When lifting personnel, what type of crane hook is required according to OSHA?

When lifting personnel, OSHA mandates the use of a closed and locked hook to ensure safety during operations. This type of hook is designed to secure the load effectively, preventing accidental disengagement that could occur with hooks that do not lock. Utilizing a closed and locked hook minimizes the risk of personnel falling during lifting activities, as the locking mechanism keeps the load attached to the hook at all times.

In contrast, other hook types, such as open hooks or twists-lock hooks, might not provide the same level of security, which can lead to dangerous situations when they are used for lifting people. Open hooks lack any mechanism to prevent the load from coming loose, while twist-lock hooks, although they have a locking mechanism, may not be universally suitable for personnel lifting. Similarly, swivel hooks, while useful for orientation adjustment, do not inherently ensure that a load will remain secure in a personnel lifting scenario. Hence, a closed and locked hook is essential for compliance with safety regulations when lifting personnel.