In this edition, we'll be covering the following topics:
- NOTICE: Revised ANSI A92 / CSA B354 Standards.
- 2 charged in death of forklift operator at San Francisco lumber company.
- Serious Accident Alert: Tire contractor injured while repairing flat tire on loader.
- Ask Bob: Our tech guru addresses a question on driving an elevated order picker.
- National Forklift Safety Day: June 12, 2018.
- Two forklift violations bring $250k in penalties to employer.
- Last chance to register!
- What's Wrong With This? Video and answer.
- A selection of interesting articles.
- New testimonials from our wonderful clients.
But first, check out all the places we delivered training this month...
Revision Summary: ANSI A92 / CSA B354 Standards.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have significantly revised the standards they each produce addressing the design, manufacture, maintenance, safe use and operator training of mobile elevating work platforms across the USA and Canada.
This summary highlights particular revisions within the standards that are likely to impact the content and/or delivery of aerial lift operator training programs. It is not a comprehensive report on the complete content of each standard, for that we recommend you acquire appropriate standards from The CSA Group and/or ANSI and review their contents.
Previous* Applicable ANSI Standards:
- ANSI/SAIA A92.5 for Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms.
- ANSI/SAIA A92.6 for Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
Current* Applicable ANSI Standards:
- ANSI/SAIA A92.20 establishing Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and Tests Methods for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
- ANSI/SAIA A92.22 for the Safe Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
- ANSI/SAIA A92.24 establishing Training Requirements for the Use, Operation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
* For clarity, the 'previous' A92.5 and A92.6 standards are still in effect and will remain so for one year after the release date of the new 'current' standards. The release date of the new standards has not been announced but is expected soon.
Previous CSA Group Standards:
- B354.2 Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
- B354.4 Self-Propelled Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms.
Current* CSA Group Standards:
- CAN/CSA-B354.6 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Design, calculations, safety requirements and test methods.
- CAN/CSA-B354.7 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation.
- CAN/CSA-B354.8 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Operator (driver) training.
* Implementation date – May 2018
Notable Changes – General
- Terminology: There are a lot of changes to the terms and definitions used throughout the new standards and even some new ones added. For example, the term MEWP, which is an acronym for Mobile Elevating Work Platform, has replaced previous terms like, aerial lift, aerial work platform or elevating work platform.
- Structure: Unlike the old standards which were written to address each product type (boomlift, scissor lift, etc.) and entity involved (owners, users, operators, etc.), the new standards are written in such a way as to include the duties and responsibilities of everyone involved as applicable to all MEWPs (excluding vehicle mounted and under-bridge access units as well as mast climbers) as they apply to design, safe use and training.
NOTE: The new CSA Group standards are word for word adoptions of existing ISO (International Organization for Standardization) MEWP standards with supplemental “Canadianized” information labeled “DV” (for deviation) following certain requirements. When reading these standards, be aware that information under these DV headings supersedes the original ISO language in Canada.
- Classifications: All of the MEWPs addressed by the new standards are classified by Group and Type designations. See more below.
- Implementation: The CSA Group standards were released in May of 2017 meaning their implementation is effective as of May 2018. However, the new ANSI standards have not yet been released so their implementation will not occur until one year following their release date.
NOTE: Machines produced before the implementation dates of ANSI A92.20 and CSA B354.6 do not need to be retrofitted in compliance with those standards.
Specific Changes – Design/Manufacture
- Information provided:
- The term “operation manuals” is defined as including all the manuals provided by the manufacturer that must be stored on the MEWP. At the very least these must include the manufacturer’s make and model-specific operating manual and the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities (where applicable) but may include other manuals or information specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE: All MEWPs must be equipped with the most current ANSI Manual of
Responsibilities (where applicable) regardless of their date of manufacture.
- The manufacturer’s operating manual must clearly list all MEWP operational functions, features, operating characteristics, limitations and devices that must be covered in familiarization.
- A designated space must be available on the unit for posting the date of its last annual inspection and when future inspections are required.
- Load Sensing: All MEWPs must be equipped with an active load sensing system that triggers an audible/visual alarm and interrupts normal operation when the work platform is loaded beyond its rated capacity.
- Tilt Sensing: In addition to an audible tilt alarm, all units are required to have a tilt sensing system that triggers a control function cutout that prevents work platform and chassis movement when the allowable slope limit is exceeded. Relief movement that takes the unit toward a lesser slope hazard may be possible.
- Entrance Gates: Moveable ropes or chains are no longer acceptable at the entry/access point of the work platform. They are to be replaced with an entrance gate complete with a toe board that automatically closes when opened or is interlocked to prevent machine movement while open. Sliding or vertically hinged mid-rails such as those found on some boomlifts do not require interlocking.
- Guardrails: The minimum height of the top guardrail of the work platform is now 43.5 inches (1.1m), up from 39 inches (1.0m). This means some units will need to have the guardrails lowered to fit through certain doorways/openings.
- Ratings:
- Some units are permitted to be rated/designated for indoor use only but they must be clearly marked/identified as such. These machines may have a reduced or no wind force rating.
- The capacity on scissor lifts approved for outdoor use may have reduced/multiple capacity ratings based on wind conditions encountered.
- Tires: Only solid or foam filled tires are available for most rough terrain units as per new stability test procedure requirements.
- Anchorages: Some scissor lifts may be equipped with fall protection system anchorages rated for use with fall restraint systems only. These units must be clearly marked and identified as such by the manufacturer.
Specific Changes – Safe Use
- Planning: Users of MEWPs must develop a safe use program, plan or system that includes:
- Conducting a risk assessment in areas where the MEWP will be used to identify hazards and the potential risk they present so that corrective actions and/or control procedures that lessen the risk can be developed and put in place. A risk assessment must:
- Identify what task is to be performed as well as where and when.
- Address selection of the appropriate MEWP for the task and location.
- Assess the risk presented by any hazards identified that are related to the task.
- Identify the corrective actions needed to reduce or eliminate the risk.
- Identify safe work procedures and backup contingencies needed to carry out the task.
- Include a rescue plan for the recovery of personnel or the machine in the event of:
- Possible situations that could leave personnel stranded in the work platform that can’t be lowered or,
- Possibility of personnel left suspended by a personal fall arrest system following a fall or injury or illness of work platform occupants.
- Communicate the findings of the risk assessment to all personnel that could be affected by them.
- Be monitored, reviewed and if needed, updated on an ongoing basis throughout the job and thereafter as required.
- Selection of an appropriate MEWP in consideration of the findings of the risk assessment and any other potential hazard considerations.
- Site preparation to accommodate the use of the MEWP in safely accessing the location of task(s).
- Ensuring the MEWP is inspected, maintained and repaired in accordance with applicable industry standards and manufacturer requirements.
- Ensuring only trained/familiarized and authorized personnel operate or occupy the MEWP.
- Communicating site safety policies and how to deal with specific safety hazards to personnel in areas where MEWPs will be operated.
- Ensuring trained and qualified supervisors watch over MEWP operations for safe use and compliance with industry standards and local safety rules.
- Making sure unauthorized use of MEWPs is prevented.
- Addressing hazards and safe work procedures with personnel working near MEWPs but not operating or occupying them.
- Making sure there is another person on site not working on the MEWP that is capable of utilizing the emergency controls.
- Retaining documentation of the following items for at least four years:
- Change/Transfer of MEWP ownership.
- Frequent/Annual inspections.
- Service and repair.
- Operator training and familiarization.
- Maintenance and Repair: Users must ensure that all service/repair technicians are properly trained and qualified to service MEWPs in accordance with the requirements of these new standards which include such things as active load sensing and tilt warning systems.
- Platform Occupant Training/Knowledge: All personnel in the work platform of a MEWP must receive training and have an acceptable level of knowledge on how to work safely on a MEWP including:
- The proper use of personal fall protection systems as required.
- Emergency descent procedures*.
- Working within the written safe use program.
- Safely using any accessories they may be required to use.
- How to move and work with least effect on unit stability.
* Only one work platform occupant other than the operator need receive this element of the occupant training.
- NOTE: Although users are responsible for the delivery of occupant training it must be delivered by a qualified person, which would likely be the operator in most cases.
- Supervisor Training/Knowledge*: All personnel who directly supervise MEWP operators must receive training and have an acceptable level of knowledge regarding:
- The regulations and standards that govern the safe use and operation of MEWPs.
- Identifying and choosing the right type of MEWP for the job at hand.
- Location and use of the MEWP operation manuals.
- Recognizing and lessening potential hazards and their risk to MEWP operations.
* ANSI only
- Emergency Responder: There must be a qualified person available on site who is not working on the MEWP and is capable of using the emergency controls.
- Operator Retraining: A qualified person must monitor and assess the operational skills of MEWP operators on an ongoing, regular basis. * Some examples of when retraining is required are:
- The operator is observed driving poorly/unsafely.
- The operator is involved in or causes an incident or near incident with the equipment.
- The operator is asked to use a MEWP that has new or different systems, controls or features.
- The operator has not used a MEWP over an extended period of time.*
- The validity of the operator’s training credentials expires.
* ANSI: Time intervals determined by the user. CSA: Not to exceed 5 years.
- Familiarization: The content of familiarization must include:
- Where the manual storage container is on the MEWP.
- Confirmation of manuals required to be in it.
- The use and function of all controls specific to the MEWP.
- Understanding and/or use of MEWP-specific options, design constraints, systems and devices.
- Operating characteristics of the MEWP.
- Any other items specified by the manufacturer.
- Exiting/Entering an Elevated Work Platform: Personnel shall only exit or enter the work platform of a MEWP using procedures provided by the manufacturer or a qualified person that addresses:
- Applicable fall protection/prevention requirements for personnel, tools and equipment.
- Any movement of any parts of the MEWP.
- How changing load weights in the platform could affect stability.
- Effect of sudden loads passed to the platform from fall protection systems.
- The potential hazards of unintended MEWP movements.
- Possibility of stranding personnel.
- Using extendable platforms.
- Distance between work platform and structure surfaces.
- Compliance with local regulatory requirements.
Specific Changes – Operator Training
- The language of training must be delivered in a language that the trainee understands.
- Operator training and familiarization specific to the MEWP classification(s) must be delivered in accordance with the applicable ANSI A92.24 or CSA B354.8 operator training standards.
- Operators or a qualified person must deliver platform occupant training as required.
MEWP Classifications
IVES MEWP operator training materials will continue to refer to boom and scissor lifts in familiar
terms like: slab, rough terrain, telescopic, articulated, etc. However, for the purposes of documentation we will need to record the equipment on the Operator Wallet Card and the Record Sheet as per the classifications listed in the new standards.
These classifications are broken down into groups and types as follows:
- Group A: MEWPs in which the center of the work platform remains within the perimeter of the base/chassis at all times. This group includes scissor lifts and vertical lifts.
- Group B: Any MEWPs in which the center of the work platform can be positioned beyond the base/chassis. This group includes all boom-supported MEWPs like aerial boomlifts.
- Type 1: Units that have to be moved around manually and can only travel in the stowed (lowered) position. Often referred to as ‘manually propelled’ units.
- Type 2: Units that can travel with the platform elevated but only by using controls located at the base.
- Type 3: These are units that can travel with the platform elevated using controls located on the work platform. Often referred to as ‘self-propelled’ units.
To be clear, IVES MEWP operator training materials are designed to address:
- Type 3, Group A units, particularly scissor lifts and,
- Type 3, Group B units, particularly aerial boomlifts.
Attention IVES Certified Trainers: You can download the contents of this article (SUP-172) by logging in to the Downloadable Materials & Updates section of the IVES website. There is also a document (SUP-173) with CSA-specific information available.
Rob Vetter
Director of Training
IVES Training Group
2 charged in death of forklift operator at San Francisco lumber company.
The owner and a manager at a lumber supply company in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and workplace safety violations in the 2016 death of an employee who was crushed by a forklift, prosecutors said Monday.
Alfred Lee, owner of Good View Roofing and Building Supply Corp., and his manager, 44-year-old Alan Chan, were charged May 1 by the San Francisco district attorney’s office in the death of 60-year-old forklift operator Hua Quing Ruan.
Lee, 65, and Chan each face one count of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of causing an unsafe work environment resulting in death. They surrendered to police on Friday and were each released on $50,000 bail. Lee and Chan did not immediately return phone calls Monday.
Ruan was killed just before 2 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2016, when his forklift tipped over at the bottom of a ramp leading from the company’s loading dock. He had been descending the ramp with a bag of mortar mix on a wooden pallet to load into a customer’s car, when the bag fell off and blocked his front wheel, according to state workplace safety regulators at Cal/OSHA.
When Ruan tried to back up to free the wheel, he rolled off the ramp, officials said. Prosecutors reviewed video evidence of the accident and determined Ruan tried to jump to safety as his forklift began tilting over, but just as he jumped, he was hit by the forklift and crushed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ruan was not wearing a seat belt, which investigators determined was a factor in his death. He was also not certified to operate the forklift, according to Cal/OSHA. Officials said the ramp was in violation of state workplace safety regulations because it should have had a curb to prevent the forklift from going over the side.
“When employers take workplace safety shortcuts, it’s employees that suffer,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “Life is far too precious to dispense with fundamental safety requirements.”
Lee and Chan are scheduled for arraignment in San Francisco Superior Court on June 5.
Cal/OSHA cited Good View Roofing and Building Supply Corp. in April 2017 with six violations related to the death, seeking penalties of $62,320. Lee has appealed the citations.
Source: www.lmtonline.com
Serious Accident Alert: Tire Contractor injured while repairing flat tire on loader.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued a Serious Accident Alert after a tire contractor was seriously injured at a surface sand operation. The tire contractor was repairing a tire on a front-end loader when it fell on him, causing serious injuries. The front-end loader had been lifted and placed on cribbing to repair a flat tire. The contractor was underneath the loader adjusting one of the lifting jacks when the cribbing shifted and the loader fell. The tire contractor was struck, and his hard hat became wedged between the cribbing and loader frame.
MSHA offers the following Best Practices to help prevent this type of accident:
- Ensure that blocking material is competent, substantial, and adequate to support and stabilize the load.
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures.
- Examine work areas, and identify and control all hazards before starting any work.
- Make sure proper tools and equipment are used to complete the job.
- Do not place yourself in a position that will expose you to hazards while performing a task.
- Monitor personnel routinely to ensure that safe work procedures are followed.
- Maintain good communication between co-workers.
- Ensure that your contractors have received the appropriate task training.
Source: www.aggman.com
Ask Bob
Q. Hi Bob! When operating an order picker machine with an approved lanyard and appropriate training, what is the maximum height an operator can still move forward without having to lower the operator platform? I'm specifically talking about a manually operated machine, an electronic guidance system is not present.
A. Great question. Just to be sure, let me know if I have this wrong but I believe you mean, is it ok to drive while elevated on a self-propelled, powered order picker (without a wire guidance system)?
This is really a question that has two answers in my opinion: Yes and No.
Yes, the equipment is designed to operate at all heights and positions (unless the manufacturer states otherwise) as long as the operator is correctly using a personal fall protection system.
However, I like the No answer too because it is best practice not to travel while elevated if you do not have to. With what we know about the Stability Pyramid, I teach operators that if they do not need to drive while elevated, they can improve their stability by lowering, moving to where the next pick is and then raising up. When they are moving stop to stop between very close picks, it may be more acceptable to travel while elevated.
If ever in doubt for these kinds of operations, double check with MOM (Manufacturer Operators Manual).
National Forklift Safety Day will be held on June 12, 2018 this year. Please mark your calendars and check back here for updates as the date gets closer.
Source: www.indtrk.org
Two forklift violations bring $250k in penalties to employer.
For employers who do not immediately correct powered industrial truck (aka “forklift”) deficiencies noted in pre-shift inspections, this story will hopefully change that behavior.
Acting on an employee complaint, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued proposed penalties of $258,672 in connection with a citation issued to Rural King Supply, Inc. of Xenia, Ohio for allowing workers to operate defective forklifts.
OSHA issued two Willful violations of $129,336 each for the alleged forklift operation deficiencies. According to OSHA, Rural King Supply, Inc. did not repair a forklift that had been repeatedly inspected and reported to have defective brakes. OSHA also claims Rural King Supply, Inc. did not at least remove the forklift from service until effective repairs could restore the truck to a safe operating condition.
Employers should be reminded that any issue that is noted on a pre-shift forklift inspection should be taken seriously, and if the finding is something that could affect the safe operation of the forklift, repairs should be made immediately or the forklift must be taken out of service until repairs can be made.
Source: www.smcorridornews.com
What's Wrong with This? Video
In the following video the operator makes several errors. See if you can spot them!
Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us!
Answer to Last Month's WWWT? Photo
Here's what our Director of Training, Rob Vetter had to say about it:
Not wearing appropriate PPE which in this case is gloves! This person could be injured by the potentially hot and/or leaking hoses he’s grasping with his right hand while the left hand could be exposed to corrosive battery acid.
- He really should remove the watch he has on when working around a battery as well. It is a metallic object that will conduct electricity, which a storage battery has plenty of.
- When checking the engine/battery compartment of a piece of powered mobile equipment, there really isn’t much of a need to touch anything other than dipsticks and fluid reservoir caps and even then, you need to wear gloves!
Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us!
Interesting Articles
Woman crushed to death in scissor lift incident...more.
Man on forklift prevents keg of beer from hitting the ground...more.
Excavator blamed for blackout that blanketed Puerto Rico Island...more.
Truss falls from forklift crushing worker at New Brunswick steel firm...more.
Wild turkey adopts excavator...more.
Fifth annual National Forklift Safety Day slated for June 12...more.
Crane overturns while lifting a scissor lift...more.
Excavator rescues kangaroo stuck in mud...more.
Australian company fined $350k in skid steer loader fatality...more.
Oooops! Boomlift crushes Bentley...more.
Client Testimonials
"This program exceeded my expectations." Daniel, POM Wonderful.
"Hard to fix perfect." Donnie, Team North Texas.
"I loved every aspect of this training." Michael, PepsiCo.
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