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.

September 24, 1993

 

 

MEMORANDUM FOR: LARRY FALCH, AREA DIRECTOR
 
FROM: ROGER CLARK, DIRECTOR
DIRECTORATE OF COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS
 
SUBJECT: Free Standing/Boom Supported Personnel Hoist

 


This is in response to the August 5 memorandum from Mr. Raymond G. Finney forwarding a letter dated July 19 addressed to you from Mr. John Pullaro, Sales Representative for Sims Crane and Equipment Company, requesting an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards addressing personnel hoists.

Although, the plain reading of the standard addressing the anchoring of personnel hoist towers might suggest that the tower has to be anchored to the structure being serviced, the obvious intent of this rule is to ensure that the tower is adequately supported against tipping over. If a structure, designed by a professional engineer to adequately support the hoist tower is provided, the situation would be de minimis.

If you have any further questions please contact Mr. Roy Gurnham or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 219-8136.

cc: Raymond G. Finney



August 5, 1993

 

 

 

 

MEMORANDUM FOR: ROGER CLARK, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs
 
THROUGH: LEO CAREY, Director Office of Field Operations
 
ATTENTION: ROY GURNHAM Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance
 
FROM: RAYMOND G. FINNEY Acting Assistant Regional
Administrator for Technical Support
 
SUBJECT: Free Standing/Boom Supported Personnel Hoist

 


Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Mr. John Pullaro of Sims Crane & Equipment Company. Mr. Pullaro sent the referenced letter and pictures to the Tampa, Florida Area Office for a ruling regarding whether or not the personnel hoist as pictured meets the requirements of OSHA standard 1926.552.

Lawrence Falck, Tampa Area Director, requests assistance in providing an interpretive response to Mr. Pullaro. Due to resource restraints, the Regional Office is unable to assist Mr. Falck. Therefore, his request is being forwarded to your office for a response.

Please respond directly to Mr. Falck and send a copy of your interpretation to this office. If you have questions, please contact the Assistant Regional Administrator for Technical Support or Terry Wilkins of my staff at (404) 347-2281.

Enclosures



July 19, 1993

Occupational Health
& Safety Administration
5707 Breckinridge Pkwy.
Suite A
Tampa, Florida 33610

Attn: Mr. Larry Falck,
Area Director

RE: Free Standing Hoist with Electric Tower Boom

Dear Mr. Falck,

Pursuant to our previous letter dated May 27, 1993, we have provided photo's of an installation that apparently is in use at present. As shown, there are no ties to the building. Again, our interpretation of the OSHA regulations do not provide this type of latitude.

Please review these photo's and advise Sims Crane & Equipment Company if this installation is in fact permissible under current OSHA regulations.

Sincerely,



Sims Crane & Equipment Co.

John Pullaro
Sales Representative

JAP/elr

enclosures

cc: Dean P. Sims Steve Stodghill