Lift design

[Jandra11]

Is there any specific code/clause specifying on what loads are need to be consider on designing a 4 man basket lift?

 

[Lomarandil]

Check your applicable worker safety regulations (e.g. OSHA).

You might also have separate governing regulations for crane suspended loads (e.g. ASME below-the-hook).

And if a major contractor is using the basket lift, some of them have their own in-house rules.

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The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.

 

[JStructsteel]

Why not just purchase one from some of the manufactures that make them? why redesign the wheel?

 

[CANPRO]

Why not just purchase one from some of the manufactures that make them? why redesign the wheel?

I get asked to design stuff often that could be bought...If I responded with "lets just buy it instead", I wouldn't be employed as a design engineer for long. Perhaps Jandra11 is in the same situation. But depending on the OP's situation, maybe purchasing basket is the best option.

Where are you located? There are very likely applicable codes, but you need to let us know where you're located before someone can point you in the right direction. A few things you should be aware of:

- You'll need to provide at least 4 fall arrest tie-off points in the basket
- Prior to each new working condition, often these manbaskets need to go through a trial run with the crane to test its range of use. You may need to provide a test weight equivalent to the capacity of the basket, along with an easy connection to attach/remove the test weight.
- Your sketch shows 4 lugs, which would be the primary lugs. You may also need a 5th lug for the secondary line, which would be sized for 100% of the self-weight and occupants.

 

[XR250]

I get asked to design stuff often that could be bought...If I responded with "lets just buy it instead", I wouldn't be employed as a design engineer for long.

Boy that is some scarcity. Wouldn't your client be better served if a cheaper solution was already available?

 

[CANPRO]

XR250, depends on the client/design. Sometimes its re-purposing an old piece of equipment/material. Sometimes its a matter of schedule. Sometimes yes, the off the shelf item is the best solution. I've recently switched jobs - I was in the consulting business, I now work for a contractor, and sometimes we'd rather just build stuff ourselves. As I consultant, I spent many hours making someone else' bad idea work.

My point with that comment is that sometimes it doesn't matter if there is a pre-manufactured version of what you're looking for; if the boss/client wants one designed, then you better start to figure it out.