Personnel Lifting (Man Baskets)

Personnel lifting using man baskets (suspended from cranes) is a last-resort method for accessing work at height.
BS 7121 Part 3 and LOLER 1998 set strict requirements for lifting people with cranes in the UK.
A man basket must only be used when no safer means of access such as scaffolding or MEWPs is practicable.
The crane must be operated at no more than half its rated capacity when lifting personnel.
A specific lift plan for personnel lifting must be prepared and approved by the appointed person.
The man basket must be purpose-designed, tested, and have a current LOLER thorough examination certificate.
An independent secondary retention device must prevent the basket from falling if the primary attachment fails.
Communication between the basket occupants, crane operator, and banksman must be maintained at all times.
Trial lifts without personnel must be carried out before every personnel lifting operation.
Emergency rescue procedures must be in place before any person enters the man basket.

Prevent fatalities	Falls from man baskets and basket detachment are fatal — strict controls and equipment checks are critical.
Legal requirement	LOLER 1998 and BS 7121-3 impose specific legal duties for all lifting operations involving people.
Last resort only	Personnel lifting by crane carries inherently high risk and must only be used when all safer options are ruled out.

Do

Don't

Confirm no safer method of access is practicable before planning a personnel lift
Prepare a specific lift plan approved by the appointed person for every personnel lift
Use only purpose-designed man baskets with a current LOLER thorough examination certificate
Reduce the crane capacity to 50% maximum when lifting personnel in a man basket
Complete a trial lift without personnel before every manned lifting operation begins
Ensure all occupants wear full body harnesses clipped to designated anchor points inside
Maintain continuous communication between basket occupants and the crane operator at all times
Check the secondary retention device is correctly installed before any personnel enter
Brief all participants on the emergency rescue plan before the lift takes place
Stop the operation immediately if wind speed exceeds the limit specified in the lift plan

DON'T use a man basket if scaffolding, MEWPs, or other safer access is practicable
DON'T exceed 50% of the crane's rated capacity during any personnel lifting operation
DON'T lift personnel without a specific written lift plan approved by the appointed person
DON'T use improvised or uncertified baskets — only purpose-designed equipment is permitted
DON'T skip the trial lift — it must be completed before personnel enter the basket
DON'T allow occupants to lean over the basket edge or stand on the guardrails
DON'T travel the crane with personnel in the basket unless the lift plan permits it
DON'T carry out personnel lifts in high winds or during poor visibility conditions
DON'T allow more people in the basket than its rated maximum occupancy permits
DON'T disconnect the secondary retention device for any reason during the lift

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Lift Plan Requirements

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