OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (29 CFR Part 1926) 1926.959: 1926.959 Mechanical equipment

Mechanical equipment is operated under applicable Part 1926 rules including Subparts N, O and CC, though qualified employees' operations are exempt from 1926.600(a)(6). On elevating and rotating machines, the critical safety components, meaning those whose failure would let the boom free fall or rotate freely, get a thorough visual check each shift before the machine is used. An electric line truck operator may not leave the controls with a load suspended unless the employer shows nobody, including the operator, is endangered. Mobile equipment with outriggers is operated with them extended and firmly set; outriggers are not moved outside the operator's clear view unless everyone is beyond the range of possible motion. Where terrain or space rules out outriggers, operation must stay within the manufacturer's maximum load ratings for that configuration without outriggers. Equipment lifting or moving lines or other material stays within its maximum load rating and design limits for the conditions. Near energized lines and equipment, mechanical equipment must keep the minimum approach distances the employer set under 1926.960(c)(1)(i); an aerial lift run by a qualified worker riding in it is exempt for its insulated section, provided its uninsulated sections stay that distance from objects at another potential. A designated employee other than the operator watches the approach distance and warns before it is reached, unless the employer shows the operator can judge it accurately. If the equipment could become energized, at least one extra precaution applies: cover exposed energized lines with insulating protective material able to withstand the likely contact; insulate the equipment for the voltage and position it so uninsulated portions stay outside the minimum approach distance; or protect each employee from hazardous potential differences, using, unless the employer shows its methods suffice, all of the best available ground, bonding equipment together, ground mats for equipotential areas, and insulating protective equipment or barricades.