Elevating Work Platforms
Definitions
The following definitions apply:
| Elevating work platform | means a work platform that can be self-elevated to overhead work locations and includes all types of aerial devices. |
| Self-propelled elevating work platform | means
any elevating work platform designed to be self-propelled and
controlled from the operator's station on the work platform. |
| Self-propelled, boom-supported elevating work platform | means a self-propelled elevating work platform which has its platform supported by an elevating means that both elevates and rotates relative to the machine base and which is not mounted on a separate self-propelled vehicle. |
Compliance with Standards
Except as provided hereafter, all elevating work platforms other than
fire fighting equipment, shall be designed, fabricated, operated,
inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following
applicable standards:
- CSA C225 "Vehicle-Mounted Aerial Devices.
- WCB Standard A321 "Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms".
- WCB Standard A322 "Elevating Rolling Scaffolds".
- WCB Standard A323 "Work Platforms Mounted on Industrial Lift Trucks".
- Canadian Standards Association Z249.2 "Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks".
- Other Standards acceptable to the Workers' Compensation Board.
Platform Specifications
Elevating work platforms and all similar aerial platforms shall be fitted with:
- guardrails, intermediate rails and toe-boards on all open sides, or be enclosed to a height of 42 inches (107 cm); and
- guards to protect the occupants from contact with the elevating machinery; and
- signs indicating the safe working load.
- outriggers when provided by the manufacturer shall be fully extended and on firm surface during the use of an elevated work platform.
Operator Training and Responsibility
All operators of elevating work platforms shall be adequately trained
in the safe operation of these devices and be familiar with their
limitations.
Safety Belts
Occupants of elevating work platforms shall wear safety belts secured to suitable and substantial anchorage points.
Transporting Workers
Workers shall not be transported on aerial work platforms. Workers may
remain on platforms while minor adjusting movements are made.
Guarding
Scissor type and other lifting mechanisms which create a shearing
hazard shall be guarded if there is a possibility of workers
inadvertently coming into contact with any hazardous moving parts of
the platform lifting mechanism.
Emergency Lowering Valve
Every elevating work platform shall be fitted with a clearly marked
over-riding lowering control which, in an emergency, will enable a
worker at ground level to lower the platform.
Modifications, Additions and Repairs
Modifications, additions or repairs to elevating work platforms shall
only be affected in accordance with the instructions of the
manufacturer or of a Registered Professional Engineer. This section of
the TRU Occupational Health and Safety program is intended to apply to
persons who are working with electricity or on "energized equipment"
below seven hundred and fifty (750) volts. It is not intended to apply
to the more complex and advanced phases of electrical technology that
deal with generation, distribution and transmission of high voltage
electricity. This document provides an overview of basic safety
considerations developed to minimize employee exposure to hazardous low
voltages.
