At each jobsite, prior to hoisting employees on the personnel platform, and after any repair or modification, the platform and rigging must be proof tested to ______ percent of the platform's rated capacity.

• A. 125%
• B. 100%
• C. 110%
• D. 150%

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to verify that the platform and its rigging can handle more than the normal working load, so a proof test uses a load that is one and a quarter times the platform’s rated capacity. This extra margin accounts for dynamic forces, shock loads, elasticity in ropes and hardware, misalignment, and potential defects that might not show up under a static rating. By applying this test load before anyone rides the platform and after any repair or modification, you’re checking that the system remains stable, does not deform, and maintains structural integrity under real-world conditions. If the equipment passes, it indicates it’s safe to use for lifting employees.

Testing exactly at the rated capacity wouldn’t reveal weaknesses that only show up when loads are dynamic or unbalanced. Testing only a little above the rating might miss issues that could occur under peak or shock loads, while testing far above the rating can introduce unnecessary stress and potential damage. The one-and-a-quarter margin strikes a practical balance to ensure safety without overloading the hardware.