Md. Code Regs. 09.12.38.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 09.12.38.08 - Trial Lift

A. Mobile Cranes.

(1) A trial lift with the unoccupied personnel platform loaded at least to the weight of the maximum intended load shall be:

(a) Made from ground level, or any other location where employees will enter the platform, to each location to which the personnel platform will be hoisted and positioned; and

(b) Performed immediately before placing employees on the platform.

(2) A trial lift may be performed at one time for all locations that are to be reached from a single set up position.

(3) When the crane or derrick is moved and set up in a new location or returned to a previously used location, a trial lift shall be repeated before hoisting employees.

B. Fixed-Track Mounted Cranes.

(1) A trial lift with the unoccupied personnel platform loaded at least to the weight of the maximum intended load shall be:

(a) Made from ground level or any other location where employees will enter the platform, to the location at which the personnel platform will be hoisted and positioned once along the route of the track; and

(b) Performed during each shift when employees will be lifted, immediately before the first lift.

(2) A trial lift may be performed at one time for all locations that are to be reached from a single set up position.

C. Fixed Cranes and Hoists. A trial lift with the unoccupied personnel platform loaded at least to the weight of the maximum intended load shall be:

(1) Made from ground level at each location at which the personnel platform is to be hoisted and positioned; and

(2) Performed during each shift, immediately before the first lift.

D. Operator Requirements. For each trial lift performed under § A, B, and C of this regulation, the employer shall ensure that the operator determines that:

(1) All systems, controls, and safety devices are activated and functioning properly;

(2) No interferences exist; and

(3) All configurations necessary to reach each work location will allow the operator to remain under the 50 percent limit of the rated capacity of the crane or hoist, as provided in Regulation .04F of this chapter.

E. Materials and tools to be used during the actual lift may be loaded in the platform as provided, in Regulation .06D(5) of this chapter, for the trial lift.

F. Inspections.

(1) Before each personnel lift, the platform, with maximum intended load, shall be hoisted a few inches and inspected to ensure that it is secure and properly balanced.

(2) Before an employee is hoisted, the employer shall ensure that:

(a) Hoist ropes shall be free of kinks;

(b) Multiple part lines may not be twisted around each other;

(c) The primary attachment shall be centered over the platform; and

(d) If the load rope is slack, the hoisting system is inspected to ensure all ropes are properly seated on drums and in sheaves.

(3) Visual Inspection.

(a) Immediately after the trial lift, a visual inspection of the crane, hoist, rigging, personnel platform, and the base support or ground shall be conducted by a competent designated person to determine whether the testing has exposed any defect or produced any adverse effect upon any component or structure.

(b) The inspection shall include, but not be limited to, all wire rope, hooks, brakes, the boom, safety devices, and other mechanical, structural, and rigging equipment.

(4) Any defect found during the trial lift or inspection which creates a safety hazard shall be corrected before hoisting personnel.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.38.08