ICSA Guidance on Lifting Persons with Mobile Cranes
Lifting people with mobile cranes is a high-risk activity that demands strict controls, clear procedures and competent planning. Cranes for You includes the ICSA guidance on this topic because safe personnel lifting is essential to achieving Goal Zero in all lifting, hoisting and specialised transport operations.
Summary of the Guidance for Person Lifting
- Exceptional-use principle — Mobile cranes should only lift persons when no safer alternative is reasonably possible.
- Equipment requirements — Specific guidance on man-basket design, certification, safety devices, connection points and permissible configurations.
- Crane setup & configuration — Stability limits, load-chart adjustments, wind restrictions and safety margins when lifting personnel.
- Operational procedures — Communication protocols, test-lift requirements, emergency planning and supervision responsibilities.
- Competence and supervision — Only trained, competent personnel may plan, prepare and execute personnel lifting operations.
Practical Relevance for Heavy-Lift Operations
Using this ICSA guidance helps organisations:
- ensure compliance when mobile cranes are used for lifting persons under exceptional conditions;
- reduce risk by applying enhanced safety factors and stricter operating limits;
- conduct proper test-lifts and functional checks before personnel enter the basket;
- create consistent procedures across contractors and crane rental partners;
- document and justify the decision to lift persons, supporting audits and regulatory reviews.
Official Source
This guidance is published by the International Crane & Specialized Transport Association (ICSA), and is supported by ESTA Europe, the leading European authority on crane and heavy transport safety.
Find more resources here:
ICSA: https://icsa-crane.org
ESTA: https://estaeurope.eu/
Related Knowledge Articles
- ICSA Guidance for Multiple-Crane Lifting
- Appointed Person’s Role
- Working Load Limit vs Safe Working Load
Ready to Ensure Safe Personnel Lifting?
You can download the full ICSA guidance from this page and integrate its recommendations into your lift plans and procedures.
Cranes for You can also assist with competence training, procedure development, and the safe planning of exceptional personnel lifts.
