1926.1431(e) Personnel Platform Criteria

A qualified person familiar with structural design must design the personnel platform and attachment/suspension system used for hoisting personnel.

The system used to connect the personnel platform to the equipment must allow the platform to remain within 10 degrees of level, regardless of boom angle.

The suspension system must be designed to minimize tipping of the platform due to movement of employees occupying the platform.

The personnel platform itself (excluding the guardrail system and personal fall arrest system anchorages), must be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least five times the maximum intended load.

All welding of the personnel platform and its components must be performed by a certified welder familiar with the weld grades, types and material specified in the platform design.

The personnel platform must be equipped with a guardrail system which meets the requirements of subpart M of this part, and must be enclosed at least from the toeboard to mid-rail with either solid construction material or expanded metal having openings no greater than ¹/₂ inch (1.27 cm). Points to which personal fall arrest systems are attached must meet the anchorage requirements in subpart M of this part.

A grab rail must be installed inside the entire perimeter of the personnel platform except for access gates/doors.

If installed, access gates/doors of all types (including swinging, sliding, folding, or other types) must:

If due to the size of the personnel platform, such as a 1-person platform, it is infeasible for the door to swing inward and allow safe entry for the platform occupant, then the access gate/door may swing outward.

Be equipped with a device that prevents accidental opening.

Headroom must be sufficient to allow employees to stand upright in the platform.

In addition to the use of hard hats, employees must be protected by overhead protection on the personnel platform when employees are exposed to falling objects. The platform overhead protection must not obscure the view of the operator or platform occupants (such as wire mesh that has up to ¹/₂ inch openings), unless full protection is necessary.

All edges exposed to employee contact must be smooth enough to prevent injury.

The weight of the platform and its rated capacity must be conspicuously posted on the platform with a plate or other permanent marking.