153. (1) No worker shall use as a workplace a platform, bucket, basket, load, hook, sling or similar device that is capable of moving and is supported by a cable attached to the boom of a crane or similar hoisting device, except in accordance with this section. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. Note: On January 1, 2024, subsection 153 (1) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (1)) (1) No worker shall use as a workplace a platform, bucket, basket, load, hook, sling or similar device that is capable of moving and is suspended from or supported by a direct attachment to the boom of a crane or similar hoisting device, or supported by a cable attached to a crane or similar hoisting device, except in accordance with this section. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (1). (2) A crane may be used to raise, support or lower a worker only if, (a) conventional access equipment cannot be used; (b) the platform that the worker is on, (i) is designed by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practice, (ii) is constructed in accordance with the design drawings, (iii) is equipped with more than one means of suspension or support, Note: On January 1, 2024, subclause 153 (2) (b) (iii) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (2)) (iii) is equipped with a secondary means of suspension or support that is secured above the hook and does not impede the hoist line. (iv) is equipped with anchor points for the attachment of the worker’s fall arrest systems, (v) is equipped with a guardrail in accordance with section 26.3, (vi) is suspended from, or supported by, a direct attachment to the boom of the crane, (vii) is designed, constructed and maintained so that the failure of one means of support or suspension will not cause the collapse of all or part of the platform, and (viii) has its maximum rated load capacity legibly and permanently marked in a conspicuous place on it; and (c) the crane, (i) is equipped with fail-safe mechanisms that will prevent the boom and the suspended platform from free falling in the event of a power source or system failure or the inadvertent release of any operating controls, (ii) is not used to hoist material while the platform is being used to support a worker, (iii) is not loaded in excess of 25 per cent of its maximum rated load, (iv) has a revised load rating chart prepared by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practice and affixed in a conspicuous place on the crane, Note: On January 1, 2024, subclause 153 (2) (c) (iv) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (3)) (iv) has a revised load rating chart prepared by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practice that is affixed to the crane or otherwise available to the operator at the controls of the crane while in use. (v) has, on its hoist line, hooks equipped with self-closing safety catches at the point where the platform is suspended, and (vi) is equipped with an automatic limit switch that prevents the platform and load from reaching beyond the highest permissible position specified by the crane manufacturer. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4; O. Reg. 527/00, s. 5; O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (3) Any modifications or repairs to the boom of the crane shall be made in accordance with the instructions of the crane manufacturer or an engineer. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4; O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (4) Every worker on the platform shall wear a full body harness connected independently to anchor points on the platform and used in conjunction with a lanyard fitted with a shock absorber. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (5) The design drawings of the platform shall, (a) set out the size and specifications of all components of the platform, including the type and grade of materials used for it; (b) state the maximum live load of the platform; (c) specify the model and type of crane to be used in conjunction with the platform; and (d) include a statement that, in the opinion of the engineer who designed the platform, the design meets the requirements of clauses (a), (b) and (c). (e)  Revoked:  O. Reg. 85/04, s. 16. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4; O. Reg. 85/04, s. 16; O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (6) Before the platform is used, a competent worker shall inspect it and verify in writing that it has been constructed in accordance with the design drawings. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (7) No person shall use the platform until the verification required under subsection (6) is given. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (8) Before the crane is first used to lift persons, and at least once every 12 months after the first test, an engineer shall ensure that the crane be subjected to non-destructive testing to ensure the structural integrity of the crane. O. Reg. 242/16, s. 15; O. Reg. 375/22, s. 5. (9) A competent worker shall visually inspect the crane’s structural elements and the rigging equipment for defects before each use of the crane. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. Note: On January 1, 2024, subsection 153 (9) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “visually”. (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (4)) (10) The employer shall ensure that an adequate means of communication between the worker on the platform and the crane operator is established, maintained and used. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (11) Before beginning any hoisting operation under this section, the constructor shall notify by telephone an inspector in the office of the Ministry of Labour nearest to the project. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. Note: On January 1, 2024, subsection 153 (11) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (5)) (11) Before beginning any hoisting operation under this section for the first time at a project, the constructor shall notify an inspector at the Ministry office located nearest to the project. O. Reg. 241/23, s. 9 (5). (12) The employer shall ensure that every worker involved with the hoisting operation receives adequate instructions about the requirements, restrictions and hazards associated with the hoisting operation. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (13) The employer shall develop adequate emergency rescue procedures and communicate these in writing to all workers involved with the hoisting operation. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (14) The constructor shall keep all design drawings, test reports, written statements and certification documents required under this section with the crane at all times during the hoisting operation. O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4. (15) On request, the constructor shall provide an inspector with copies of any document described in subsection (14). O. Reg. 631/94, s. 4.