STANDARDS BLUES
Let’s take a few minutes to talk standards – specifically the recent ANSI standard changes for Aerial Lifts. The first question most people ask me is “Why worry about an ANSI standard change? Isn’t it OSHA that we have to be wary of??” My answer is simple – standards evolve. Changes in the EU eventually find their way here. Changes in ANSI will almost certainly be incorporated into the OSHA standard at some point. Need proof? Just look at ANSI 359 (fall protection). It ushered in any number of changes and interpretations to Subpart M once it was introduced. I expect the same with this change.
So, what are some of the differences? ANSI A92 is designed to bring the aerial lift industry closer to a worldwide consensus (can you say Globally Harmonized System??) and really affects two main areas – design and training – and applies to owners, manufacturers and users. However, because it applies to manufacturers you will see it in their literature and on their machines soon.
The changes start with the nomenclature. We will now NOT be talking about scissors lifts, JLGs or articulating boom lifts. The new name is Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) and will now be placed into two groups, amazingly called Group A and Group B. In Group A, the center of the work platform does not extend beyond the edge of the chassis at any time (think scissors lifts). In Group B, the center of the work platform can extend beyond the chassis (think boom lifts). To add to the confusion, each group can be further broken down into three sub-categories:
Lifts that can travel only in the stowed position. These must be moved manually.
Lifts that are controlled from the chassis. These can be driven while the platform is in the air.
Lifts that have controls on the work platform. These can also be driven while the platform is in the air.
The new standard goes on to offer examples of each, but I am sure the above will properly identify the types for you.
The substantive standard changes are in three areas – equipment changes, safety plans and training. Lets briefly look at them.
1). Equipment changes: New aerial lifts must be equipped with two types of sensors. One sounds an alarm and prevents the machine from operating when the load exceeds safety limits. The other is a tilt sensor that triggers an alarm when the slope level gets too steep. It also prevents movement of the chassis or work platform in the event of an alarm. In addition, units cannot use chains to close off entrances as in the past, they must have gates that include toe boards. Outdoor units must also have wind indicators that will allow them to be safely used in windy conditions and if used in rough terrain conditions they must have solid tires to aid stability. The final equipment change is that the railings will be higher (43.5”) rather than the 39” previously.
2). Safety Plans: Going forward, every business using a MEWP will be required to have a written safe use plan. That plan should include a site risk assessment; a rescue plan understandable by all employees (multiple languages if necessary); a trained supervisor to monitor worker use and compliance while using the equipment; and finally steps to prevent authorized use and to protect workers NOT using the equipment. Obviously, this is a major change for users.
3). Training: This is perhaps the biggest potential hurdle for users. ANSI A92 has rules for both supervisors and operators. The new standard requires that all supervisors of MEWP workers, in addition to being able to select the best device for the job, must ensure that they know the safe operating rules for that specific piece of equipment and the hazards related to its use and how to protect against them. They also must see to it that a copy of the operator’s manual is in each piece of equipment. That would require that the leasing or renting company, if that is the case, must include the manual with the rental. If its not there, technically the lift may not be used. Operators must provide training to any other workers using the lift with them.
The using company must also now have a SITE-SPECIFIC rescue plan which details how workers get down if the lift stops or malfunctions while they are in the air. It is also the employer’s responsibility to make sure that users know how to operate the lift being used and that they read the manual and familiarize themselves with the operation of the lift and safety precautions before use.
So, as you can see, this new ANSI standard could easily become a minefield for users of this equipment. Even though ANSI standards are voluntary, remember, it is always possible to cite employers under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, where the fines can reach nearly 130,000.00.
If you have questions or need training on this new standard, which goes into full effect in December 2019, keep in mind that The Safetyguys are ready to help. You can contact us directly or through our website.