AWP changes coming
New names, new requirements to align with world standards.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shared coming changes to ANSI and CSA standards to improve practices for safe, reliable access to work at heights. These standards deliver a consistent benchmark for safe machine design in North America and the coming changes will bring global markets closer together, driving commonality and stronger market competition, says Scott Owyen, Genie training manager for Terex AWP, at AEM’s 2017 Product Safety and Compliance Seminar.
What is changing?
Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) will now become known as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs): Previously, AWPs were classified by product types. Under MEWP classifications they will be identified as part of an MEWP group and type. A group is determined by platform location and the equipment’s tipping line at the wheels or the outriggers. Group A units do not allow the main platform to extend beyond its tipping line or go outside of the drive chassis envelope, for example, scissor lifts. Group B units have platforms that extend beyond the tipping line, such as articulating or telescopic boom.
An MEWP type refers to the lift’s ability to travel. Type 1 allows travel only in its stowed position; Type 2 allows travel with the platform elevated but controlled from the chassis; and Type 3 allows elevated platform travel and controlled from the platform.
Equipment design standards: The new standards bring big changes to new models.
Load sensing: Many MEWPs, when in an elevated position, will be required to check the weight in the platform and disable certain functions if the load is greater than the load limit.
Dynamic terrain sensing: Drive and certain boom functions will be disabled when the MEWP is outside of its slope limit but allow functions that will return the machine to safer terrain.
Indoor-only machines: Allows smaller, lighter-weight MEWP development that will bear an indoor-only rating.
The new standards also require toe guards on platform entrances, prohibit the use of chain and flexible gates and reduce lift and lower speeds on some models.
Safe use and planning: Users must develop a safe use program that includes a site risk assessment; suitable selection, provision and use of MEWP and associated equipment; and a support surface assessment. The plan must cover MEWP maintenance, inspections and repairs and inform the operator of local requirements and provide protection from identified hazards. A trained and qualified supervisor must monitor the performance or the work of the operator, prevent unauthorized use of the MEWP, and protect the safety of persons not involved in the operation of the MEWP.
Risk assessment/rescue plan: The risks associated with MEWP operation on the site must be covered. The plan must identify and commmunicate control measures and safe work procedures and have a height rescue plan.
There must be a written rescue plan that covers and shares breakdown, platform entanglement or fall from the platform and incorporate it into the company’s training manual. MEWP users must receive rescue training and the plan must limit the time a properly restrained worker is suspended. The plans can include steps for self, assisted or emergency rescue.
Operator, supervisor and occupant training: Users, who are usually also the employer, must understand the training requirements and personnel who directly supervise operators must be trained in MEWP selection.
MEWP operators must assure all platform occupants have a basic MEWP safety knowledge that includes the use of fall protection, how actions affect stability, safe accessory use, site-specific work procedures and hazards and manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. At least one of the occupants must know how to operate the controls in an emergency.
Maintenance and repair personnel training: They must know how to inspect and maintain the MEWP following manufacturer’s recommendations and ANSI and CSA standards.
If an MEWP is being rented, the rental center must identify the entity responsible for all inspections.
ANSI A92 MEWP standards should be available in late summer.
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