1. PURPOSE
1.1 This procedure provides guidelines for safe operation of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) which include Aerial Lifts and Mobile Scaffolding at Company facilities.
2. Mobile Elevating Work Platforms Safe Operation Guidelines
2.1 This standard applies to all facilities and customer sites where MEWPs are operated by personnel or contractors.
2.2 This does not apply to Work Platforms suspended from cranes. Refer to Standard 4WCE-600501 Personnel Lifting System (Manbasket).
2.3 This standard does not apply to use of work platforms that are elevated with Forklifts. Please refer to the Forklift Safety Standard referenced in Section 6 for requirements regarding transporting personnel to elevated work areas using Forklifts.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1 Mobile Elevating Work Platform: Any Aerial lift or Mobile Scaffold Term to use interchangeably when a requirement applies regardless of Aerial Lift or Mobile Scaffold.
3.2 Aerial Lift: A vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulating, or both, which is used to position personnel.
3.2.1 Typical Equipment includes: Articulated Boom
Telescoping Boom:
Vehicle Mounted Elevating Platforms(Bucket Truck)
3.3 Mobile Scaffolding (Scissor Lift)
3.3.1 A portable, mobile, caster or wheel-mounted scaffold system, either manufactured or site erected, powered or unpowered, in which the elevated work platform is positioned vertically (plumb) — directly over the base frame dimension or motorized carriage:
4. SUMMARY
4.1 Only authorized individuals may operate MEWPs. Fall protection must be provided at all times when operating, working from, or you are present on an MEWP. This is regardless of height above grade. Depending on the design and type of unit, fall protection may be in the form of guard rails, fall restraint devices or fall arrest systems. o Fall arrest or fall restraint equipment must be worn if you are present on an aerial lift, regardless of the height above grade. MEWPs must be inspected before use. MEWPs must be operated as specified by manufacturer’s recommendations/instructions and this standard.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1 Design
5.1.1 MEWPs must meet the appropriate national design and construction requirements and the specific design requirements of this standard.
5.1.2 Equipment Nameplates and labels must be in place and maintained in a legible condition. Information must include at a minimum: Empty weight. Maximum safe working load. Load center distances related to load capacity. Maximum lift height related to load capacity.
5.1.3 Replacement Parts and Modifications Only replacement parts that are safe equivalents to original parts must be used as specified by the manufacturer and fitted by an authorized trained competent person. Equipment may not be altered unless the change is approved, in writing, by the manufacturer. If an approved modification changes the capacity, operation, and/or maintenance instructions, the plates, tags, or decals must be changed accordingly as specified by the manufacturer.
5.2 Authorization
5.2.1 Only authorized personnel (Company and contract) are permitted to operate MEWPs.
5.2.1 Authorization is equipment specific. Therefore there is no generic Company training package for MEWPs. The user must demonstrate competency in operating the equipment in accordance with this standard and to the manufacturer’s operating specification. You may choose to qualify a participant to operate a specific model or to operate all models that have similar operating features, characteristics, and limits. The authorization record must specify the equipment on which the trainee has been qualified and must be retained until it expires. You must re-authorize the individual if: o There has been a time lapse since the individual last operated the equipment that may affect their ability to perform properly. o Operating deficiencies indicate a need to repeat the authorization process. Authorization guidance is provided in Appendix B and C of this standard.
5.3 Inspection and Maintenance
5.3.1 MEWPs must be inspected prior to use on each work shift. The inspection must include: All requirements set by the manufacturer A visual inspection of all components Operation of all controls and emergency shut-down devices
5.3.1.1 A generic checklist is provided in Appendix A. When available, the specific vendor or manufacturer’s checklist should be used.
5.3.2 Maintenance Equipment must be maintained as per the manufacturer’s recommended preventative maintenance instructions. Preventative maintenance, service, and inspections must be carried out by people who are qualified/experienced in the type of equipment concerned.
5.3.3 Defective Equipment MEWPs must be removed from service if inspections or observations identify any condition adversely affecting the safety of the equipment. Place a Danger – Do Not Operate tag (or other warning sign / tag) on the operating controls and access point stating the problem. Remove ignition/operating key. Units must not be used until defects are corrected.
5.3.4 Documentation of Inspections and Maintenance Keep the daily/pre-use inspections at least 30 days.
5.4 Hazard Recognition MEWP Operators and individuals issuing Safe Work Permits for MEWP operations must be aware of and safeguard against the following common hazards: o Collision with a person, equipment, or another vehicle. o Tip or rollover of unit. o Inadequate clearance both vertically and horizontally. o Electrical equipment and power lines. o Pinch points – within the equipment and between the equipment and nearby structure/equipment. o Falls from elevation. o Possibility of flammable atmospheres in the work area. o Aware of the actions to take in the event of an emergency. They must also evaluate the work area and proposed operations to identify and address any unusual hazards:
5.5 Operating Safety Rules and Practices Safe operation is the responsibility of the operator. The operator must apply safe work practices/ habits, be aware of hazardous conditions, and apply safeguards. The operator must be familiar with any unusual operating conditions which may require additional safety precautions or special operating instructions. The operator must be familiar with the operation and function of all controls and instruments. Users must follow the safe work practices in this standard as well as those identified by the manufacturer, their task specific operations, and any associated Safe Work Permits. Elevating Work Platforms must not be operated in areas which have been designated as an electrically classified hazardous area unless designed for the relevant hazardous classification or the area has be determined to be safe to operate the unit and a Hot Work Permit has been issued.
5.5.1 Safe Work Practices Standing or passing under elevated equipment is prohibited. Keep personnel clear of the swing area. Place barricades or barriers as appropriate for the specific situation. Standing on guardrails, stools, ladders, or any other object while on MEWPs is prohibited. Occupants must stand on the floor of the platform. Operate within the terrain and slope limitations specified by the manufacturer. Also, operate with consideration to the reactive forces that can be transmitted from even small surface changes to the platform area. Equipment may be moved while in the elevated position only when specifically designed by the manufacturer to do so and the operating environment allows safe operation in the elevated position. Use all stabilizers and anti-tip devices as specified by the manufacturer. Operated at a speed that permits stopping in a safe manner under all travel conditions. Keep all components and personnel at least 15 ft (5M) from unprotected energized power lines and electrical equipment. (Unless the equipment and personnel are specifically qualified, designed, and authorized to work in close proximity to electrical equipment). Consider having a person at ground level, so the equipment can be operated from grade.
5.5.2 Fall Protection Fall protection is required for all work on all MEWPs. Fall protection may include a properly designed guardrail system, use of a fall restraint system (designed to prevent the user from leaving the work platform area), or use of a fall arrest system. The manufacturer’s literature must be reviewed to determine the appropriate methods for fall protection.
5.5.2.1 Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the following requirements and principles apply: All types: o Tying off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment is prohibited while working from an MEWP. Mobile Scaffolds (Scissor Lifts): o Typically Scissor Lifts are designed with guardrails that provide proper fall protection. o Occupants of a Mobile Scaffold must stay within the guardrail system and may not climb on the rails. o The manufacturer’s literature must be reviewed to determine the fall protection and fall arrest requirements and capabilities of each specific piece of equipment.o You may not use the Mobile Scaffold as a fall arrest anchor point, unless the equipment is designed to accommodate a fall arrest system. Aerial Lifts o Occupants must use fall restraint system (preferred) or fall arrest system (if permitted by the manufacturer) when operating or working from an Aerial Lift. The use of fall protection is required regardless of the height above grade.
Note: The platform of aerial lifts, because of the boom design, will tend to bounce when the unit is in motion. Even small bumps, ruts at ground level can result in significant movement at the operator platform. The operator must account for this characteristic when operating the unit and wear fall arrest/positioning equipment. o Occupants must be secured to anchor points as identified by the manufacturer.
5.5.3 Safe Practices for Unattended / Idle Equipment
Note: Equipment is determined unattended when the operator is 10 feet (3 Meters) or more away from equipment that remains in view, or whenever the operator leaves the equipment and it is not in view. Lower the lift. Neutralize controls. Shut off the power. Set the brakes to prevent movement. Block the wheels if the equipment is parked on an incline.
5.5.4 Safe Work Practices for Fueling Operations Shut down engine when fueling. Avoid spills. Spillage of oil or fuel must be carefully cleaned up in accordance with local or national regulations.
6. RELATED INFORMATION
6.1 Company EH&S Documents ⊕ 25-010521 Fall Protection ⊕ 25-011406 Forklift Safety ⊕ Provided for background information only (not referenced in the text)
6.2 Company Engineering Document 4WCE-600501 Personnel Lifting System (Manbasket) Appendix A Preoperational MEWP Inspection List Preoperational Inspection List Prior to Each Shift of Use, Inspect the MEWP in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Inspection Checklist. In addition, the following inspection criteria applies
| Inspection Item and Criteria | Date/ Shift | Date/ Shift | Date/ Shift |
| All decals are legible and in place. | |||
| Check for engine oil leaks and proper oil level. Add oil if needed | |||
| Check for hydraulic oil leaks and proper oil level. Add oil if needed. | |||
| Check for engine coolant leaks and proper level of coolant. Add coolant if needed. | |||
| Check for battery fluid leaks and proper fluid level. Add distilled water if needed. | |||
| Check for proper tire pressure. Add air if needed. | |||
| Check tire and lug nut condition | |||
| Test emergency shutdown controls | |||
| Test all operating controls | |||
| Check the following components or areas for damage, improperly installed or missing parts and unauthorized modifications: | |||
| Electrical components, wiring and electrical cables | |||
| Drive and turntable motors and drive hubs | |||
| Boom wear pads | |||
| Horn, Alarms and beacons (if equipped) | |||
| Nuts, bolts and other fasteners | |||
| Platform surface, Railings, and Gate | |||
| Fall Protection anchor points | |||
| Check entire machine for: | |||
| Crack in welds or structural components | |||
| Dents or damage to machine | |||
| Excessive rust, corrosion or oxidation | |||
| Be sure that all structural and other critical components are present and all associated fasteners and pins are in place and properly tightened. | |||
| After you complete your inspection, be sure that all compartment covers are in place and latched. |
Inspection Codes: S Satisfactory U Unsafe (cannot be used) NR Needs Repair R Made Repairs Comments: Inspected MEWPs before use to ensure that they are in a safe operating condition. Inspections must be performed before each shift when they are used. This checklist provides inspection documentation.
Note: Any items marked “unsafe” will require repairs before use. Equipment must be tagged out and a work order must be issued for repair activities. This log shall be kept for 30 days.
Appendix B MEWP Authorization Checklist
| Item | Criteria | Result |
| Hazard Awareness |
Can describe the hazards noted in Section 5.4 of Standard 25-010561 and those specified by the manufacturer |
|
| Can give examples of the hazard in the workplace and precautions to avoid them | ||
| Operating Rules | Can describe the operating rules set by Standard 25-101561 and the manufacturer | |
| Demonstrates knowledge and skill for operating within the requirements (Observed when operating the Equipment in a training environment) | ||
| Inspection | Can describe and perform a pre- use inspection | |
| Demonstrates how to react to a substandard finding | ||
| Equipment Operation | Demonstrates the knowledge and Skill that results in safe and efficient operation of the equipment |
Appendix C Guidance – Sample Detailed Authorization Document Aerial Work Platform Performance Evaluation