Crane- and Derrick-Suspended Personnel Platforms
For some jobs, adjustable-suspension scaffolds may not be feasible or safe.
When there is no other safe way to reach the work area, a crane or a derrick can provide suspended access by hoisting a personnel platform to reach the work area.
How Injuries Occur
Workers rarely fall from suspended personnel platforms. Rather, most fatal accidents happen when the boom or another part of the crane contacts an energized power line. Causes for other fatal or serious-injury accidents include:
- Instability: Unstable ground or support surface causes the crane to tip over.
- Lack of communication: The crane operator can't see the suspended platform while it is moving.
- Rigging failure: Platform loads are not properly rigged.
- Boom failure: The weight of the loaded platform exceeds the boom's load limit.
Safe Practices
- Stay within the platform while it's moving.
- Wear a body belt or harness and use a lanyard; attach the lanyard to the lower load block or overhaul ball or to a structural member of the platform.
- Stay in view of the crane operator or signal person while you're on the platform.
- Before leaving the platform for the work area, secure it to the structure.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-10. Why do most fatal accidents occur when operating a crane-suspended personnel platform?
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