(1) You must perform a trial lift with the personnel platform, on each shift before lifting personnel, to check the following:

(a) Crane/derrick setup and configuration is correct;

(b) Load capacities are adequate;

(c) No hazardous interferences exist;

(d) The operator's operational competence.

(2) You must make a trial lift with the unoccupied personnel platform loaded at least to the anticipated lift-weight from ground level, or any other location where employees will enter the platform, to each location at which the platform is to be hoisted and positioned. Where there is more than one location to be reached from a single set-up position, you must perform either individual trial lifts for each location, or a single trial lift, in which the platform is moved sequentially to each location; the method selected must be the same as the method that will be used to hoist the personnel.

(3) You must repeat the trial lift before lifting personnel whenever:

(a) The crane or derrick is moved and set up in a different location or returned to a previously used location;

(b) The crane or derrick is reconfigured;

(c) The operator is changed;

(d) The lift route has changed, unless the competent person determines that the new route presents no new factors affecting safety.

(4) A competent person must determine that:

(a) Safety devices and operational aids required by this section are activated and functioning properly. Other safety devices and operational aids must meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-53410 and 296-155-53412.

(b) Nothing interferes with the crane/derrick or the personnel platform in the course of the trial lift.

(c) The lift will not exceed 50% of the crane/derrick's rated capacity at any time during the lift.

(d) The load radius to be used during the lift has been accurately determined.

(5) Immediately after the trial lift, a competent person must:

(a) Conduct a visual inspection of the crane/derrick, base support or ground, and personnel platform, to determine whether the trial lift has exposed any defect or problem or produced any adverse effect.

(b) Confirm that, upon the completion of the trial lift process, the test weight has been removed.

(6) Immediately prior to each lift:

(a) You must hoist the platform a few inches with the personnel and materials/tools on board and inspected by a competent person to ensure that it is secure and properly balanced.

(b) The following conditions must be determined by a competent person to exist before the lift of personnel proceeds:

(i) Hoist ropes must be free of deficiencies in accordance with WAC 296-155-53404.

(ii) Multiple part lines must not be twisted around each other.

(iii) The primary attachment must be centered over the platform.

(iv) If the load rope is slack, you must inspect the hoisting system to ensure that all ropes are properly seated on drums and in sheaves.

(7) You must correct any condition found during the trial lift and subsequent inspection(s) that fails to meet a requirement of this standard or otherwise creates a safety hazard before hoisting personnel.