The current US ANSI A92 standards and Canadian CSA B354 standards have been under going a thorough review over the past several years and new standards are expected to be issued by early 2018.
The new ANSI A92 Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Design, Safe-use and Training suite of standards are set for publication in early 2018. Upon publication workers / employers within the industry will have 12 months to become compliant to the new standard.
What does this mean for you?
Let’s look at equipment design changes:
1. Active load sensing. Future equipment will have active load sensing which will not allow the operator to exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity.
2. Scissor and boom lifts shall have new wind sensing technology which will take wind speed into consideration for potentially reducing capacities.
3. Outdoor, off road lifts shall be required to have foam filled tires in lieu of air-filled tires.
4. Entrance gates will now be required to have toe boards.
5. In addition to having an alarm MEWPs will have restricted functionality when the unit reaches its allowed level of inclination.
6. MEWP’s that are designed for indoor use will be labeled and used solely for this purpose.
Let’s look at training requirements:
1. Operator training will be specific to the MEWP classification.
2. Training must be made available for employees who are not fluent in English.
3. OSHA requirements for training are clearly defined.
4. The operator will be required to have a thorough understanding of emergency descent systems.
5. All supervisors will be required to have training so that they will be able to assist users to become qualified.
6. The new standard will require qualified trainers with standardized field practical’s and written testing.
7. Training evaluations along with certification of completion shall be offered to the employee.
What will the impact be for end users / supervisors?
1. Manuals will be required for safe operating of the MEWP.
2. All supervisors of MEWP operators will be required to ensure that employees are following the new standards in the operation of the MEWP.
3. Supervisors will ensure that training is offered in a language that is understood by the operator.
4. Supervisors must evaluate the operators skills on a regular basis and fill out ANSI required documentation of these evaluations.
5. Supervisors must complete a risk assessment/pre-task to include a rescue plan for all MEWP operations/conditions.
6. The users must be made aware of the design changes to the MEWP which include load-sensing and wind force requirements. They must also be aware if the MEWP is for indoor use only.
7. Operators must be allowed sufficient time to become familiar with the equipment they are using.
Moving forward and towards compliance and understanding of the new ANSI improvements and Implemented safety considerations, I hope you have found this article to be informative and useful for your company’s supervisors and employees regarding the use of MEWP’s. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 303-477-1044 MSC Safety Solutions. MSC Safety Solutions has been a leader in training since 1990 and would love the opportunity to help any and all companies become informed and familiar with new ANSI MEWP standards.
