Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP's). The new ANSI standards were released December affecting owners along with operators and supervisors currently operating on aerial lift work platforms. This includes Boom lifts, scissor lifts and under bridge inspection machines.
This new standard is designed to improve and enhance safety equipment standards to be similar to the international standards. This creates more competition in the global marketplace when providing for companies and equipment manufacturers.
ANSI A92 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms Classifications
Understanding the new ANSI A92 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP'S) standards and classifications. Aerial work platforms are now known as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP).
Machines will now be broken up into groups instead of being classified for equipment type. If a mobile elevated work platform is able to maneuver past the tipping lines it is considered a group B.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms Classified into 3 Types
Type 1 work platform can be driven when the platform is not elevated. Type 2 is when equipment can be driven elevated but operated from the chassis. Type 3 allows the operator to control the work platform when elevated.
Group A, Type 3 MEWP Stock-Pickers and Electric Scissor Lifts
Both considered a Group A platform because they never extend beyond the wheels or tipping point line and the lift is able to be operated from the platform.
Group B Type 3 MEWP Boom Lifts
An aerial lift platform that extends beyond the wheels or tipping point and can be operated while on the elevated work platform is considered a Group B.
ANSI Standard A92.22 - Safe Use
Develop a risk assessment and site safety plan. For both companies and full-time owners who now and then rent aerial lift equipment must have a plan documented and shared with everyone on the worksite.
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment and safety plan includes:
- Job description location and time frame
- Identify risk related to the MEWP or other equipment and hazards.
- List of workers that received training.
- Rules on preventing unauthorized use of a MEWP.
- Workplace safety measures and procedures.
- Be completed before work begins.
- Select the best MEWP for the job.
- Shared with everyone on the work site.
Steps that must be taken within plan:
- After a fall
- If the platform becomes entangled
- If the machine fails
The plan must be shared with all workers at the workplace or job site and should be added to the company training manual.
- Anyone working near or on a MEWP needs to have training on what they should do if someone were to fall or if they fall.
- Set limits on how long a properly restrained worker can hang suspended in the air.
- A rescue plan must include options for self-rescue assisted rescue and technical services.
ANSI Standard A91.24 Training Standards for Aerial Operators
Mandatory documented training remains for aerial equipment operators. Occupants and supervisors are now required by the new standard.
Changes to ANSI training Standards
- Reading the operator manual.
- Doing a walk around inspections.
- Getting familiar with the controls
- Understanding any limitations for equipment
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