N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, § 23-6.1 – General requirements.

(1) Only trained, designated persons shall operate hoisting equipment and such equipment shall be operated in a safe manner at all times.
(2) Operators of material hoisting equipment shall remain at the controls while any load is suspended.
(d) Loading.
Material hoisting equipment shall not be loaded in excess of the live load for which it was designed as specified by the manufacturer. Where there is any hazard to persons, all loads shall be properly trimmed to prevent dislodgment of any portions of such loads during transit. Suspended loads shall be securely slung and properly balanced before they are set in motion.
(e) Signal system required.
(1) Operators and signalmen. Material hoists shall be operated only in response to a signal system and all operators and signalmen shall be able to comprehend the signals readily and to execute them properly.
(2) Signal transmittal. Such signal system shall consist of manual signals, telephone communications or a visual or audible signal code. Such signaling methods may be used separately or in combination. Where manual or visual signals are used, the signalman shall have a clear and unobstructed view of the hoist operator at all times and the hoist operator shall have a clear and unobstructed view of the signalman at all times. The maximum distance between the signalman and the operator shall be 80 feet. Where persons are loading or unloading at more than one level or where the signalman cannot be readily seen by the hoist operator, an electrically- or mechanically-operated bell system shall be provided and used. Where audible signals are used, such signals shall be capable of being heard at all times above the normal sound level in the area. Intercommunication or telephone systems shall be provided in addition to manually-operated electrical or mechanical bell signal systems where necessary for safe operation of the hoist. Weatherproof electrical connections and fittings shall be used for electrically-operated signal or communication systems on hoist towers that are exposed to the elements.
(3) Visual and audible signal code. Where a visual or audible signal system is used in the operation of any material hoist, the following signal code shall be employed:
Signal Action
1 bell or light Stop
2 bells or lights Raise
3 bells or lights Lower
4 bells or lights Lower slowly
(4) Posting of signal code. Where a visual or audible signal code is used, a copy of such code shall be posted in a conspicuous location adjacent to the hoisting controls, clearly visible to the hoist operator from his operating position. Where there is a car attendant, such code shall also be posted in a conspicuous position in the hoist car.
(f) Protection of hoist operator.
(1) Where an overhead hazard exists, the operator of a hoisting machine shall be provided with overhead protection equivalent to tight planking not less than two inches thick which is supported to develop its full strength.
(2) The area or space occupied by the hoisting machine and its operator shall be protected from the elements and shall be heated in cold weather to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times such area or space is occupied.
(g) Protection of moving parts.
Gears, belts, sprockets, drums, sheaves and points of contact between moving parts of power-driven hoist equipment, when not guarded by location, shall be guarded in compliance with this Part (rule) and with Industrial Code Part (rule) 19.
(h) Tag line.
Loads which have a tendency to swing or turn freely during hoisting shall be controlled by tag lines.
(i) Riding.
Riding on loads, buckets, slings, balls or hooks or material hoisting equipment is prohibited.
(j) Hoisting machine.
(1) Hoist brakes. Hoist brakes, capable of stopping and holding 150 percent of the rated capacity of the hoist, shall be provided for every material hoist. Each manually-operated material hoist shall be equipped with an effective pawl and ratchet capable of holding the rated load capacity when such a load is suspended. Each electric motor-driven material hoist shall be provided with a mechanical automatic motor brake or an electrical or mechanical device which will stop and hold 150 percent of the rated capacity of the hoist automatically in case of power failure.
(2) Hoisting machine anchorage. Hoisting machines shall be so constructed, installed and secured in place as to prevent tipping or dislodgment.
(k) Repairs and lubrication.
No repairing, cleaning or lubricating of machinery shall be done unless such machinery is at rest.

Signal	Action
1 bell or light	Stop
2 bells or lights	Raise
3 bells or lights	Lower
4 bells or lights	Lower slowly

(a) Application of Subpart.

The general requirements of this Subpart shall apply to all material hoisting equipment except cranes, derricks, aerial baskets, excavating machines used for material hoisting and fork lift trucks.

(b) Maintenance.

Material hoisting equipment shall at all times be maintained in good repair and proper operating condition with sufficient inspections to insure such maintenance. All defects affecting safety shall be immediately corrected either by necessary repairs or replacement of parts, or such defective equipment shall be immediately removed from the job site.