Is it permissible to hoist personnel with a mobile crane while the crane is on a public road?

• A. Never
• B. Always
• C. Only with a permit
• D. Only with a crew member present

Answer: (A)

Hoisting personnel with a mobile crane on a public road is never permissible. The safety concern is that a person suspended from a crane is highly vulnerable to unintended movement of the load, wind gusts, and crane swing, and the added hazards of traffic, pedestrians, and uneven or unstable ground on a public roadway. Cranes are rated and operated for lifting loads, not for lifting people, and dedicated personnel-lift equipment (a properly designed platform with fall protection) is required for such work. On a public road, you cannot reliably guarantee the necessary safeguards, barricades, and recovery options. If work at height is needed, use an appropriate aerial work platform or a crane setup specifically designed and permitted for lifting personnel, with all required safety measures in place.