1. PURPOSE
1.1 This global engineering specification defines the minimum standard and responsibilities for proper use of suspended personnel platform (manbasket) used in conjunction with mobile cranes at all Air Products sites worldwide.
2. SCOPE
2.1 This specification applies to the use and inspection, set-up, and use of suspended personnel platforms. All operations, maintenance, and construction personnel must comply with the provisions of this specification. Air Products site or construction management (or designee) must ensure that lifting company personnel comply with the provisions of this procedure.
2.2 This specification shall supplement all national, provincial, or municipal regulatory requirements and recognized industry standards in force within the country where this specification is being applied. Examples of some standards are indicated in paragraphs 4.2 through 4.5. If there are any conflicts between this specification and the applicable codes and standards, the Air Products representative shall be notified immediately.
2.3 When using mobile cranes to support suspended personnel platforms, this specification shall be used in conjunction with 4WCE-600500, Crane and Lifting Procedures.
3. SUMMARY
3.1 The use of a suspended personnel platform shall be undertaken only in circumstances when it is not possible to accomplish the task by less hazardous means. A suspended personnel platform must never be used for convenience purposes. Suspended personnel platforms shall meet the national, provincial, and municipal design and operational requirements.
- RELATED DOCUMENTS
4.1 Air Products Engineering Documents
Å 25-010521 Fall Protection
4WCE-600500 Crane and Lifting Procedures
VÅ 4WCE-600502 Lifting and Slinging
Å 4WCE-600700 Construction Safety
V To be published at a date subsequent to this issue date
Å Provided for background information only (not referenced in the text)
4.2 America Society of Mechanical Engineers
B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes
B30.9 Slings
B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
B30.23 Personnel Lifting Systems
B30.26 Rigging Hardware
BTH-1 Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
- British Standards Institution (BSI)
BS 7121-3:2000 Code of Practice for Mobile Cranes
BS EN 14502-1 Crane – Equipment for lifting persons Part 1: Suspended baskets.
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
CSA Z150 Safety Code on Mobile Cranes
CSA Z271 Safety Code for Suspended Elevating Platforms
4.5 United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
29 CFR, Part 1910 Occupational Health and Safety Standards
Subpart N Material Handling and Storage
Standard number 1910.180, Crawler, locomotive and truck cranes
Standard number 1910.181, Derricks
29 CFR, Part 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
Subpart M Fall Protection
Subpart N Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators and Conveyors
Standard number 1926.550, Cranes and Derricks
5. DEFINITIONS
5.1 Air Products representative is any qualified Air Products site or plant manager or designated employee who has responsibility for organizing and managing lifting operations in a specific location.
5.2 Anti-two-block device: When activated, disengages all hoisting equipment functions whose movement can cause two-blocking.
5.3 Two-blocking is a condition in which the lower load block or hook assembly comes in contact with the upper load block or boom point sheave assembly.
5.4 Approval, unless specified otherwise, shall mean approval by Air Products in writing or by e-mail.
5.5 Authorization: The approval or permission from the appropriate entity for another individual to act in a defined role for a specific period.
5.6 Boom: Hinged structural member of the hoisting equipment used for supporting the hoisting tackle and load.
5.7 Certification: A statement attesting authoritatively that a specified standard or condition has been met.
5.8 Competent: Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the operation, conditions or surroundings that are hazardous, dangerous, or can initiate such a condition or situation, has the ability to take the necessary steps to abate the hazards identified, and has the knowledge to differentiate between minor and major hazards.
5.9 Crane operator is the qualified person who is authorized by the lift supervisor to operate the controls of the crane and meets all the requirements of federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. Only personnel qualified by training, experience, medical evaluation and formal written and practical testing shall operate cranes or derricks. (Note: Where permitted by local regulations and in the United States, mandatory substance abuse testing is required.) The lift company shall provide certification documentation and experience resumes for all operators. Operators shall be easily identifiable by the use of company overalls, hard-hat, or suit-badge identification.
5.9.1 In the United States all crane operators shall be trained in accordance with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). For further information on the NCCCO, use the link to their website www.nccco.org
5.10 Design factor: The ratio of the ultimate strength of a material to its working (unit) stress, unless defined otherwise in the text of ASME B30.23
5.11 Designated person: Selected or assigned by the employer or employer’s representative as being competent to perform specific duties.
5.12 Inspection, frequent: Required to be completed by a designated person on a frequent basis, e.g., daily pre-use check. It will cover the platform, suspension system, attachment points, and any platform motion controls. Any conditions found that may constitute a hazard shall be corrected prior to use.
5.13 Inspection, periodic: Required to be completed by a qualified person on pre-determined schedule, e.g., every quarter, year, and no less than once every twelve months, or as required by the platform manufacturer or national, provincial, and municipal regulatory requirements. It shall be done in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
5.14 Lifting company is any Air Products or contractor competent person/organization that has control of both the lifting operation and the crane operation.
5.15 Lift supervisor is the delegated person who fulfills the responsibility for progressing the work activities that involve the use of the crane(s) [1) In the UK this individual fulfills the role of the appointed person, 2) This person shall be responsible for and meet the requirements of “Personnel Lift Supervisor” as defined in ASME B30.23)]. In some instances the lift supervisor might be the person who acts in one or all of the functions as the signalperson/banksman and rigger/slinger. The lift supervisor shall be qualified and demonstrate a basic understanding of crane operation and limitations, understanding of hand signals, and understanding of verbal signals. Designated lift supervisor competency shall be documented and available for review during the duration of the contract.
5.16 Live boom: A boom whose lowering is controlled by a brake without the aid of other lowering retarding devices (free-fall capable).
5.17 Live load line: A load line whose lowering is controlled by a brake without the aid of other lowering retarding devices (free-fall capable).
5.18 Load, rated: Capacity or rating established by the manufacturer or a qualified person for a stipulated hoisting equipment configuration.
5.19 Load, working: External load applied to the hoisting equipment including the personnel lifting platform, its contents, and the load-attaching equipment such as lower load block, shackles, and slings.
5.20 Manbasket: See Platform, personnel – suspended.
5.21 Platform, personnel – suspended: A platform attached to hoisting equipment using wire rope, chain, or jointed attachment and that has no installed motion controls for the platform itself.
5.22 Personnel lift authorizer: Lifting company management shall designate qualified individuals to perform the duties of the “Personnel Lift Authorizer.” This person shall be responsible for activities defined in ASME B30.23.
5.23 Platform rating: Maximum capacity of a personnel lifting platform, established by the platform manufacturer, in terms of weight and number of occupants allowable.
5.24 Proof test: Consists of evenly distributing a load in the platform equal to 125% of the platform rating. The platform is then hoisted and held in a suspended position for at least five minutes. The platform is then lowered and inspected by a qualified person. If any damage is revealed, it shall be corrected and another proof test completed. If any structural modification or repair is performed, the load must be increased to 150% of the platform rating. (The preceding values are from ASME B30.23. If national, provincial, or municipal requirements are more stringent they shall be followed.)
5.25 Proof test, boom-attached platforms: Consists of evenly distributing a load in the platform equal to 125% of the platform rating. The platform is hoisted and held in a suspended position, then lowered at a speed no less than 100 ft/min (30.5 m/min). Once this lowering speed is reached, the hoisting equipment brakes are applied and the platform suspended for at least five minutes. The platform is then lowered and inspected by a qualified person. If any damage is revealed, it shall be corrected and another proof test completed. If any structural modification or repair is performed, the load must be increased to 150% of the platform rating. (The preceding values are from ASME B30.23. If national, provincial or municipal requirements are more stringent they shall be followed.)
5.26 Qualified: Has the training, experience, or instruction to be deemed “competent.” Has demonstrated the ability to perform all assigned duties and do so in a safe manner. When required, has met the appropriate license, certification, or authorization requirements. Has received formal training by an accredited body in accordance with the national, provincial, or municipal regulations applicable in the location where work is being performed.
5.27 Rigger/Slinger shall be the appointed person(s) who is/are qualified and authorized by the lift supervisor to ensure that lifting gear or rigging (e.g., slings, chokers, shackles, lifting beams) is suitable, is properly attached to the load, and that all loads are correctly rigged or slinged. The riggers shall be qualified and demonstrate an understanding of safe rigging practices. Rigger competency shall be documented and available for review during the duration of the contract.
5.28 Safety type shackles used in the suspension system are of bolt type with a cotter pin.
5.29 Signalperson/Banksman is the qualified person appointed by the lift supervisor who is authorized to provide instructions to a crane operator during a lifting operation. If one signalperson is insufficient to monitor the lift operation, additional signalperson(s) or radio communication shall be used. The signalperson shall demonstrate a basic understanding of crane operation and limitations, understanding of hand signals, and understanding of verbal signals. Designated signalperson competency shall be documented and available for review during the duration of the contract.
5.30 Suspension system: The wire rope or chain slings and other components, including fastening devices, used to connect the hoisting equipment to the personnel platform.
6. PROCEDURE
6.1 Use of Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket)
6.1.1 The use of a suspended personnel platform shall only be undertaken in circumstances when it is not possible to accomplish the task by less hazardous means. Use of suspended personnel platform is prohibited, except when the use of conventional methods of temporary platforms, e.g., scaffold, ladder, mobile elevated work platform (manlift) or temporary platform, is more hazardous, or is not possible to install because of structural design incompatibility or worksite conditions.
6.1.2 All suspended personnel platforms manufactured on-site, purchased, leased, or borrowed must meet applicable national, provincial, and municipal design regulatory requirements. Appendix A, Suspended Personnel Platform Construction, shows typical suspended personnel platform design features.
6.2 Evaluation of Suspended Personnel Platform in Lieu of Conventional Methods to Access Work Areas
6.2.1 Evaluation of conventional methods of accessing work areas is mandatory prior to acceptance to use suspended personnel platform. The personnel lift shall not be authorized when less hazardous means are feasible. A risk assessment shall be documented as to why each alternative conventional method is more hazardous than a suspended personnel platform or impractical to install because of other documented factors.
- Scaffold
- Ladder
- Elevated work platform
- Mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) (e.g., manlift, scissor lift)
If the evaluation concludes that a suspended personnel platform is the least hazardous means of accessing the work area for the site-specific circumstances, Appendix B, Request to Use Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket) shall be completed and signed by the lift supervisor and the Air Products representative. Use must be authorized in writing by the Air Products site manager or their management level delegate.
6.3 The risk assessment shall also address means of rescuing occupants from the suspended Personnel Platform or work area (if there are no other means to access work area than the use of the personnel platform) if the lift equipment becomes non-functional when lifting the suspended personnel platform.
6.4 Suspension system: For suspended personnel platforms, the suspension system shall be designed such that it minimizes the potential for its removal and use for other purposes. The suspension system shall be sized by the platform manufacturer, and its installed sling angle established, so as not to cause damage to the platform. Suspension systems shall comply with the following:
6.4.1 If used, wire rope sling suspension system with mechanical spliced Flemish eyes shall be designed with thimbles in all eyes. Wire rope clips, wedge sockets, or knots shall not be used.
6.4.2 If used, wire rope sling suspension systems with poured socket end connections shall be designed in accordance with the manufacturer’s or qualified person’s application instructions.
6.4.3 If used, chain sling suspension systems shall be designed using a minimum of grade 80 chain.
6.4.4 All suspension systems shall utilize a master link for attachment to the hoisting equipment hook or safety type shackle.
6.4.5 Synthetic webbing, natural, or synthetic fiber rope slings shall not be used for suspension systems.
6.4.6 Suspension system legs shall be sized based on the requirements of ASME B30.23 paragraph 23-1.1.1(a)(1)(b) and in accordance with national, provincial, and municipal regulatory requirements.
6.4.7 Wire rope sling and chain sling suspension system shall have each leg of the system permanently marked with the rated load of the leg. The master link of the system shall be permanently marked with the system’s rated load and identification as a personnel platform component.
6.4.8 If used in the suspension system, shackles shall be of a safety type.
6.5 Lifting Equipment Used for Lifting Persons:
6.5.1 Total weight of the lifted load, including rigging, platform, personnel, tools, and material shall not exceed 50% of the hoisting equipment’s rated load under planned conditions of operation.
6.5.2 The suspended platform shall have a minimum design factor of five based on stated platform rating. Each load-supporting component shall have a minimum design factor of five based on the maximum intended resultant stress in that component.
6.5.3 The suspended platform suspension system shall have a minimum design factor based on the maximum intended resultant stress in the suspension system during use and guided by the following:
6.5.3.1 One-leg system: design factor of seven.
6.5.3.2 Two or more leg system: design factor of five for each leg with only two legs under stress.
6.6 Safe Lifting Practices
6.6.1 Hoist equipment live boom or live load line capabilities shall be removed for the period of personnel lifting. Cranes where these capabilities cannot be removed shall not be used to lift personnel.
6.6.2 A trial lift of the unoccupied suspended personnel platform must be made before any personnel are allowed to be hoisted. During the trial lift the suspended personnel platform must be loaded to at least its anticipated lift weight. The lift must start at ground level or at the location where personnel will enter the platform and proceed to each location where the personnel platform is to be hoisted and positioned. The trial lift must be performed every day immediately prior to placing personnel on the suspended personnel platform and for each new crane set-up.
6.6.3 The lift supervisor shall conduct a pre-lift meeting with all personnel involved in hoisting operations (crane operator or derrick operator, signalperson/banksmen, personnel to be lifted, and the person responsible for the hoisting operation) to review the procedures to be followed before any lift operations are performed. This meeting must be held before the trial lift at each new work location and must be repeated for any personnel newly assigned to the operation. Verify that all aspects of the checklist located in Appendix B are completed.
6.6.4 All occupants of a suspended personnel platform, except the signalperson/banksman, must keep their arms and hands inside the confines of the platform while in motion.
6.6.5 The use of tag (guide) lines is required for controlling the suspended personnel platform. If taglines could entangle in nearby piping, equipment, or structures, a risk analysis plan shall be developed to address alternatives of how the suspended personnel platform will be controlled.
6.6.6 The crane operator must remain at the controls at all times while personnel are in the suspended personnel platform. A means of communication (e.g., hand signals, two-way radios) between platform occupants and the crane operator must be verified as being functioning and effective during the pre-lift meeting. Hand signals and their meanings must be posted in the platform as well as other locations in accordance with the national, provincial, and municipal standards for the applicable hoisting equipment.
6.6.7 Suspended personnel platform shall be discontinued in winds in excess of 32 km/h (20 mph), electrical storms, snow, ice, sleet, heavy rain, or other adverse weather conditions that could affect the safety of personnel.
6.6.8 All occupants of a suspended personnel platform shall wear fall protection consisting of a full body harness and lanyard. The lanyard must be attached to anchor points designed for this purpose on the platform.
6.6.9 The use of a suspended personnel platform shall not be permitted near overhead high voltage power lines, process safety vents, or other hazards to personnel.
6.6.10 Personnel who are required to use and work from a suspended personnel platform shall have or receive fall protection training and instruction for working at heights with this type of equipment.
6.6.11 If a suspended personnel platform is used for lowering personnel into a confined space, a safety risk analysis shall be developed to address hazards. The analysis shall include or consider means of communication with the operator and extraction of personnel if the suspended personnel hoisting equipment become inoperable.
6.6.12 If rotation of the raised platform can create a hazard, appropriate restraining methods shall be provided and their use required.
6.6.13 Platform occupants must wear flotation devices and tie off using quick-disconnect devices when being lifted over a body of water.
6.6.14 Occupants shall not enter or exit a suspended platform unless a gate is installed in the platform.
6.7 Repeat Use of Suspended Personnel Platform
6.7.1 The initial completed checklist may be used if the work area is accessed more than one time, as long as the hoisting equipment has not been repositioned or reconfigured. If repeated access is required to the same work area, the site personnel who are in charge of the work must evaluate work to determine if use of personnel lift system is the safest means to gain access per section 6.2.
6.7.2 When original checklist is used, site personnel who are in charge of the work must verify that all items are satisfied and recertify the checklist with their signature and the date. At a minimum, the certification shall occur for each shift or if conditions change that could impact the safe use of the suspended personnel platform.
6.7.3 Each time hoist equipment is repositioned or reconfigured, a new Appendix B form shall be completed.
6.8 Recordkeeping
6.8.1 All relevant lift documentation must be retained with the associated work permit.
6.8.2 For construction sites, Appendix B, Request to Use Suspended Platform must be retained with the field records in accordance with the applicable Construction Engineering Procedure.
- CHANGE LOG
| Rev. | Date | Subject Matter Expert | Description of Revision |
| 0 | March 2005 | New document | |
| 1 | August 2007 | Scott Hill |
Appendix A
Suspended Personnel Platform Construction
(Shall be designed and approved by a Qualified Engineer)
Typical Construction
Notes: 1) Suspended personnel platform construction shall meet the requirements of ASME B30.23 and national, provincial, and municipal regulatory requirements.
2) The suspension system attached to suspended personnel platform shall only be used with the platform and not have been used or be used for other purposes.
3) The identification plate located on the platform shall, at a minimum, contain the manufacturer name and address, platform rating in terms of weight and personnel, platform identification number, weight of the empty platform, date of the platform manufacture, certification of compliance to the design, construction and testing requirements, and listing of any unique operational environments for which the platform has been designed.
4) In the United States all the above criteria must be met.
Appendix B
Request to Use Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket)
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Project: _____________________________________________________________
Location ____________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________
Req. Number.: _____________________________________________________________
Purpose of lift: |
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PRE-LIFT CHECKLIST: |
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| Pre-lift meeting conducted by lift supervisor with hoisting equipment operator, platform occupants, and ground crew. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crane inspected and certified per Appendix “D” of specification 4WCE-6900500 and manufacturing requirements. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-lift checklist completed, Appendix “B” of specification 4WCE-600500 | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The most current suspended personnel platform inspections shall be available at site for review. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crane level and on mats. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operator qualified and tested. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Load and boom hoist are power controlled (no free fall capability). | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anti-two blocking device installed and operational (test prior to each use). | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Load hook equipped with latch that can be locked in closed position. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hoist line and all rigging must support two times working load. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trial lift conducted with at least the weight expected during actual lift. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Load is made to each location the platform will be positioned. Trial load test is made immediately prior to the personnel lift. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Platform designed and approved by a qualified engineer (Appendix “A” of this specification). | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Platform slings dedicated to suspended personnel platform service only. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Attachment eyes of platform slings equipped with thimbles. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Suspension system upper attachment point of basket no less than seven feet above basket floor. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Platform occupants have all required PPE to perform assigned task. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rescue plan in place and reviewed if lift equipment becomes non-functional | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appendix B (continued)
Request to Use Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket)
SAFETY Instructions |
| 1. Weight and number of personnel limits of suspended personnel platform and crane must not be exceeded. |
| 2. Two tag lines are to be used with suspended personnel platform. |
| 3. Rope off or clear area under lift. |
| 4. Dedicated employee to control lift via hand signals or radio. |
| 5. Tools and materials must be secured from moving or falling out. |
REQUEST TO USE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM |
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| Requested By | ||||
| Lift Supervisor | Date | |||
| Authorized By | ||||
| Air Products Supervisor | Date | |||
| Prelift Meeting | ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ | |
| Attendees | Date | |||
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Special Instructions |
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Recertified By: |
Date: |