Md. Code Regs. 09.12.38.11

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 09.12.38.11 - Work Practices

A. Except for an occupant of the platform performing the duties of a signal person, employees shall keep all parts of the body inside the platform during raising, lowering, and positioning.

B. When employees are to exit or enter a hoisted personnel platform that is not landed, the platform shall first be secured to the structure where access or egress is to take place, unless securing to the structure creates an unsafe situation.

C. When employees work from the platform, the platform may not be secured to any structure other than the crane, derrick, or hoist.

D. Tag lines shall be used unless their use creates an unsafe condition.

E. The crane operator shall remain at the controls at all times when the platform is occupied.

F. The hoisting of employees shall be promptly discontinued upon indication of any weather condition or other impending condition which could adversely affect the safe hoisting of personnel on a platform.

G. Except as noted in §H, of this regulation, employees being hoisted shall remain in continuous sight of, and in direct communication with, the operator or signal person.

H. When direct visual contact with the operator is not possible and the use of a signal person would create a greater hazard for that person, direct communication alone, such as a two-way radio system, may be used.

I. Except over water, employees occupying the personnel platform shall use a body belt/harness system with lanyard appropriately attached to the lower load block or overhaul ball, or to a structural member within the personnel platform capable of sustaining a fall impact.

J. While personnel are suspended on a platform, a lift may not be made on any other loadline of the crane or hoist.

K. An employee shall be permitted to stand on or to work from only the floor of the platform.

L. Head protection shall be worn by all employees while using personnel platforms.

M. When employees are working over or adjacent to water, an employer shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Totally enclosed personnel platforms or platforms with overhead structures are prohibited;

(2) Personal flotation devices:

(a) Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices shall be:

(i) Provided by the employer, and

(ii) Worn by all employees while using the personnel platform;

(b) Before and after each use, personal flotation devices shall be inspected for defects which would alter their strength or buoyancy;

(c) A defective personal flotation device may not be used;

(3) Ring buoys:

(a) Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue operations;

(b) The distance between ring buoys and the work being performed may not exceed 200 feet;

(4) At least one lifesaving skiff shall be immediately available.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.38.11