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| Solution: Aerial work platforms |
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| Description: |
An aerial work platform (AWP) can be an efficient and safe subsitute for other methods of working at heights, such as ladders and scaffolds. These mechanical devices can provide temporary access for workers and/or equipment to elevated work sites. By following the manufacturers' guidelines and having the correct training for these aerial equipments, workers can be situated more ergonomically and more stable with the aerial equipments' guarding rails and groundings. |
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| Risks Addressed: | Working from an AWP may reduce the risk to injuries or illnesses that arise from overhead work (stretching with arms overhead); falls while working at elevations may also be reduced. |
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| How Risks are Reduced: |
AWP are generally the best choice for performing extensive work at heights. However, any deviation from the prescribed maintenance and operational requirements may present safety risks. Lifts are designed to operate safely within the limits imposed by the manufacturer and under the conditions specified by OSHA and ANSI. Quality of Evidence
Workers report that they do not have to stretch or overreach while performing tasks utilizing AWP thereby reducing the risks for strains and injuries, and making their jobs more comfortable and safe. Assuming the AWP will have guardrails, this may also in turn minimize the likelihood of falling if workers attempt to stretch or overreach beyond their capabilities. |
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| Effects on Productivity: |
Scissor lifts provide a large, mobile, guarded and stable work area that can usually be occupied by more than one worker. Boom lifts can elevate a worker into positions that would be difficult to reach safely using a ladder. The use of lifts may eliminate the erection of stationary scaffolding or repeated movement of ladders. Quality of Evidence
Workers performing tasks utilizing AWP may carry out their tasks three times more efficiently than using other access methods such as podium steps, ladders, A-frame stepladders and scaffold towers. In one case study conducted by Crown House Technologies, comparing the productivity of workers using an AWP versus a mobile tower scaffold, the workers were observed and timed on setting up, ascending/descending, working and storing the equipments. After extrapolation and standardized calculations, it will take more than 3 times longer to use the mobile tower scaffold to complete the same project. Please see our ROI calculator Aerial Work Platform example for more details. |
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| Return on Investment: |
For computing ROI for your specific application, you will find additional information on our “Return on Investment Calculation” page. On the main page of the calculator please load the example "Aerial Work Platform." |
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| Availability: | Alexander Equipment |
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| Additional Considerations: | Although an aerial work platform may serve as safer alternative to ladders and scaffolds, these must be carefully selected to match the work being performed and must be maintained and operated in strict conformity with the manufacturer's manual and with OSHA and ANSI standards. Federal OSHA and ANSI standards address AWP in two different ways. Since, scissor lifts are considered to be "mobile scaffolds" they are subject to the requirements of:
Articulating and extensible platforms (e.g. bucket trucks and booms) are subject to the requirements of:
Federal standards for elevating work platforms are not clearly written and may be confusing. ANSI standards are included only by reference, not as full text. It is more efficient to refer to one of the state standards, such as Washington's, which are more clearly written, more complete, and at least as protective as the Federal standards. The AWP manufacturer's operations and maintenance manual is a required reference and must be accompanied with the lift and read and adhered to by the operator. According to the ANSI A92 Standards, there are two types of training to help ensure safe operations: 1) general training which enables a trainee to become a qualified person (one having general knowledge on AWP, its functions and working conditions) and 2) familiarization which enables the qualified person/operator to become familiar with a model-specific AWP. Users (the contractors, employers and/or owners) and operators (workers that control the movement of the AWP) each have specific duties related to aerial lift safety.
Operators must:
Before each elevation the operator must check:
While driving the elevating work platform (under the conditions specified by the manufacturer) the operator must:
Safe operation includes steps to prevent the tip-overs, falls, electrocutions and crushing injuries that result in about 26 construction worker deaths each year. Users must ensure that operators are trained by a qualified person, and must understand and adhere to all requirements of the manufacturer's operations manual. Tip-Over Prevention Scissor lifts, like other scaffolds, must be maintained in a level and plumb configuration. Indoor or "slab" machines are required by ANSI to be tested for stability at 5 degrees greater slope than the machine is rated for. Manufacturers, however, usually treat this as a safety margin and clearly mark the equipment for use on level surfaces only. These lifts must not be used on uneven surfaces or where they may be driven into holes or depressions greater that 4 inches. Scissor lifts specifically designed for rough terrain are available. Any outrigger or stabilizing device provided by the manufacturer must be used in strict compliance with the operations manual. No exceptions may be made for brief jobs. Fall Prevention Either a guardrail or a personal fall arrest system must be used by workers on a scissor lift. A properly maintained and closed guardrail system best serves this purpose. Attachment points may be provided for lanyards, but should only be used for fall restraint since fall arrest could cause the lift to tip over if the lift has not been specifically designed to accomodate the resultant force. Although a body belt may be used for a fall restraint (not fall arrest) system, it is a better practice to use a full body harness. A fall arrest system may be required if the worker exits the guarded area of the scissor lift. In that case the lanyard must be attached to a suitable exterior attachment point, not to the guardrail. Workers must not be attached to an external anchorage point while working on the lift. Workers in an aerial lift (boom or bucket truck) MUST be protected by both a guardrail and a fall arrest system. Using a railing, ladder, planks or any other devise for gaining additional height is not permitted on any elevated work platform. Workers must maintain a firm footing on the platform at all times, except for workers on a scissor lift who are wearing a fall arrest system attached to an external anchorage point while exiting the guarded area of the lift, or who are attached to a manufacturer approved hardpoint. Boom lifts are not designed to elevate materials and may collapse or tip over under excessive loads. Always use a crane or telehandler to raise materials. Scissor lifts should not be operated in high winds, especially if materials that may act as sails are on the lift. All-terrain fork-lifts require specialized operator training that meets OSHA requirements for fork lift operators. This training is different that that usually provided to aerial lift operators. |
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