ASME B30.23-2022

Design Factors

• 1 Suspended Platforms: Minimum design factor of 5, based on the stated platform rating. Each load-supporting component shall have a minimum design factor of 5 based on the maximum intended resultant stress.
  • —One-leg suspension system: design factor of 7
  • —Two or more leg system: design factor of 5 for each leg with only two legs under stress
• 2 Boom-Attached Platforms (Ductile Materials): Load-supporting structural components shall have a minimum design factor of 2 based on the minimum yield strength of the material.
• 3 Boom-Attached Platforms (Non-Ductile Materials): Components that will not deform plastically before breaking shall have a minimum design factor of 5 based on minimum ultimate strength.
• 4Stress concentration factor (f1) and dynamic loading factor (f2) shall be not less than 1.10 and 1.25 respectively. f2 shall be verified as adequate by the hoisting equipment manufacturer.

Required Platform Features

• 1A minimum platform rating of 300 lb (136 kg).
• 2Guardrail system consisting of a top rail, intermediate rail, toeboard, and lower barrier. Top rail: 39–45 in. (990–1140 mm) in height. Toeboard: minimum 3.5 in. (90 mm). Lower barrier: solid construction or expanded metal with no openings > 0.5 in. (13 mm). Each rail shall withstand a concentrated load of 300 lb (135 kg) applied at any point outward or downward without failure.
• 3Anchorage points within the platform or on the boom tip. Capable of withstanding a static force of 3,600 lb (16,000 N) for each person allowed by the manufacturer without reaching ultimate strength. Points shall be marked with identification and the number of permitted occupants.
  • —Anchorage points shall be compatible with a lanyard connector complying with ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2007.
• 4Handrails around the interior perimeter of the platform (except access gates), with a minimum clearance of 1.5 in. (39 mm) between the railing and any other structure.
• 5Slip-resistant flooring with free drainage provisions. Flooring shall have no opening allowing a 0.5 in. (13 mm) sphere to pass through.
• 6Means to secure loose items within the platform.
• 7An identification plate displaying at minimum: manufacturer name and address, platform rating (weight and personnel), platform ID number, suspension system description, weight of empty platform, date of manufacture, and certification of compliance to this Volume.
• 8Access systems, if installed, shall have a positive-acting device to prevent accidental opening. Swinging gates shall be prevented from swinging outward while the platform is suspended.
• 9The suspension system shall minimize tipping due to movement of personnel and should not allow motion of more than 10 degrees off the horizontal plane.
• 10For suspended platforms, the suspension system shall:
  • —Use rope slings with mechanically spliced Flemish eyes and thimbles. Wire rope clips, wedge sockets, or knots shall not be used.
  • —Chain slings: minimum grade 80 chain.
  • —Use a master link for attachment to the hook or bolt-type shackle with cotter pin.
  • —Synthetic roundslings, webbing slings, synthetic fiber rope slings, or natural fiber rope slings shall not be used for suspension systems.
  • —Each suspension leg and master link shall be permanently marked with rated load.
  • —Shackles used in suspension systems shall be bolt type with cotter pin.
• 11Overhead protection, if provided, shall allow a clear view of hoist components directly overhead and have no openings > 0.5 in. (13 mm).
• 16Motion controls, if installed on the platform, shall: be clearly identified; be protected from inadvertent actuation; be inside and readily accessible; return to neutral and stop all motion when released; be oriented to move in the direction of the function they control when possible.
• 17Boom motion controls, if provided, shall additionally: require continuous activation to be operational; include an Emergency Stop Control not requiring continuous actuation; and have ground-level controls that can override platform controls.

• a)Only the hoisting equipment manufacturer may approve design and installation procedures for platform mounting attachment points on lattice-type boom equipment. All approvals shall be in writing.
• b)Platform-mounting attachments should allow the platform floor to remain within 10 degrees of horizontal regardless of boom angle.
• c)Platform-mounting attachments shall be designed to protect against disengagement during lifting operations.

• a)Platforms shall be constructed using designs meeting the requirements of Section 23-1.1.
• b)Quality Assurance:
  • 1)Edges exposed to contact by platform occupants or handlers shall be smoothed to protect against injury.
  • 2)Welding shall be in accordance with American Welding Society or ASME procedures and performed by a certified welder.
  • 3)Quality verification testing shall include the requirements of para. 23-2.2.1(a).
• c)Certifications and Manuals: The manufacturer shall certify that the platform and suspension system meet the design, construction, and testing requirements of this Volume. Written certification of platform rating shall be provided to the purchaser upon request.

• a)Features permitting live boom or live load line operation shall be made inoperable during personnel lifting. No free-fall operation.
• b)Rope or chain hoisting systems shall have an anti-two-block device installed.
• c)Equipment with a variable angle boom shall have a boom angle indicator readily visible to the operator.
• d)Equipment with telescoping booms shall have a boom length indicator readable from the operator station.
• e)Hooks used for personnel platform attachment shall be of a type that can be positively locked closed and will prevent the lifting bridle from being dislodged.
• f)Automatic brakes on all functions used during personnel handling so that when controls are released, all motions are brought to rest.
• g)A holding device (e.g., load hold check valve) in hydraulic or pneumatic systems to prevent uncontrolled movement in the event of a system failure.
• h)A means to prevent retraction of hydraulic/pneumatic outriggers or stabilizers in the event a line fails.
• i)Pendant supported, jib-type boom extensions without positive stops shall not be used to lift personnel.
• j)A boom-attached platform is prohibited from being used on a luffing jib.

• b1)Initial Inspection: Prior to initial use and at each new job site, all platforms shall be inspected to verify compliance with the applicable provisions of this Volume.
• b2a)Frequent Inspection (Daily): The platform, suspension system, attachment points, and any platform motion controls shall be inspected at least once each day before use. Items listed in Mandatory Appendix III shall be addressed. Any conditions constituting a hazard shall be corrected prior to lifting personnel. Dated records shall be kept for the duration of the personnel lift operation.
• b2b)Periodic Inspection: At least once every 12 months, or as required by the platform manufacturer. Platforms out of service for 12 or more consecutive months shall receive a periodic inspection prior to use. The last periodic inspection record shall be kept with the platform and available for review.

Manufacturer Tests

• a)Personnel platforms shall be tested by the manufacturer to verify compliance with this Volume, including load suspension mechanisms, occupant safety features, and platform rating.
• b)Rope or chain sling suspension legs shall be tested by applying a test load to each individual leg equal to twice the rated load of the leg prior to installation. The master link shall be tested to at least twice the sum of platform weight plus platform rating.

Proof Testing

• 1)At each new job site, prior to hoisting people, the platform and rigging shall be proof tested to 125% of the platform rating. With the proof test load evenly distributed, the platform shall be hoisted and held in a suspended position for not less than 5 minutes. After testing, the platform shall be inspected per para. 23-2.1.1. Any damage shall be corrected before repeating the test.
• 2)When feasible, the hoisting equipment to be used for lifting personnel should be the equipment used to perform the proof tests.
• 3)After any structural repair or modification, a platform shall be proof tested to 150% of the platform rating. Suspended platforms shall be tested by raising to height, then lowering at a speed of not less than 100 ft/min (30.5 m/min), then halting with brakes and hanging for not less than 5 minutes.

• a)Hoisting equipment shall be tested in accordance with the “Operational Tests” and “Load Test” requirements of the applicable ASME B30 volume.
• b)Hoisting equipment used for lifting personnel shall be tested during the trial lift, as defined in paras. 23-3.2.2(c)(9) and 23-3.2.2(c)(10).

• a)Preventive Maintenance Program shall be established, based on the recommendations of the platform manufacturer. Replacement parts shall equal or exceed original equipment specifications.
• b)Any hazardous condition disclosed by inspection shall be corrected before use is resumed. All welding repairs shall be done by a certified welder. Any adjustment or repair to the suspension system shall be done by a qualified person. Rope or chain slings showing indications described in ASME B30.9 shall be taken out of service.
• c)Modifications. Only modifications approved in writing by the manufacturer or a qualified person shall be accomplished.
• d)Records. The platform owner shall maintain records on any repairs to or replacements of structural components.

• b)Management shall designate qualified individuals at each job site to perform the duties of the personnel lift authorizer, who shall be responsible for: verifying the need for a personnel lift; verifying equipment meets Chapter 23-1; authorizing the personnel lift operation; and requiring compliance with this Volume.
• d)Management shall designate a Lift Director for each personnel lift operation, responsible for: holding the pre-lift meeting; verifying all required inspections are complete; verifying qualified persons are assigned; supervising the lift operation.
• f)Lift Director shall not allow any operator to lift personnel if: the operator does not feel physically or mentally fit; the operator has been working for more than 10 hours prior to the start of the lift, or the lift will not be completed before the operator has been working for 12 hours; or the operator did not have at least 8 hours off immediately prior to the work shift containing the personnel lift.
• g)Lift Director shall designate signalpersons, ground crew, and platform occupants. In suspended and boom-attached platforms without motion controls, one occupant shall be designated as the platform signalperson.

• a)The operator shall be qualified to operate the specific type of hoisting equipment used in the personnel lift. Qualification shall include physical fitness criteria and substance abuse testing per applicable government regulations.
• b)The operator is responsible for: hoisting equipment capability; rated load constraints; operational limitations; confirming all inspections are completed and satisfactory prior to starting; operating in compliance with this Volume.
• c)The operator is prohibited from lifting personnel if: the operator does not feel physically or mentally fit; the operator has been working > 10 hours; or the operator did not have at least 8 hours off before the shift. While operating, the operator shall not engage in any practice that diverts attention.

• a)Ground crew shall be physically and mentally capable of performing inspections and operations associated with the lift. They shall be trained in the specific requirements of their tasks.
• b)Ground crew shall be responsible for:
  • 1)Visually inspecting the platform and associated rigging for hazardous conditions prior to and during operations.
  • 4)Verifying the personnel platform is securely attached to the hoisting equipment.
  • 5)Verifying the load line is not directly attached to or wrapped around the personnel platform.
  • 7)Keeping people from passing under the raised personnel platform.
  • 8)Not using a suspension system for lifting personnel that has been used for lifting other loads other than the personnel platform.

• a)Occupants shall have been instructed in the recognized hazards of personnel platform lifts, including impacting structures, unexpected platform motion, and special hazards associated with the lift. Occupants shall have attended a pre-lift meeting.
• b)Occupants shall be responsible for:
  • 1)Maintaining a stable and even loading on the platform.
  • 2)Keeping all parts of their body inside the platform during raising, lowering, and positioning, except when performing duties as a designated signalperson.
  • 4)Keeping their personal fall arrest system lanyard fastened to their body harness and the provided anchorage points at all times while occupying the platform.
  • 5)Being familiar with hand signals posted in the platform. All occupants shall know the emergency stop signal.

• a)The lift director shall prepare a personnel lift plan containing at minimum the information in Mandatory Appendix II. The plan shall be submitted to the lift authorizer for review/approval and retained as part of job site records.
• b)The personnel lift authorizer shall verify that there are no less hazardous alternatives to performing the work. The personnel lift shall not be authorized when less hazardous means are feasible.
• c)The personnel lift authorizer shall verify that conditions provide clear visibility. When darkness, fog, or snow prevent clear visibility, personnel lifting shall not be authorized.
• e)Personnel platforms shall not be used in winds in excess of 20 mph (32.2 km/h) at the hoisted platform height, electric storms, or other adverse weather conditions.
• f)Development of a rescue plan.
• h)The lift director shall hold a pre-lift meeting attended by the operator, platform occupants, and ground crew. Meeting shall cover at minimum: operations section of this Volume; assignments and responsibilities of each person; procedures to be followed; safety precautions; special signals; unique considerations; work to be accomplished; emergency procedures for loss of power, control, or system faults.
• i)The lift director shall terminate personnel lifting operations if hazardous conditions develop during the lift.
• j)Personnel platforms shall be used only for personnel, their tools, and sufficient material to do their work. They shall not be used solely for transporting bulk materials.
• k3)When personnel lifts are conducted over water, personal flotation devices shall be worn. Fall arrest harness shall be attached to anchorage while entering/exiting and lifted over land, and detached while lifted over water. A boat with appropriate rescue personnel shall be available at all times.

• c1)Inspect the hoist equipment setup area before the lift and report observations to the lift director. Check for: excessive load/radius; overhead obstructions and power lines; hazardous locations; inadequate surface support; wind, weather, and unstable conditions.
• c3)Operate hoisting equipment with outriggers or stabilizers extended, blocked, and locked per manufacturer specifications.
• c4)Verify hoisting equipment is set up and maintained within 1% of level or per manufacturer recommendations during a personnel lift.
• c7)Not allow the total weight of the lifted load (including rigging, platform, personnel, tools, and material) to exceed 50% of the hoisting equipment rated load or 50% of the hoist rated line pull, whichever is lowest, during trial lift and lifting operations.
• c9)Perform a trial lift prior to lifting personnel on each shift and after any change of setup location, hoist equipment configuration, or operator. The trial lift shall confirm that hoist equipment setup and configuration is correct, load capacities are adequate, and no hazardous interferences exist.
• c10)Verify that during the trial lift, the platform is loaded to at least the weight expected during the actual lift.
• c13)Not travel the hoisting equipment with personnel in the platform except when the equipment runs on fixed rails or runways.
• c14)Perform all movements of the platform in a slow, controlled manner to minimize sudden movements.
• c15)Engage the power-controlled lowering mechanism at all times the platform is occupied. No free fall.
• c16)Not lift or lower an occupied platform at a speed in excess of 100 ft/min (30.5 m/min).
• c17)Remain at the hoisting equipment controls at all times when the platform is occupied.
• c18)Set all brakes and locks after positioning of the personnel platform and before personnel perform any work.
• c20)Not move platforms over, under, or in the vicinity of power lines unless the requirements of Mandatory Appendix I are met.
• c21)Not lift any other loads on any other load lines while conducting a personnel lift. When the equipment has a boom-attached platform without controls, it shall not be used for other lifting service.
• c22)Not disable, or allow to be disabled, any hoist equipment safety device during a personnel lift.

• a)Inspect the platform prior to each lift to verify all attachments and the platform structure are secure.
• b)Observe the weight test and report any deformation or hazardous conditions to the lift director. Items noted shall be verified as safe by a qualified person prior to commencing the lift.
• d)Verify the platform is evenly loaded, material secured, and total platform weight does not exceed the platform rating or reduced hoisting equipment lift capacity.
• e)Not allow an occupied platform over, under, or in the vicinity of power lines unless the requirements of Mandatory Appendix I are met.
• f)Use tag lines for motion control of suspended platforms unless their use creates an unsafe condition.

• 1)Remain in continuous sight or communication with the operator and in sight and communication of a signalperson.
• 2)Use personal protective equipment (hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves) where a hazard of injury exists.
• 3)Wear personal fall arrest system body harnesses with lanyards attached to their harness and to a specific anchorage point at all times.
• 4)Be limited in number, commensurate with the work being performed, platform design, and hoisting equipment limitations.
• 5)Have materials and equipment evenly distributed and secured while the platform is lifted.
• 6)Not stand, sit on, or work from the top rail, intermediate rail, toeboard, or use any device to enhance vertical height working capability.
• 7)Not pull the platform out of plumb with the hoisting equipment.
• 8)Not enter or exit a platform while it is raised unless the platform has an installed gate and is physically secured to the structure being accessed.
• 9)When entering or exiting a personnel platform, ensure fall protection devices are continuously connected to suitable anchorage points within the platform or on the structure.

• a)Hand signals shall be in accordance with the applicable hoisting equipment ASME B30 volume.
• c)Hand signals shall be posted conspicuously at: locations required by the applicable ASME B30 volume; inside the personnel platform; and at any platform motion control locations.
• e)No response shall be made unless signals are clearly understood.
• f)If communications between operator and platform occupants are disrupted, all operations shall be stopped until communication is reestablished.
• g)Radios or other electronic communication means should operate on a secure channel.
• h)Communication systems shall be verified as functioning and effective prior to commencing the lift.

Four Conditions — Required Response

• A Power lines de-energized and grounded (PREFERRED — safest condition). Steps required: Power company shall de-energize lines; lines shall be visibly grounded; a qualified representative of the line owner shall be on site to verify; warning signs shall be posted at the operator station, outside the crane, and inside the personnel platform.
• B Power lines energized — equipment outside prohibited zone. Steps required: On-site meeting with power line owner representative; maintain clearances per Table I-2-1 at all times; continuously monitored by a dedicated signalperson; use electrically non-conductive tag lines; no person outside the platform shall touch equipment, load line, or platform until signaled safe.
• C Power lines energized — equipment inside prohibited zone. LIFTING PERSONNEL UNDER THIS CONDITION IS PROHIBITED.
• D Hoisting equipment in transit with boom lowered, no personnel in platform. While in transit, clearance to power lines shall be per Table I-2-1. Effect of ground speed and terrain on boom movement shall be considered.

Table I-2-1 — Required Minimum Clearances