom must be provided which allows employees to stand upright in the platform.
5. Employees must be protected by overhead protection on the personnel platform when the employee(s) are exposed to falling objects.
6. The platform must be conspicuously posted with a plate or other permanent marking that indicates the weight of the platform and its rated load capacity or maximum intended load.

16.T.06 Rigging.

1. When a wire rope bridle is used to connect the work platform to the load line, each bridle leg must be connected to a master link or shackle in such a manner to ensure that the load is evenly distributed among the bridle legs.

3. Wire rope, rigging hardware and hooks must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least five times the maximum intended load.
4. Where rotation-resistant rope is used the slings must be capable of supporting without failure at least ten times the maximum intended load.
5. Rope sling suspension systems with mechanically spliced flemish eyes, if used, must be designed with thimbles in all eyes.
6. Bridles and associated rigging for attaching the platform to the hoist line must be used only for the platform and the employees, their tools and the materials necessary to do the work and must not be used for any other purpose when not hoisting personnel.

16.T.07 Work Practices.

1. Before employees enter or exit a hoisted personnel platform that is not landed, the platform must be secured to the structure, unless securing to the structure creates an unsafe condition.
2. The rated load capacity of the platform must not be exceeded.
3. The number of employees occupying the work platform must not exceed the number required for the work to be performed.
4. Work platforms must be used only for employees, their tools and the materials necessary to do their work. Work platforms must not be used to hoist only materials or tools when not hoisting personnel.
5. Materials and tools for use during a personnel lift must be secured to prevent displacement. They must be evenly distributed within the confines of the platform while it is suspended.
6. No lifts must be made on another of the crane's load lines while personnel are suspended on a platform.
7. Employees (except a designated signal personal) must keep all parts of the body inside the platform during raising, lowering, and positioning.
8. A CP must observe the operations while personnel are working from the crane supported work platform.
9. Environmental conditions.
• (1) Wind. When wind speed (sustained or gusts) exceeds 20 mph (9 m/s) at the work platform, a QP must determine if, in light of the wind conditions, if it is safe to lift personnel. If not, the lifting operation must be terminated.
• (2) Other weather and environmental conditions. A QP must determine if, in light of indications of dangerous weather conditions, or other impending or existing danger, it is safe to lift personnel. If not, the lifting operation must be terminated.
10. Employees being hoisted must remain in the continuous sight of, and in direct communication with, the LHE operator or signal person. In situations where direct visual contact with the operator is not possible and the use of a signal person would create a greater hazard for that person, direct communication by radio must be maintained at all times. The equipment operator must bring all operations to an immediate stop if radio communications are lost.
11. Taglines must be used to help control the work platform unless the CP determines that their use creates an unsafe condition.
12. The LHE operator must remain at the controls at all times with the crane engine running whenever the platform is occupied.
13. Hoisting personnel within 20 ft (6 m) of a power line that is up to 350 kV and hoisting personnel within 50 ft (15.2 m) of a power line that is over 350 kV is prohibited, except for Power Transmission and Distribution Work.

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