Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 1 of 8 SAFE WORK PROCEDURE: MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS (MEWP) A. OVERVIEW: Safe Work Procedures are crucial to preventing workplace injuries and accidents. Safe Work Procedures must always be accompanied with appropriate training. Self Propelled Elevating Work Platforms, applies to self propelled integral chassis elevated work platforms that have a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base and that are used to position personnel, along with their necessary tools and materials, at work locations. Self propelled elevating work platforms (aerial platforms) are power operated with primary functions, including drive, controlled from the platform. This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) applies to aerial platforms designed for use in both on slab and off slab applications. An on slab surface means any asphalt, concrete, or equivalent surface. An off slab surface is an uneven surface made of materials other than asphalt, concrete, or their equivalent. Compacted soil is an example of an off slab surface. Selfpropelled elevating work platforms are generally intended for use over level surfaces. Normally these platforms are not insulated for use near electrically energized circuits nor are they intended to be used in hazardous locations. B. WHAT IS A MEWP OR MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORM? A Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) is a temporary work platform for personnel, tools and equipment, to complete tasks at heights. C. HOW TO CONTROL THE HAZARD: MEWP s A Field Level Hazard assessment must be completed and reviewed, prior to starting work. There are several different types of MEWP s but self-propelled scissor or boom lifts and elevating rolling work platforms are primarily used. These elevating rolling work platforms are not-self-propelled but are pushed manually into place. The carrier is then elevated using a power source. HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR MEWP S WHAT TO CONSIDER? SAFE AREA: Always choose the right MEWP for the job, following consideration of ground conditions, working height, load and maneuverability.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 2 of 8 The platform should be of sufficient size and be fitted with edge protection consisting of a guard rail, intermediate rail and toe boards. If there is a risk of a person falling out of the carrier, appropriate fall protection equipment must be used in conjunction with the Manufacturer s installed or Engineer designed anchor points. Workers must be trained in Fall Protection. Manufacturer s guidelines must be followed regarding moving a MEWP with the carrier raised. Outriggers, if fitted, must be fully extended and wheels chocked in place prior to raising the carrier. The MEWP must be maintained in safe working condition. Planned Preventative Maintenance should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with the manufacturer s guidelines. The MEWP must be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in safe working order. The inspection regime will include: Pre-use inspection by the competent operator; Weekly inspections by a responsible person; Thorough examination by a competent person at least once every six months. SAFE WORKPLACE: Always ensure that the manufacturer s directions, and operating instructions are followed. Never modify the equipment, or remove engineered controls. ENVIRONMENT: Consider the following: Ground conditions softness, slopes, pot holes etc. Overhead obstructions, especially electrical services. Weather conditions Wind and Weather. MANAGEMENT: Segregation of work area. Ensure the MEWP is segregated from traffic, pedestrians. Effective communication systems, use the buddy system and ensue proper communication is available to mitigate hazards. Completed Field Level Hazard Assessment, signed off by the Supervisor
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 3 of 8 SAFE OPERATOR: The operator of a MEWP must be trained, hold a current certification and be competent to use the class of MEWP in the operating environment. If an operator does not have experience and training they must be appropriately supervised until competent. Training includes: pre-op checks, emergency controls on the MEWP function, how to drive the MEWP( if applicable), fall protection (if applicable), manufacturers specifications, directions and operating instructions, using the controls work from the ground and the basket and hazards that may be associated with operating that MEWP in the particular work environment. Workers are not permitted to remain in or on a moving elevating platform in situations where doing so creates a danger to the worker. A person must not travel in, or on an elevated platform that is moving if road conditions, traffic, overhead wires, cables or other obstructions create a danger to the person. D. USING AN MEWP: 1. Ensure MEWP is in good operating condition. 2. Pre-operating and after start checks. Pre-operating and after start checks must be made in line with the operators manual. 3. Check emergency controls. Check emergency lowering devices. 4. Log Book. Check for entries of any faults, and that those faults have been rectified, or that those faults will not make the MEWP hazardous to operate. Sign the log book to record that you have completed the pre-operating checks. 5. Surrounding hazards. Check the area and overhead for hazards and put in hazard control measures in place.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 4 of 8 Check for hazards and potential hazards in the work area. Examples: traffic, pedestrians/other workers, machinery, other equipment, ladders and structures/buildings. 6. Ground hazards. Check for hazards at ground level. 7. Hazard Control Measures. When dealing with traffic and pedestrians that cannot be eliminated from the work area, set up an exclusion zone around where the MEWP is operating. Use safety cones, tape, signs and a spotter if possible. Always wear a harness (not required in a scissor lift unless it is equipped with manufacturer s approved anchorage points) 8. Always set up on a firm, flat, level surface. 9. Plan the lift. Use the telescopic function last when going up, and first when going down. 10. Check the SWL (Safe Working Load). Do not exceed the SWL 11. Rescue Plan. A rescue plan for the MEWP is required. A rescue plan can involve a spotter watching the operator. The spotter must be trained in how to lower the MEWP in the event of an emergency. The spotter is allowed to perform other duties while they are acting as a spotter. In the event of an emergency, the spotter can switch the controls to Ground Control and lower the MEWP from the ground. 12. Post Operating Check. When you have finished operating, walk around the machine checking for any leaks or damage that may have occurred during the task. Ensure the MEWP is left in a safe place and doesn t create any hazards. Ensure the MEWP is secure and cannot be operated unless approved.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 5 of 8 E. REFERENCE MATERIALS: Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Code (January 2016) Alberta OHS Code Explanation Guide (July 1 2009) EQUIP-SAFE Safety Training for Equipment Operators (safe work guideline for elevated work platforms) NEBOSH IGC UNIT IGC2 Version 1.3. Astutis Ltd. 2016 CSA Standard CAN/CSA-B354.2-01 (R2006), Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.6-2006, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms. CSA Standard CAN3-B354.1-04, Portable elevating work platforms, ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.3-2006, Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms. ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.9-1993, Mast-Climbing Work Platforms. Appendix: TYPES OF MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS MEWP s. Self Propelled Elevating Work Platforms Self Propelled Elevating Work Platforms, applies to self propelled integral chassis aerial platforms having a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base and that are used to position personnel, along with their tools and materials, at work locations. MEWPs are power operated with primary functions, including drive, controlled from the platform. This SWP requires that all elevated work platforms are to be equipped with a guardrail. Only MEWP manufacturer approved fall protection anchorage point(s) are to be installed on the work platform. If the platform is equipped with manufacturers approved anchorage points there must be one anchorage point for each occupant.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 6 of 8 The ANSI Standard allows manufacturers to voluntarily include fall protection anchorages on their equipment. When the equipment is designed and supplied with anchorage(s) for personal fall protection they must be capable of withstanding a load of 16 KN (3,600 pounds force). The platform must be marked with various warnings and instructions. The following is a partial list of what is required: 1. The make, model, serial number and the manufacturer s name and address; 2. The rated working load; 3. The maximum platform height; 4. Special warnings, cautions, or restrictions necessary for safe operation, including the use of outriders or stabilizers; and 5. The operating instructions and a notice indicating the need to read the operating manual before use. All MRU work platforms must be equipped with a guardrail system. Flexible materials such as cables, chains and ropes cannot be used in the guardrail system. Elevating Rolling Work Platforms Elevating Rolling Work Platforms, applies to elevating rolling work platforms used on a level surface and that are incapable of being self propelled from an operating station on the work platform. The work platforms are used to position workers, along with their tools and necessary materials, at overhead work locations. Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms, applies to manually propelled, integral chassis aerial platforms having a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base and that are used to position workers, together with their tools and materials, at work locations. Platforms are adjusted by manual or powered means and cannot be occupied when moved horizontally.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 7 of 8 Typical examples of the equipment to which the SWG applies. A permanent plate must be located on the platform that lists: 1. The make, model, serial number and the manufacturer s name and address; 2. The rated working load; 3. The maximum platform height; 4. The maximum horizontal reach; 5. Special warnings, cautions, or restrictions necessary for safe operation, including the use of outriders or stabilizers; and 6. The operating instructions and a notice indicating the need to read the operating manual before use. This SWG requires the aerial platform to be equipped with a fall protection anchor point(s) if the platform s guardrail system, or parts of the guardrail system, can be removed. This SWG requires all work platforms to be equipped with a guardrail system. Flexible materials such as cables, chains and ropes cannot be used in the guardrail system. This SWG does not apply to all integral frame, boom supported elevating work platforms used to position personnel.
Rev: 01 Date: March 2017 Page: 8 of 8 Revision History Date: Revision: Notes: March 2017 1.0 Creation of Safe Work Procedure