MODULE 6: Scaffolds, Work Platforms, & Elevating Aerial Devices

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Reasons for most falls from platforms” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_single_image image=”18393″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]All Scaffolds will be equipped with a standard guardrail or other fall protection systems. For workers erecting and dismantling scaffolds, an evaluation must be conducted by a Competent Person to determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection if fall protection is not feasible.

An Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) detailing rationale for infeasibility of use of fall protection must be submitted and accepted by the GDA prior to the work.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Suspended Scaffolds” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_single_image image=”18394″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Single point or two point suspended scaffold:

In addition to railings, workers must also be tied off to an independent vertical lifeline using a full body harness.

For other suspended scaffolds such as catenary, float, needle-beam, or Boatswain chairs PFAS is required, and workers must also be tied off to an independent vertical lifeline using a full body harness.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment will be performed when persons are supported on a multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the use of PFAS. Results must be documented in the AHA for the activity being performed.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms (Scissor Lifts)” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_single_image image=”18395″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]All Scissor lifts will be equipped with standard guardrails. In addition to the guardrail provided by the manufacturer, the scissor lift must be equipped with anchorages meeting the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code.

Scissor lifts not equipped with anchorages are prohibited.

A restraint system must also be used in addition to the attached guardrails. The lanyards must be designed with built built-in shock absorbers. These are used with the restraint system and must be short enough that workers are prohibited from climbing our or being ejected from the platform.

The use of a self-retracting device (SRD) is prohibited unless permitted by the SRD manufacturer and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Workers are prohibited from climbing on or over the guardrails

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Aerial Work Platforms: Boom Supported Platforms and Vehicle Mounted Rotating and Elevating Aerial Devices” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_single_image image=”18396″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Boom lifts are known by other names including cherry picker, man lift and basket crane. Boom lifts are very similar to scissor lifts; however, they can typically reach higher heights and are equipped to maneuver around obstacles. Unlike most telehandlers, boom lifts are used to transport personnel and materials to high heights.

Boom lifts can extend anywhere from 30 to 170 feet and can either be electrically powered or powered by IC engines. They are especially useful for accessing hard to reach areas that could be potentially dangerous. Booms are often used by firefighters, construction, electricians and sometimes even window cleaners.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Aerial Work Platform Requirements” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Workers must be anchored to the basket or bucket in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions, Anchoring to the boom may only be used when allowed by the manufacturer and permitted by the CP.

Lanyards used shall be sufficiently short to prohibit worker from climbing out of the basket. The use of Self-retracting devices are not acceptable.

Tying off to an adjacent pole or structure is not permitted unless a safe device for 100% tie-off is used for the transfer.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Manually Propelled Elevating Work Platforms” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:20|text_align:left|color:%231e73be” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

The platform must be equipped with standard guardrails
If the platform is equipped with anchorages meeting the ANSI Z359, a restraint system must be used in addition to the guardrails.
Lanyards used with the restraint system must be sufficiently short to prohibit workers from climbing out of or being ejected from the platform.
Lanyards with built-in shock absorbers are acceptable
Self-retracting devices are not acceptable.
The platform must not be occupied when moved and at no time will workers be allowed to climb on or over the guardrails.

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