Section D Chapter 12

Personnel Basket Transfer

Version: 4

Personnel Basket Transfer

Purpose

This safe work practice establishes the steps to be followed during personnel transfers from
boats to platforms and platforms to boats using an approved personnel basket.

Scope

This safe work practice is applicable to all Apache employees and contract personnel working
on Gulf of Mexico Shelf Region facilities.

Responsibility

The Person in Charge (PIC), Lead Operator, or Consultant is responsible for:

 Observing weather and sea conditions in conjunction with boat captain in order to
conduct safe personnel transfer operations.

 Making decisions with the boat captain as to whether the sea and weather conditions
will permit safe transfer.

 To stop personnel transfer operations if conditions become unsafe.

 Verifying that the Crane Operator is qualified as per the Apache Crane Operation and
Maintenance Program (see Section D, Chapter 3) and the latest addition of API RP2D.

The Boat Captain is responsible for:

 Ensuring that the boat is properly positioned and that there is a clear deck area for the
personnel basket to land on.

 Observing weather and sea conditions in conjunction with platform personnel in order to
conduct safe personnel transfer operations.

 Making decisions with the platform personnel as to whether the sea and weather
conditions will permit safe transfer.

 To stop personnel transfer operations if conditions become unsafe.

 Positioning the boat to safely retrieve any personnel who have fallen from the personnel
basket into the water.

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The Crane Operator is responsible for:

 Being qualified as per the Apache Crane Operation and Maintenance Program (see
Section D, Chapter 3) and the latest addition of API RP 2D.

 Complying with the Apache Crane Operation and Maintenance Program

 Observing weather conditions, and not making transfers if he or she feels the weather
conditions are too dangerous, regardless of the orders of his or her supervisor.

 Maintaining radio communication with the Boat Captain.

 Maintaining visual contact with the personnel basket at all times during the transfer.

 Maintaining communications with the rigger or signal personnel.

 To stop personnel transfer operations if conditions become unsafe.

 Transfers shall be made over the water whenever possible. Transfers from boats shall
be raised only high enough to clear the sides (gunwales) of the boat before swinging the
personnel over the water. Transfers made to a boat shall be lowered over the water
until just before swinging the personnel over the gunwales.

The Signal Person/Rigger is responsible for:

 Ensuring that the personnel basket is securely attached to the crane and that the crane
hook is equipped with an operable latch.

NOTE: The crane hook shall be capable of being closed and locked with either a
safety pin or positive locking device.

 Provide standard hand signals to the crane operator during the transfer.

 Stopping transfer operations upon observing unsafe conditions.

 Being qualified as per the Apache Crane Operation and Maintenance Program (see
Section D, Chapter 3).

The Employee is responsible for:

 Following this procedure during all personnel basket transfers.

 Stopping transfer operations upon observing unsafe conditions.

 Understand how to properly embark and disembark from the personnel basket.

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 All personnel shall wear a fully secured USCG approved work vest Type 5 or USCG
approved Type 1 PFD during transfers.

Inspections

 Prior to initiating a personnel basket transfer, the crane operator shall verify that a
Crane Pre-use inspection has been completed as per the Apache Crane Operation and
Maintenance Program (see Section D, Chapter 3, Part A).

 The Crane Operator in conjunction with the signal person/rigger shall verify that the load
block to which the personnel basket sling will be attached has a positive locking type
hoist hook and/or safety pin to safely secure the basket sling.

NOTE: “All hooks used for support of personnel shall have an operable latch. A
crane hook that can be closed and locked, with a pinned or positive locking
device, eliminating the hook throat opening, shall be used for any personnel lifts.
Additionally a hook with a purposefully designed lifting eye integral to the hook
can be used in conjunction with a shackle that can be pinned to prevent opening.
These hooks are designed to prevent the personnel basket sling from coming off
the hook accidentally.”

 The personnel basket shall be inspected by the crane operator and the signal
person/rigger before and after each use. The inspection shall ensure that:

a) There are no frayed ropes

b) The flotation ring isn’t cracked
c) The tagline is securely attached and in good condition
d) The wire rope, load line, and lifting connections are in good condition
e) The stabilizer is functioning properly.

Basket Loading

 Employees shall don their personal flotation device (PFD) (Type 1 or Type 5) and wait
in an area clear of the basket while it is being lowered to the deck/platform or vessel.

 Once the personnel basket has landed on the deck/platform and the signal person
indicates that the basket is ready to be loaded, employees shall:

a) Place lightweight baggage inside the netting. No toolboxes, items with sharp
edges, or heavy pieces of equipment are to be placed or carried in the personnel
basket.

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b) Firmly grasp the netting on either side of the gap, ensuring that the hands are
positioned at shoulder height or higher.

c) Place one foot on the flotation ring while keeping the other foot on the
deck/platform. (During this step, keep both knees slightly bent).

Basket Transfer

 Once employees are ready to be transferred, the signal person will signal the crane
operator to begin transfer. Once the transfer begins, personnel shall:

a) Maintain a tight grip with both hands. As soon as the basket breaks contact with
the boat deck/platform, step onto the flotation ring with the other foot.

b) Keep knees flexed and back straight since the crane operator may raise the
personnel basket very quickly.

c) During transfer unnecessary movement is prohibited.

Unloading the Basket

 As the basket is lowered to the deck/platform or vessel, employees shall:

a) Keep knees flexed, and back straight.

b) Step off the flotation ring with one foot and then the other, once the flotation ring
lands.

c) Release the net and step back as soon as contact is made.

d) Walk away and do not return for baggage until the crane has stopped lowering
the personnel basket and it is under control

Definitions

Flotation Ring - The portion of the personnel basket on which the individual stands during
transfer.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) - Life Saving device (life preserver Type I, Type V) used to
keep a person afloat once they enter the water.

Tagline - A line attached to the personnel basket that is used to help control and position the
basket when it is being lowered to the deck and/or the platform.

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