IATSE 3rd 2019_web

machine must familiarize themselves
with the new equiptment. Workers
should be aware of this change because
it directly affects their responsibilities
as an operator. Employers’ “safe use
program” should outline these policies
and procedures for how workers are to
follow these guidelines. IATSE workers
should review the companion training
requirements and be sure that they
have been properly trained on each lift
they intend to use. If you think your
employer is skimping on developing
safety plans, now is a great time to act
by notifying your local union. ANSI
A92 requires the implementation of
a rescue plan that is specific to the
worksite and equipment.
The employers’ safe use program
must also contain planning for
identifying hazards, evaluating risks,
establishing control measures, and
communicating to the workers. It must
evaluate the worksite. And, it must have
a rescue plan which covers everything
from how to lower a lift which has
lost power to high angle rescue and
emergency services.
MANUFACTURING/DESIGN
ANSI A92.20 will also bring a
plethora of equipment changes, many
of which consist of adding sensors,
sensors, and more sensors! All lifts
manufactured after the standard must
add at least two new sensors; one to
detect when the load limit has exceeded
its safe weight, and another to detect
when the lift’s tilt surpasses a certain
slope. Outdoor lifts will require an
additional sensor to detect wind speed.
The required height for work platform
railings will also be raised from 39in
to 43.5in, and MEWPs used on rough
surfaces must change their tires from
air to solid/foam-filled.
ANSI hopes these equipment
improvements will help eliminate many
hazards that occur while using MEWPs.
Please note, however, that the standard
does not affect aerial lifts manufactured
prior to its implementation. Older lifts
do not need to be updated or modified.
Instead, operators should be aware
of the exact piece of equipment they
are utilizing along with its specific
functions.
CLASSIFICATION
MEWPs will now be subject to a
new classification system. Based on
their design, every aerial lift will be
placed into one of two categories:
Group A, which requires the work
platform to remain centered above the
lift’s framework or chassis. A scissor
lift is an example of a Group A lift;
and Group B, which refers to any lift
where the work platform is designed to
extend beyond the chassis. A boom lift
is an example of a Group B lift.
Group A and Group B can be
further broken down into three tiers:
Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Each
tier is determined by how the lift is
transported and controlled. A basic
overview of each tier is as follows: Type
1 lifts are easy to identify because they
may only be driven while in a stowed
position. Meanwhile, Type 2 and Type
3 lifts can also be driven while the work
platform is elevated. However, while
their transportation functionalities
are similar, Type 2 and Type 3 lifts are
not controlled in the same way. Type
2 lifts are controlled from the chassis,
whereas Type 3 lifts are controlled from
the work platform.
Most employers will eventually
comply with the ANSI A92 standard,
and IATSE workers need to be ready for
it. The standard exists to promote best
practices and optimal worker health
and safety. Whether or not you think
ANSI A92 is cumbersome, its value lies
in its ability to preserve human life,
which is more important than saving
time or trouble on any job. The natural
tension between safety and utility will
continue to play out as this standard
moves forward. Ultimately, ANSI
A92 will bring the United States one
step closer to international standards,
and its implementation is central
in the ongoing effort to globalize
occupational safety.
SAFETY ZONE
THIRD QUARTER 2019 43