What safety procedures are required if a worker must go under a crane boom to remove pins due to site constraints?
If site constraints require a worker to be under a crane boom to remove pins, the Assembly/Disassembly (A/D) director must implement procedures that minimize both the risk of dangerous movement and the duration of exposure. According to OSHA's sample procedures in Appendix B, this includes measures such as:
- Using an assist crane to securely support the boom section being detached.
- Minimizing exposure time by having the employee first remove the pins on the far side of the boom.
- Moving the employee out from under the boom as quickly as possible before removing the pins on the near side.
These steps are part of the employer's responsibility to manage the specific risks created by the situation as required by 1926.1404(f)(2).