(5) Trial Lift, Inspection, and Proof-Testing
(i) A trial lift with the unoccupied personnel platform loaded at least to the anticipated lifting weight shall
be made from ground level or any other location where employees will enter the platform, to each
location at which the personnel platform is to be hoisted and positioned. This trial lift shall be
performed immediately prior to placing personal on the platform. The operator shall determine that all
systems, controls and safety devices are activated and functioning properly; that no interferences exist;
and that all configurations necessary to reach those work locations will allow the operator to remain
under the 50 percent limit of the hoist rated capacity. Materials and tools to be used during the actual
lift can be loaded in the platform, as provided in paragraphs (g)(4)(iii)(D), and (E) of the OSHA
standards and interpretations 1926.55. A single trial lift may be performed at one time for all locations
that are to be reached from a single set up position.
(ii) The trial lift shall be repeated prior to hoisting employees whenever the crane or derrick is moved and
set up in a new location, or returned to a previously used location. Additionally, the trial lift shall be
repeated when the lift route is changed unless the operator determines that the route change is not
significant (i.e. the route change would not affect the safety of hoisted employees.)
(iii) After the trial lift and just prior to hoisting personnel, the platform shall be hoisted a few inches and
inspected to ensure that it is secure and properly balanced. Employees shall not be hoisted unless the
following conditions are determined to exist:
(a) hoist ropes shall be free of kinks;
(b) multiple part lines shall not be twisted around each other;
(c) the primary attachment shall be centered over the platform; and
(d) the hoisting rope shall be inspected if the load rope is slack to ensure all ropes
are properly stated on drums and in sheaves.
(iv) A visual inspection of the crane or derrick, rigging, personnel platform and the crane or derrick base
support or ground shall be conducted by a competent person immediately after the trial lift to
determine whether the testing has exposed any defect or produced any adverse effect upon any
component or structure.
(v) Any defects found during inspections which create a safety hazard shall be corrected before hoisting
personnel.
(vi) At each job site, prior to hoisting employees on the personnel platform, and after an repair or
modification, the platform and rigging shall be proof tested to 125% (percent) of the platform’s rated
capacity by holding it in a suspended position for five minutes with the test load evenly distributed on
the platform (this may be done concurrently with the trial lift.) After proof-testing, a competent person
shall inspect the platform and rigging. Any deficiencies found shall be corrected and another proof-test
shall be conducted. Personnel hoisting shall be conducted until the proof-testing requirements are
satisfied.
The above are general guidelines only, please refer to
current OSHA, ANSI/ASME standards for complete specifications.