- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
July 7, 1976
Mr. Charles T. Greene
Director of Industrial Safety
Industrial Safety Division
Minimum Wage and Industrial Safety Board
Government of the District
of Columbia
2900 Newton Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20018
Dear Mr. Greene:
This is in reply to your letter of June 17, 1976, regarding a request for review of OSHA Program Directive #100-48.
A review of your letter indicates you interpret this Program Directive to mean employees are allowed to ride the load or hook. There is no intent on the part of OSHA to allow employees to ride the load or hook. Under controlled conditions, working platforms suspended from crawler, locomotive, or truck cranes are permissible. "Working platforms" as used in this context are not a "lead" or a "hook".
Your letter suggests that this directive is a misinterpretation of the intent of the ANSI standard. The ANSI B30 Committee interpretation of ANSI B30.5, Section 5-3.2.3(e), which states that "the operator shall not hoist, lower, swing, or travel while anyone is on the load or hook", is as follows:
1. This section refers to normal loads such as beams, girders, concrete buckets and etc.
2. Under controlled conditions, a special designed scale box or other guarded platform that is attached to the crane hook is permissible.
Controlled conditions should afford adequate protection with back-up safety devices to protect the employee(s) exposed, and are not limited to the two conditions specified in the Program Directive.
Your continued interest in safety is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary
for Regional Programs