In this edition, we'll be covering the following topics:
- IMPORTANT: Revised Documentation Procedures - Must Read for All Trainers!
- Safety Precautions for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
- IVES Holiday Closure: Friday, April 19
- Excavator operator fatally injures co-worker
- Ask Bob: Our tech guru addresses a question on entering and exiting an aerial lift
- OSHA Requests Information on Powered Industrial Truck Standard
- A Few Tidbits by Richard Hawk
- Last chance to register!
- What's Wrong With This? Photo and answer
- A selection of interesting articles
- New testimonials from our wonderful clients
But first, check out all the places we are delivering training this month...
**Revised Documentation Procedures - Must Read for All Trainers!**
Please be advised that the Operator Training Folder which is part of every Compliance Package delivered has been revised. The requirements for what documentation is recorded on both the record sheet at the back of the folder and operator certificate/wallet card inside of it have also been revised. Please keep an eye on your email inbox as we will be sending you a message with information on how to access a video tutorial on completing the revised operator training and evaluation record and operator certificate early next week.
Safety Precautions for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Skyjack has put together an extensive, quick-reference list to help raise awareness about common safety issues that can come up when operating a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Here’s their guidance, which is not exhaustive, the manufacturer notes, and all operators should reference the unit’s manual for safe use instructions.
Electrocution Hazard – Maintain Minimum Safe Approach Distance (MSAD) while working in the area of energized conductors.
Weather Consideration (Wind, thunderstorm, ice, fog etc.) – Perform a thorough assessment of weather conditions before operating MEWPs.
Slope and Grade – Don’t Elevate or drive elevated on a slope.
Ropes, Cable, Hoses: Entanglement – Avoid entanglement with ropes, cords, cables or hoses.
Standing, Sitting or Climbing on the Guardrail – Don’t place materials on the guardrails or have materials that exceed the confines of the guardrails unless approved by the manufacturer.
Load Distribution – Comply with load distribution in accordance with the manufacturers’ requirement on MEWP and extending structures.
Platform Capacity – Don’t exceed the rated capacity of the platform. Distribute load evenly.
Firm Footing Inside the Platform – Maintain firm footing on the platform floor. Climbing on the toe board, midrail, or toprail is prohibited.
Reaching Additional Height from platform by using ladder, scaffoldings, planks or unsafe physical posture – The use of planks, ladders, or any other devices on the platform for achieving additional height or reach is prohibited.
MEWP As Crane – MEWPs should not be used as crane unless specific approval provided by the manufacturer.
Climbing on Extended Structure – Do not climb on the MEWP extending structure.
Fall Protection – Operators and occupants shall comply with the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding personal fall protection/fall restraint/arrest device.
Stunt Driving – Don’t engage in stunt driving, horseplay and reckless operation.
Exit/Enter at MEWP at Height – Only exit (or enter) a MEWP at height following a procedure provided by the manufacturer or qualified person.
Staying within Guardrail Boundary/Staying in Right Spot – Don’t lean on or over the guardrails/control panel and stay within the working platform.
MEWP as Jack – Don’t use MEWP as a jack, prop or a tie to support itself, other structures, or machines, unless with written approval from Manufacturer.
Snagged Platform – If the work platform becomes snagged, all operators and occupants need to be removed from the work platform freeing it using ground controls.
Guardrails – Ensure guardrails are installed and access gates or openings are closed or in appropriate positions per manufacturer’s instructions.
Banners/Increasing Lateral Surface Area – Avoid tenting. Don’t increase the lateral surface area of the platform. Increasing area exposed to the wind will decrease MEWP stability.
Worn, Damaged, Leaking, Missing, Loose, Deteriorated Equipment/Components – Don’t operate if MEWP is not working properly or if any parts are damaged or worn. Inspect/maintain as per manufacturer requirements.
Improperly Inflated/Damaged Tires/Wheels – Don’t operate if MEWP is not working properly or if any parts are damaged or worn. Inspect/maintain as per manufacturer requirements.
Loose Lug Nuts on Tires – Don’t operate if MEWP is not working properly or if any parts are damaged or worn. Inspect/maintain as per manufacturer requirements.
Supporting Surface/Ground Conditions – Assess the ground condition before using machines. Elevate or drive elevated only on a firm, level surface.
Unsafe Loading/Unloading – Requires understanding the roles and responsibilities of different parties to complete the task safely.
Injuries due to Trapping/Crushing Obstruction – Follow best practices to minimize trapping/crushing risk.
Source: Access, Lift & Handlers Magazine January - February 2019
IVES Holiday Closure: Friday, April 19
Please note that our offices will be closed on Friday, April 19 in observation of Good Friday.
Wishing you a Happy Easter that is just as bright and joyful as the spring time air around you!
Excavator operator fatally injures co-worker
Mark Dumont, an excavator operator with Bluebird Contracting Services in Calgary, has been fined $75,000 by the Alberta Ministry of Labour.
Dumont was working with a colleague preparing a concrete manhole cylinder for installation. While operating an excavator, Dumont struck his co-worker. The worker was pinned between the counterweight of the excavator and the manhole cylinder and was fatally injured.
Dumont pleaded guilty to section 2(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as a worker engaged in an occupation, for failing to protect the health and safety of another worker. He was ordered, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act section 75, to pay $75,000 to fund an Alberta Construction Safety Association program to promote safe work with powered mobile equipment. He was also placed on one year of probation-like conditions.
All other charges were withdrawn against Dumont and Bluebird Contracting Services.
Source: Canadian Occupational Safety February/March 2019
Ask Bob
Q. What is the maximum distance allowed between the platform and an adjacent structure when employees are transferring out of the basket of an Aerial Lift Device?
A. Great question. There is no set regulation for the distance a machine should be from an adjacent structure to get in or out of the work platform. This really falls within the manufacturer instructions, and that is even if they allow it.
For example, I found a letter on one manufacturer’s website that stated their requirements for exiting and entering elevated AWPs . It listed a lot of steps that an operator must follow and stated that an adjacent structure must be no more than 12 inches from the exit point of the work platform. Keep in mind that these were one manufacturer’s instructions for one particular model, it could change for different models and/or manufacturers.
OSHA Requests Information on Powered Industrial Truck Standard
OSHA is requesting information as the agency considers rulemaking to update the powered industrial trucks standards. OSHA will use the information received to determine what action, if any, it may take to reduce regulatory burdens and create jobs while improving worker safety. Powered industrial trucks include forklifts, fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and specialized industrial trucks powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engines. Comments must be submitted by June 9. For details, see the news release.
Source: www.osha.gov
A Few Tidbits by Richard Hawk
Australia's first police force was made up of the most well-behaved convicts.
When you get a cut or scratch, the skin heals from the bottom
up and from the edges in.
In 1990 the U.S. Air Force spent $100,000 on a study to determine whether jet noise is harmful to pregnant horses. (The results were inconclusive.)
Many teenagers are still a hard sell when it comes to wearing seat belts. Over 50% involved in fatal crashes are found NOT to be strapped in.
1970's antismoking device: a fake pack of cigarettes that "coughed" when the smoker picked it up.
A bolt of lightning is about five times hotter than the sun.
Source: Safety Stuff #590 by Richard Hawk
What's Wrong With This? Photo
Can you tell what's going wrong in this photo?
Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us!
Answer to Last Month's WWWT? Photo
Here's some safety issues the Publisher noted:
- Keys left in unattended forklift
- Forks not lowered to the ground
- Propane tank not properly secured
- Fire Extinguisher not properly mounted
Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us!
Interesting Articles
VIDEO: Worker in medically-induced coma following shock, fall from boomlift...more.
Man arrested for stealing, driving scissor lift drunk...more.
Fire engulfs excavator at a new HEB construction site...more.
Two hospitalized after skid steer falls from bridge onto vehicle below...more.
Top Gear excavation puts professionals in a spin...more.
Scissor lift falls from trailer on Interstate 29...more.
Sixth annual National Forklift Safety Day slated for June 11...more.
Forklift accident precedes building products fire...more.
Ice clearing was going great until 20-ton excavator breaks through the ice...more.
CLOSE CALL VIDEO: Truck sends worker flying after hitting bucket truck aerial lift...more.
Client Testimonials
"I found it very helpful in many aspects of my job. Not only as a trainer, but being able to put presentations together and also to help insure my company is in compliance with all laws and regulations." Rex, Marathon Petroleum.
"I liked and enjoyed every aspect of this program, the layout was well organized." Emmanuel, True Safety Services.
"Really enjoyed the training. Most interesting training I’ve participated in, to date." William, IRL Construction.
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