Scissor Lift & Areal Work Platform Safety

Overview• Purpose• Limitations• Getting Started• Introduction to Equipment• Hazards to Understand & Avoid• Daily Inspection• Work site Inspection (How firm is your foundation?)• Over Head Hazards (What goes up…)• Weather Concerns• Conclusion

Purpose

• This training is intended as awareness level training only.• To provide basic information on the safe use of Scissor Lifts and Aerial Work

Platforms (AWP).

• Specifically related to the operation of the following lift types:• Genie AWP 25S, & AWP 30S• Genie Runabout GR20• Scissor lifts• And other similar models

• Reference: OSHA Regulations: 29CFR 1910.67 & 29CFR 1926.453

Limitations

• This presentation is not intended as certification to provide operator instructions for forklift operations or the operation of other powered industrial trucks, as listed in 29CFR 1910.178

• This Training does not cover fall protection training as outlined in 29CFR 1926 Subpart M (sections 500 – 503)

• Prior to being a certified, a lift operator must complete • A skills evaluation, including a hands on driving test • Fall protection training

• Authorized operator training is required: • Prior to using a lift• When a violation or incident occurs• And at least every three (3) years thereafter.

• Operational training: will consist of a combination of: general safety instruction, practical/operational training (demonstrations), and practical exercises performed by the trainee

• The training will ensure the Aerial Lift Safety Program is understood

• Annual Training:• MUST INCLUDE at least the following:

• Review of the Aerial Lift Inspection & Maintenance Record • Updated information on ANY new equipment• Review of University written program

Training Requirements

Getting Started

• Only properly trained operators who have displayed their knowledge and skill on the safe use of a lift, should be allowed to operate a lift.

• Prior to each daily use the lift shall be inspected for damage and determined to be safe.

• All activity shall require the approval and oversite of a “competent person”.

• Competent person = an individual who has been designated by the University and who has knowledge and understanding of the hazards associated with the use of lifts and the job site.

• A competent person shall have the authority to halt work when unsafe conditions are identified.

Introduction to the Equipment• Aerial Work Platform –

• Is intended to be stationary once setup and to elevate a work platform in a vertical axis.

• This type of device is usually intended for a single rider. Larger units, however, may accommodate a second passenger.

• Based on the make and model:• Some have powered drive wheels while others

are manipulated manually.• Most are battery powered, however, they may

also be pneumatic, hydraulic or manually powered.

• They often have outriggers to provide additional stability.

• Usually intended for use only on hard surfaces such as concrete asphalt or other hard flooring materials.

Intro to the Equipment• Scissor Lift –

• Is designed to elevate a platform in a vertical axis and can be driven by an operator from inside the work platform. These devices often can carry more than one person.

• Based on the make and model:• They may be battery / electric, gas, propane, or diesel powered.• They typically use hydraulic actuated rams and a “scissor or X

shaped” frame to extend to higher elevations.• They may extend 60 feet or higher. • They may be intended for Indoor use or may be designed for use

outdoors on packed earth.• They may also be equipped with an extendable work platform.

Hazards to Understand & Avoid

• Electrocution• Tip over, or Collapse• Falls• Collision• Entanglement• Improper Use• Defective Machine• Hazardous Atmosphere

Hazards to Avoid: - Electrocution Hazards

• Aerial work platforms are good conductors of electricity. Contact with electrical lines and other conductors can result in death or serious injury, property damage, or fires.

• Always maintain appropriate distances from electrical conductors and induction fields.

OSHA regulations call out the following safe distances:

50-199 KV - 15 feet, 200-349 KV - 20 feet, 350-499 KV – 25 feet, 500-749 KV – 35 feet, 750-1000 KV – 45 feet.

Hazards to Avoid: - Tip over, or Collapse Hazards

• The following conditions can result in a tip over:• Uneven, or inclined surface.

• Never attempt to operate on a unleveled surface. (Manufacturers maximum slope is usually <5%)

• Insufficient supporting surface. • Ensure the surface will support the weight of the unit

as well as the combined load. • Wind or other directional forces.• Never exceed the manufacturers recommended

load rating.• Example: AWP25s = 350lbs. That includes the

operator and his gear or equipment. • Be aware of and avoid setting up or using a lift near

a change in elevation “a Drop Off”.• Always fully install and use all available tip over

protection. • Outriggers are required if provided.

Hazards to Avoid: - Falls Hazards

• Falls occur when:• Individuals climb on or over the guard rails • Operators reach to far over the sides• Failure to secure the gate or safety chain, or• When other unauthorized activities occur

• Fall protection should always be used while inside a lift. The lanyard should be securely attached to the manufacturers recommended attachment location.

Hazards to Avoid: - Collision Hazards• When using a lift, always be aware of possible collisions, on the

ground and at all elevations.• Collisions occur when powered units strike each other or stationary objects

on the ground• They also occur as the work platform is raised.

• Be aware of over head protrusions, parts of the building or structure, wires, pipes, or tree limbs.

Hazards to Avoid: - Entanglement & Improper Use

• Entanglement• Lifts are moving machines with many

pinch and shear points• Keep hands, fingers, and toes away from

possible pinch points.• Never attempt to service a lift without the

proper training and tools. • Never reach into, or through the lifting

structure. • Never allow any person or body part to

pass underneath an elevated platform.• Improper Use

• Injury can result when lifts are used for tasks other than their intended design.

• Do not use a lift as a crane or leveling platform.

• Always remove the key and secure the lift properly when not in use.

• Horse play can not be tolerated.

Hazards to Avoid: -Defective Equipment & Hazardous Atmospheres

• Defective Equipment• Mechanical defects can result in catastrophic failure of a lift

• Prior to each days use a pre shift inspection shall be completed.• Periodically a thorough mechanical inspection shall be completed along with preventative

maintenance. (Typical recommended time frames are monthly, quarterly, and annually.)

• Hazardous Atmospheres• The use of a lift in an area with the potential for a combustible atmosphere shall be

prohibited.• Always insure proper ventilation

• Using a lift that is powered by gas, LPG (Propane) or diesel fuel will create carbon monoxide.• Care should be used when charging battery powered units to avoid the potential build up of

explosive hydrogen gas.

Hazard Prevention: Inspections & Surroundings

Daily pre-operation inspections. (Start up checklist)

• Prior to each days use, a start up checklist shall be completed by a trained operator.

• Inspections shall include:• Battery• Power cords• Fluid levels• Frame• Hydraulic/Pneumatic system • Raising system• Tires / Wheels/ Castors / Feet• Guard rail and anchor points• Outriggers• Controls• Warnings / Instructions / manuals• And a functional test of the device

Work site inspections

• In addition to a pre-shift equipment inspection, an inspection of the work site should be performed by a competent employee prior to allowing work to begin.

Work site inspection: - How Firm Is Your Foundation?

• Foundation – Supporting Surfaces• Ensure that the flooring is strong enough to

support the vehicle and its occupants.• Avoid soft grass, soil, dirt, and gravel.

• If it is unavoidable, the use of cribbing is required to provide a stable base.

• Cribbing shall be of engineered wood (Plywood) or steel.

• It must be large enough to support the entire base of the unit.

• Must be thick enough to support the weight of the load.

• Must be flat and free from defects.

• Be aware of inclines and uneven surfaces.• Mark off and stay away from drop offs.

Work site inspection: - What goes up…

• Over Head Clearance• Watch for over head obstructions and hazards such as:

• Electrical power lines • Building edges, over hangs, and structural supports.• Door ways and over head doors.• Pipes including:

• Sprinkler lines • Gas or steam lines• Conduit• Ventilation ducts

• Tree limbs.

Weather• Weather (If outside)

• Wind – even a moderate wind can be a hazard when a lift is raised

• Only use on a calm day. • Constantly monitor winds.• Stop and lower down at the first sign of wind or changing

weather patterns.• Never block the wind or create a sail.

• Rain / Snow / Ice• Never use a lift on wet or slippery surfaces.

• Lightning• Do not use a lift when lightning is in the area. Lightning can

proceed a storm by several miles.

Additional Safety Precautions

• Modifications shall not be made to a lift without express written approval from the manufacturer.

• All newly purchased lifts shall meet the design requirements of both ANSI and OSHA standards.

• All service and repairs shall be performed according to the manufacturers specifications.

• All replacement parts shall meet the original manufacturers specifications.

• All repairs shall only be completed by a qualified mechanic.

Conclusion• Aerial Work platforms and Scissor lifts have many different

hazards, but with caution, and by following a few basic rules these lifts may be used safely.

• Only trained operators and mechanics shall use or work on lifts.• Know the hazards of the lift and the worksite.• Watch your surroundings. Be aware of changing conditions• Always check before you go. Do a daily startup inspection.

Most importantly if a hazard is identified STOP!

Questions