Hoisting Personnel with Cranes

Lifting people with a crane is allowed only as a last resort, when conventional means like stairs, ladders, aerial lifts or scaffolds would be more dangerous or aren’t possible.

• Construction

Key requirements

• The employer must show that conventional means are more hazardous or not possible
• Personnel platform designed by a qualified person for this purpose, with guardrails, a gate, and posted capacity
• The total load can’t exceed 50% of the crane’s rated capacity for the radius and configuration
• Trial lift with the platform loaded to at least its anticipated weight, before people ride, and repeated when the crane is moved or the lift changes
• Proof testing and inspection of the platform and rigging
• Pre-lift meeting with the operator, signal person, riders and the person responsible for the task
• Riders wear harnesses attached to the platform or an anchor as required
• Continuous communication between the operator and riders; operator stays at the controls

The crane

• Set up level (within 1% of level) on firm ground, with outriggers fully extended and locked as the manufacturer requires.
• Equipped with a working anti-two-block device and a boom angle indicator.
• Load line hoist drum with a working brake; the crane must be able to lower the platform under power, not free-fall.
• Hoisting and lowering done slowly and smoothly, with no sudden movements.

Rigging the platform

• Hook with a self-closing latch that is closed and locked
• Shackles are the bolt type with a nut and cotter pin, or screw pins that are secured
• Rigging used only for personnel lifts, not for other loads
• Bridle legs connected to a master link or shackle so the load is evenly divided
• Platform and rigging proof-tested at 125% of rated capacity at each new jobsite and after repair

Weather and power lines

• When wind (sustained or gusts) is over 20 mph at the platform, a qualified person must decide whether it’s safe to lift people. Lightning, ice and other bad weather also stop the lift.
• Hoisting people near power lines is heavily restricted. Plan the lift well away from lines. See Overhead Power Lines.

For riders

• Attend the pre-lift meeting and know the signals and the emergency plan.
• Wear a harness attached to the platform anchor or another approved point.
• Keep your body inside the platform and don’t stand on the rails.
• Keep the platform within its rated capacity, people and tools combined.
• Stay in contact with the operator or signal person at all times.

Last updated: October 1, 2026