Safe Operating Procedures for Aerial Lifts · Aerial lift - A mobile device used to temporarily...

Safe Operating Procedures

for Aerial Lifts

Presented by: Charlie Vasconez, CSP, ARM

ASSE NEIL Meeting

Friday March 16, 2018

Today’s Topics

▪ Definitions, distinctions, types of lifts

▪ Fall protection required

▪ Injury and fatality causes

▪ Training requirements

▪ Operator responsibilities

▪ Machine and jobsite inspection requirements

▪ Safe operating tips

▪ Aerial lift resources

Definitions

▪ Aerial lift - A mobile device used to temporarily

elevate personnel to perform work. This

includes both telescoping boom platforms and

articulating boom platforms.

▪ Scissor lift - A temporary mobile elevating work

platform (supported scaffold) which only elevates

vertically.

▪ Both of these devices are also referred to as “Mobile

Elevating Work Platforms” (MEWP)

Important Distinction

Important Distinctions

Subpart “L”

OSHA Standards

▪ OSHA covers the use of “aerial” lifts in 29 CFR 1926.453. For the purposes of this presentation, “aerial” lifts are the same as “boom” lifts.

▪ OSHA classifies “scissor” lifts as mobile scaffolds and covers them under 29 CFR 1926.451, 1926.452(w).

▪ 29CFR 1926.454 applies to scissor and boom lifts.

▪ Per OSHA, the use of PFAS is only required when using boom lifts. More later…

▪ OSHA refers to the following additional standards in relation to boom & scissor lifts:

▪ ANSI/SIA- A92.5: Boom Supported Elevating Work Platforms

▪ ANSI/SIA- A92.6: Self Propelled Elevating Work Platforms

Additional Referenced Standards

Scissor Lifts

▪ Classified by OSHA as

Scaffolding (Subpart L)

▪ Guidelines addressed in

OSHA §1926.452(w) - Mobile

Scaffolds▪ Must meet requirements of this section

Upper Controls

Platform

Scissor Arms

Lift Cylinder

Steering WheelsDrive Wheels

Lower ControlsMotor

Scissor Lifts

Safety Rails

Scissor Lifts

PFAS in Scissor Lifts?

▪ PFAS is not required for scissor lifts per OSHA.

▪ However, several GC’s in our area require the use

of PFAS in scissor lifts.

Straight (Telescoping)

Boom

Boom Lifts

Articulating Boom

Boom Lifts

PFAS in Boom Lifts?

Per OSHA, occupants in the basket of a boom lift are required

to utilize a PFAS due to the potential for being catapulted out

of the lift. Again, more on this later…

▪ Fall from elevated level, standing/leaning over rails

▪ Ejections from the lift platform

▪ Electrical shock (electrocutions)

▪ Tip-overs

▪ Caught between the lift and an object (i.e. roof joist,

beam, balcony, soffit, etc.)

▪ Structural failure (i.e. using lift as a material crane)

Injuries & Fatalities

▪ Entanglement hazards/collapsing materials

▪ Operating the lift in inclement weather or low

visibility conditions

▪ Inexperienced or untrained operators

▪ Unobserved, uncorrected mechanical or

structural defects in equipment

▪ Equipment misuse (i.e. using scissor lift on

unlevel surface or outdoors on soft ground)



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PPT-119-01

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PPT-119-01


Electrocutions:

▪ Can involve overhead power lines or unprotected/uncovered live circuits inside of buildings

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PPT-119-01


▪ A worker can be caught between the lift

platform or guardrail and object (such as

steel beams or joists)


A worker in a scissor lift was installing bolts to connect two large overhead

steel beams.

The worker somehow inadvertently activated the lever for controlling

elevation.

The platform elevated. The worker was pushed firmly onto the control lever

when he was caught between an overhead beam and the elevating

platform’s guard rail.

The platform continued to rise, fatally crushing the worker.

Never position yourself

between overhead hazards,

and the rails of the basket!


Workers need to stand firmly on the floor of the basket:

▪ Never sit on, lean on, or climb onto the guardrails

▪ Do not use planks, ladders, or other devices to

establish a work position

▪ No overreaching from basket

▪ Close entrance chains/doors

Safety First

Good or bad?

▪ Ice, snow, rain and liquids on platform can cause slips/trips/falls….keep as clear/dry as possible.

▪ Tools, equipment, materials, ice, etc. can fall from work activities on platform, potentially injuring personnel below.

▪ Slips/trips/falls on the platform from poor housekeeping.

▪ Always maintain 3 points of contact when mounting/dismounting all lifts.

Safety First

▪ Hardhat required for all users on, and persons working

below lifts (required as per Subpart L).

▪ Place tools and other equipment or materials away from

edge of platform.

▪ Protective zones below scaffold also protect workers

from falling objects.

Safety First

Working near power lines


▪ Conductive objects could be wires, transformers,

ducts, pipes, or other equipment.

▪ Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet*

away from the nearest overhead line (up to 50 kV).

▪ Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard.

▪ *refer to operator manuals for higher voltages


Always treat overhead lines as energized, even if they

appear to be insulated.


▪ If necessary, another worker can be a spotter for

the operator to ensure the minimum approach

distance is maintained.

▪ You can also post a sign warning of the overhead

wire hazard.

Can wind cause tip-over?

▪ Creates additional force on the platform. Does not

actually add any additional weight, only applied

force, however the machine won’t know the

difference.

▪ Wind can be different (gusty, swirly, etc.) above

roof levels, and around walls and other structures.

▪ Follow the manufacturer’s rules for operating in

wind.

Wind concerns

Wind concerns

Do not raise the platform when wind speeds may

exceed 28 mph / 12.5 m/s. If wind speeds exceed

28 mph / 12.5 m/s when the platform is raised,

lower the platform and do not continue to operate

the machine.

Do not operate the machine in strong or gusty

winds. Do not increase the surface area of the

platform or the load. Increasing the area exposed to

the wind will decrease machine stability.

Genie scissor lift manual

Wind concerns

Genie boom lift manual

Do not operate the machine in strong or gusty

winds.

Do not increase the surface area of the

platform or the load. Increasing the area

exposed to the wind will decrease machine

stability.

…no mention in the boom lift manual of exact

wind speed!

Wind concerns

JLG scissor lift manual

Wind concerns

JLG boom lift manual

Per OSHA, ALL occupants in a boom lift must wear appropriate

PFAS, I do not recommend using 6-foot lanyards!

PFAS

Six-foot lanyard? Or not…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aVWkk4K_HQ

https://youtu.be/epfX-gB1Gqc

Six-foot lanyard? Or not…

https://youtu.be/epfX-gB1Gqc

Different boom lifts

Is this a problem?

Training

OSHA requires that all operators be

trained for the aerial device they are using

by a qualified person. This training is to be

documented, retained and available.

▪ Be trained and authorized to operate the equipment

▪ Be aware of specific hazards and how to avoid

▪ Read/understand manuals & decals

▪ Inspect your machine

▪ Perform function tests

Operator Training

▪ Inspect your job site

▪ Re-familiarize yourself with your machine

▪ Demonstrate safe operating skills

▪ Administer quiz

Operator Training

Pre-Start Inspection:

▪ Operating and emergency controls

▪ Safety devices

▪ Personal protective devices

▪ Air, hydraulic, and fuel systems leaks

▪ Cables and wiring harnesses

▪ Loose or missing parts

Training

Pre-Start Inspection, continued:

▪ Tires and wheels

▪ Placards, warnings, control markings, and operating

manuals (must be legible)

▪ Outriggers, stabilizers and other structures

▪ Platform, gate and guardrail system

▪ Other items as specified by the manufacturer

Training

Before operation the operator shall:

Ensure that the manufacturer’s

operating manual and the ANSI/SAIA

Manual of Responsibilities are in the

weatherproof container on the lift.

Training

Read and understand all labels, warnings and instructions.

Training

Load Capacity

Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment

Allow for the combined weight of the worker(s), tools,

and materials

Training

Function test as per manufacturer

Prior to the beginning of each shift the

operator shall perform a full functional

test on all machine controls starting with

the lower controls first.

Any problems or malfunctions noted that affect

safety and/or operation shall be repaired

prior to use of the lift platform

Training

Function test as per manufacturer

Training

Inspect and test daily:

▪ Lower and upper operating and

emergency controls, ensure

“dead man” features functioning

properly

▪ Safety devices

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PPT-119-01

Training

Familiarize yourself with the machine’s

auxiliary/manual lowering system if so equipped

Training

Take a peek at the hydraulic system

Training

Avoiding Catastrophes

Jobsite Inspection

Before the lift is used and during use, the operator shall check the area in which the lift is to be used for possible hazards such as, but not limited to:

▪ Drop offs, uncovered or poorly covered holes, uneven or soft surfaces, untamped earthfills.

▪ Slopes, bumps or floor obstructions.

▪ Debris.

▪ Overhead obstructions and electrical conductors.

▪ Hazardous locations/atmospheres.

Avoiding Catastrophes

Jobsite Inspection

▪ Inadequate surface and support to withstand all load forces imposed by the aerial platform in all operating configurations.

▪ Wind and weather conditions.

▪ Contact with ceiling and overhead objects.

▪ Close proximately of other workers, vehicles, equipment, materials.

▪ Do not stand on railings to reach work area.

▪ Don’t use planks, ladders or other devices on the lift

platform in order to achieve any additional height or

reach.

▪ Do not overload or use lift like a crane.

▪ Do not override safety devices.

▪ To obtain the best possible traction, the platform

should be over the drive wheels, not the steering

wheels.

80

Safe operating procedures

▪ Set up proper work zone

protection when working

near traffic and/or personnel.

▪ Avoid excessive horizontal

forces when working on

elevated scissor lifts.

▪ Do not use lift with damaged

wheels or tires.

▪ No stunt driving or

horseplay.

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▪ Limit your travel speed and

movements to match site

conditions such as ground/soil

characteristics, congestion,

overall visibility, proximity to

workers, equipment, and

materials, etc.

▪ Shut down the lift if any

malfunction is suspected, report

the malfunction immediately and

lock out the lift!


Resources

▪ IPAF

▪ genielift.com

▪ jlg.com

▪ liftandaccess.com

▪ United Rentals Academy

▪ Chicagoland Union training centers

▪ certifymeonline.net

▪ Safety Services Company

Resources

▪ compliancetrainingonline.com

▪ aerialliftcertification.com

▪ clicksafety.com

Additional Information

Fact Sheets for Aerial Lifts

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/aerial

-lifts-factsheet.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurr

icane_Facts/aerial_lifts.pdf

OSHA Scissor Lift Hazard Alert

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/

OSHA3842.pdf

http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/aerial_lifts_safety.pdf

http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/aerial_lifts_safety.pdf

Safety First

Questions?

Thank you!

Charlie Vasconez

[email protected]

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