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DID YOU KNOW?

Writer's picture: BUDDY LEE UNDERWOOD JR USN(RET) USDOLOSHA(RET)BUDDY LEE UNDERWOOD JR USN(RET) USDOLOSHA(RET)

Did you know that in December of 2019 new standards or changes to existing ANSI for aerial lifts were introduced, which reclassified them as “Mobile Elevating Work Platforms” (MEWPs) — and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards that dictate their design and usage?

The ANSI standards govern all telescopic boom, articulated boom and scissor lift aerial work platforms built on or after June 1. Telehandlers and trailer- and truck-mounted cranes are not included. MEWPs built before the standards took effect are grandfathered in, so they will not have to be retrofitted to the new design standards. However, new standards on safe use and training apply to all MEWPs regardless of their age.


I am always amazed whenever I am in the field the number of employers that are renting or purchasing these devices and are unaware of the standards let alone these changes. Just last week I was on a large multi-employer construction site with multiple aerial lifts in use. During audit I found there where operators with the required training, several operating without fall protection, and the employer had known one on the ground that knew anything about the operation of the devices.

As stated, before the overall biggest change that owners or operators should be aware of the ANSI A92 is the way aerial lifts are classified. There will be two classes:


Group A. In these, the center of the work platform remains within the perimeter of the chassis at all times. Examples include scissor lifts and vertical lifts.

Group B. In these, the center of the work platform can be positioned beyond the chassis. Boom lifts fall into Group B.


Each group is further broken down into:


1. Type 1, which can travel only in the stowed position and must be moved manually

2. Type 2, which are controlled from the chassis and can be driven elevated

3. Type 3, which have controls on the work platform and can be driven elevated.


Other significant Equipment changes are:


· New aerial lifts will be required to have sensors that sound an alarm and prevent the machine from operating when the safe load limit is exceeded. The machinery must also include a tilt sensor that triggers an alarm and prevents movement of the chassis or work platform when a certain level of slope is exceeded.

· Chains to close off entrances to the work platform will no longer be permitted; MEWPs will have to have a gate, complete with toe guards.

· ANSI A92 will require MEWPS used outdoors to have sensors for wind speed so load capacities can be reduced in windy conditions. MEWPs labeled for indoor use only will not require these sensors.

· The required height for the equipment platform railings will be raised to 43.5 inches, up from 39 inches.

· To improve stability, MEWPs used on rough terrain will need solid tires or foam-filled tires rather than air-filled tires.


Operator Training and Qualification


ANSI A92 will set new training requirements. For example, the people who maintain the MEWPs will have to receive training on the new features, like the tilt and load sensors. Supervisors on the ground who oversee the lift crews will also have to receive specific training, which was not previously required.


When the lift is occupied by two workers the operator now has the responsibility to explain to that individual the basics of operation should something happen to the operator. There must also be a dedicated person on the job site who knows how to operate the equipment from the ground if the occupants in the platform are unable to lower themselves.


ANSI A92 also requires a site- and equipment-specific rescue plan. This is always a requirement but I can say from personal experience as an OSHA Compliance Officer I have been on job sites where fatalities occurred while the boom was lifted and no one including 1st responders knew how to lower the boom from the ground.


Operators must familiarize themselves with the operation of each MEWP. In the past, an operator familiar with one type of lift would need to receive instruction from a qualified person on another lift’s operation before operating it. Under ANSI A92, operators will be responsible for reading the operator’s manual, walking around the equipment, and familiarizing themselves with it.

These changes will require companies to update their training for anyone who operates, supervises, or maintains MEWPs. The standards not only require operators to be trained, but their supervisors, as well. To comply, the training must be based on the new standards. Training that does not include the new standards would not qualify. So, if your folks are using these devices with operator cards date 2018 and back chances are you will subject to a training violation by OSHA.


For operators, the training includes general-knowledge and practical-application components. The general-knowledge portion, which should take about three hours, can be instructor-led, or completed online. Operators must also demonstrate proficiency in operating the aerial lifts much like the powered industrial truck rule for training.


Supervisors of anyone operating an aerial lift must undergo the same classroom or online training as an operator, but they are not required to undergo the hands-on component. But remember if your guy on the ground that is designated as the emergency operator per your rescue plan you had better ensure they know what they are doing.


All though the standards are voluntary. Make no mistake noncompliance will place employers in legal jeopardy should an accident occur. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will also cite employers under its General Duty Clause. Being that aerial lifts are visible from the roadway it will draw more attention to OSHA compliance officers as a potential “imminent danger” situation under the falls in construction emphasis program which equates to an OSHA inspection.


It is imperative that you as the employer look closely at the use of these devices on your job sites and audit your training and safety and health plans to ensure compliance and for the safety of your employees.

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