Maximum wind speed for lifting personnel recommended by ANSI?

Maximum wind speed for lifting personnel recommended by ANSI?

• A. 10 mph
• B. 20 mph
• C. 30 mph
• D. 40 mph

Answer: (B)

The main idea is safety: wind adds lateral forces to a lifting platform, and when a worker is raised, even modest winds can push the platform off balance or make it hard to control. ANSI sets a conservative operating limit to prevent tip-overs, swaying, or loss of control. Twenty miles per hour is used because it provides a practical safety margin—low enough to keep handling stable and high enough to avoid constant stoppages in mild wind conditions. Winds higher than this increase the risk of tipping, platform drift, or being unable to safely perform movements or rescues. So, when lifting personnel, stay below twenty mph and always follow the equipment’s wind rating and site conditions.

The main idea is safety: wind adds lateral forces to a lifting platform, and when a worker is raised, even modest winds can push the platform off balance or make it hard to control. ANSI sets a conservative operating limit to prevent tip-overs, swaying, or loss of control. Twenty miles per hour is used because it provides a practical safety margin—low enough to keep handling stable and high enough to avoid constant stoppages in mild wind conditions. Winds higher than this increase the risk of tipping, platform drift, or being unable to safely perform movements or rescues. So, when lifting personnel, stay below twenty mph and always follow the equipment’s wind rating and site conditions.