There are new changes to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A92.2 Standard. The ANSI changes are the best industry practices to follow. ANSI provides industry-wide benchmarks for training, safe use, and design of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
Although the ANSI standards are extremely helpful, the A92.24 training standards are voluntary.
ANSI Changes
There are several changes that will be taking place.
If you are a manufacturer, you must consider slope angles. Slopes of certain angles can have an impact on the structural integrity of popular operational equipment. With equipment being able to operate past 5-degrees, it is important to ensure its integrity.
Higher slopes (greater than 5-degrees) result in more stability testing. Equipment must be tested on a 5-degree angled slope towards the side with the least stability. If a new piece of equipment is able to perform on a slope over 5-degrees then it must complete tests on the correlating angle.
New Changes Include:
Platform levels have to stay in the initial 5-degrees of leveling. This needs to be present when boom structures are in use, lowered, or raised.
Following suit of A10.31 (ANSI digger derricks standard), synthetic rope must meet certain strength standards. The rope must possess a breaking strength that is at least five times the working load.
Mobile elevating work platforms need updates as well. The platforms must eliminate the risk of unwanted movements with the help of an unlocking or enabling piece. Either piece will help create a safer environment for the user.
Equipment with upper controls requires more testing. If the specific unit has higher than average electrical resistance, it needs to have testing every few months.
Equipment with category C or D labels need to have an insulating system for the chassis. This rule applies to equipment with a conductive and articulating lower boom above rotation.
Manufacturers are still required to distribute one copy of a printed manual. However, they can now provide optional digital manuals if they choose to.
MEWP Classifications
There are two classifications of MEWPs to go along with the new standards.
Class A, which are platforms that stay inside the tipping line and move vertically. Class B are all other MEWPs or boom-style equipment.
The two classes are then divided into 3 types.
Type 1 includes machines that move strictly in a stowed position. Type 2 includes machines that have the ability to travel while elevated (operated from the chassis). Type 3 includes machines that move while they are elevated (operated from the platform).
The new MEWP classifications mean that operators and owners have to provide proper training. This way everyone can stay up-to-date on the newest safety protocols. Renters and dealers also need to follow correct training procedures and guidelines.
Training Requirements
With several new features comes several new training requirements. In order to stay safe and ensure quality, the American National Standard strongly recommends and requires new trainings.
A distinct lack of training and understanding of new equipment can lead to serious injury. In order to use certain machinery, trainings are mandatory. Although most users have completed training, most do not stay up to date on new training initiatives.
If there is a failure within trainings, it must have documentation. If there is an accident, the operator is to go through retraining.
The ANSI A92.2 manual of responsibilities has two training categories, general training, and familiarization.
General Training
If someone wants to operate equipment, they need to receive general training. This will allow operators to gain knowledge on certain hazards and safety topics. General training covers a wide array of equipment such as aerial lifts and many others.
A qualified operator must watch a new operator perform a hands-on test. Through the direction, an operator will either reach an efficient grade or will not. General training should occur on a 5-year cycle to stay up to date on any changes.
Familiarization
An operator must be completely familiar with the equipment they wish to use. In-service demonstrations do not count as familiarization. There are additional steps that need to be taken.
Through familiarization, operators will learn:
- Purpose of all controls
- Function of all controls
- Location of manuals
- What safety devices are included in the machinery
- Unit characteristics
- Dimensions of each unit
An operator must be labeled as proficient when operating a specific unit.
Ownership Updates
An operator will need to regularly update records. Updating records will allow the manufacturer to have current information for the operator. This will also allow the manufacturer to send important updates regarding equipment.
There are new requirements for dealers and installers. When a unit changes owners, dealers and installers must notify the manufacturer of the new operators contact information.
The new ANSI A92.2 has an updated term and definition for service entity. The definition is someone whose work is to inspect, test, maintain, or repair mobile equipment or aerial devices.
When handling an active or energized line, operators must use properly insulated devices. Although this is not a new rule or standard, many operators use fiberglass jibs. Fiberglass jibs are not considered insulated by most standards.
Operators should use devices that allow for the most protection. This includes insulated jib inserts or link sticks.
The user is now liable, along with the operator, to be held accountable if something goes wrong while handling live wires.
Within the first 15 years of service, a structural inspection must be performed. 10 years after the initial inspection, another inspection must take place. This inspection includes an in-depth check for structural issues, periodic inspection, and a stability test.
If machinery does not meet standards, it will need to receive necessary repairs before it can be used again.
Stay in the Loop
It is important to stay notified of all news regarding operational equipment. To protect owners, manufacturers, and operators, following the newest standards is the best practice. It is crucial to remain aware of all ANSI changes!
To learn more about industry standards and the best practices to use, contact us today!
Please consult your owner’s manual for your specific directions.
