A construction contractor presented two scenarios: (1) using multiple lift rigging assemblies to hoist bundles of reinforcing steel following the requirements of 1926.753(e), and (2) using different-length slings to hoist multiple items such as portable toilets or gangboxes per the manufacturers' instructions and 1926.251. The question was whether either setup complies.
OSHA's critical finding was that 29 CFR 1926.753(e) does not apply to either scenario. The multiple lift rigging procedures in the steel erection standard apply only to beams and similar structural members — and rebar bundles, portable toilets, and gangboxes are not structural members.
Instead, materials in both scenarios must comply with 1926.251, Rigging equipment for material handling. And when the hoisting equipment is covered by the cranes and derricks standard (29 CFR 1926.1400), the lift must meet all of its provisions, including 1926.1425, Keeping clear of the load.
OSHA also flagged the personnel requirement: a qualified rigger is required when workers are within the fall zone during hooking, unhooking, or guiding loads, or making initial load connections (29 CFR 1926.1425(c)).