Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.67

Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms

Today’s agenda

•Operator responsibility

•Hazards of work platforms

•Hazard reduction and safety

•Review of responsibilities

What are vehicle mounted platforms?

Vehicle mounted elevating and rotating work platforms are self-powered devices that are used to lift workers to perform duties at elevations above the floor or other work surface.

Your safety responsibility

When you are the operator of a powered work platform, you are responsible for your safety, the safety of others on the area and for preventing accidents through proper operation and anticipation of hazards.

Never underestimate the importance of safety

Hazards

•Traffic hazards

•Stability hazards (as the platform is located and

elevated)

•Overhead hazards (power lines, structural

members, etc)

•Fall hazard

•Electrical (contact with power lines)

•Ground hazard (dropped objects striking personnel

on the ground)

Traffic hazard reduction

•As the operator, you are responsible for safe driving

•Understand how the Platform operates, steers, brakes and maneuvers

•Observe all traffic safety signs, rules and Manufacturer Safety Manual requirements

•Horseplay and stunt driving are not allowed: EVER

Stability hazard reduction

• Always read and follow the Manufacturer Safety Manual stability procedures for the Platform that you are operating

• Check for: loose road surface, pot holes and debris: never drive over or set-up the platform on these hazards

• Most platforms are not designed for uneven, sloping or rough terrain-always understand and follow the operating rules

• Never move the unit with the Platform elevated unless it is designed and approved for this type of service

Stability hazard reduction

•Never overload the platform with too much weight

•Weight (including workers) must be distributed evenly

•Extend outriggers (if provided) according to requirements

Overhead hazard reduction

•Always look overhead before raising the Platform and continue to look overhead while you raise it

•Keep a safe distance from any all stationary objects

•Never position yourself between the Platform and a stationary object while moving the unit

•Never tie-off to an object outside of the basket

Fall hazard reduction

• Only work from the floor of the platform: never use a ladder, plank or stand on the rails to gain extra height

• Keep the gate closed and latched at all times

• Wear fall protection, if required for your platform; use only the fall protection anchor provided in the basket or on the boom

• If fall protection is required, always inspect it before use

• Never tie-off to an object outside of the basket

Electrical hazard reduction

•Read and follow all directions for electrical safety contained in the Manufacturer Safety Manual

•Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from all electrical lines and equipment

•Block off the area around the Platform base to prevent pedestrians from coming in contact with the base (possibly becoming a path to ground for accidental current)

Ground hazard reduction

•Barricade the work area below the Platform for these reasons:– to prevent pedestrians from walking

through the area where a tool or other object may be dropped

– to protect the platform from being struck by area traffic

•In high traffic areas or other situations, it may be necessary to post a traffic watcher to alert pedestrians and other traffic

Safe operation: general rules

• Read and follow all safety and operational directions contained in the Manufacturer’s safety manual

• Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate Platforms

• Inspect the Platform before each use: never use a damaged or defective unit

• Remember that the Platform becomes more unstable as it is raised and/or rotated

• Look overhead at all times when raising the Platform

• Never get too close to stationary objects; never get yourself between the basket and an object

• Stay 10 feet away from electrical hazards

• Protect pedestrians and the base of the unit by barricading the work area

Conclusion

Work platforms require the operator to be a skilled and safe driver, and a skilled and safe operator.

Never loose sight of the hazards of platform operation: traffic, stability, overhead objects, falling, contact with electricity and injury to personnel on the ground.

For more information

For more information regarding vehicle mounted elevating and rotating work platforms or other safety issues please contact:

Gregory & Appel InsuranceMike Salazar, Vice President Direct: 317-686-6407Email: msalazar@gregoryappel.com