SAF-T Conference Highlights ANSI A92 Changes

Tony Groat

Tony Groat is the AWPT North American membership development director.

August 8, 2007 • If you didn't get to Long Beach to attend the SAF-T Conference, you missed a great opportunity to learn about many timely issues that directly impact all parties in the aerial lift industry, from manufacturers to operators. Key note speaker Bruce Wilkinson gave an inspiring talk on the need to provide leadership in the industry and to make safety a priority within our companies. One of his many points is that “it's not the message, but the messenger” who will bring meaning to words. If we say one thing and do another, it is unlikely that our people will follow, which makes creating a safe environment in the work place impossible.

One of the topics presented was a review of changes in ANSI A92.3/.5/.6 covering manually propelled, boom supported and self-propelled aerial lifts. These standards define the responsibilities for manufactures, owners, dealers, users, operators, lessees, lessors and brokers. The message in any standard can be perceived as dry and uninspiring, yet these standards are the foundation on which we run our businesses. Not having fluency in our personal responsibilities is an accident waiting to happen, particularly when those responsibilities are defined in the ANSI standards.

At the SAF-T Conference, a detailed comparison between the old and new standards was reviewed. A92.3 (manually propelled) and A92.5 (boom supported) had last been revised 16 and 14 years ago, respectively. As much has changed in the industry during that time, you can imagine that the number of required updates were significant. A92.6 (self-propelled) was updated in 1999, so changes to that standard were not as lengthy. While many updates were minor in nature, there are many that are significant. Let's look at some of those changes:

The following are some new definitions added to the standards:

Anchorage(s): A secure point of attachment to be used with personal fall protection equipment (PFPE).
Familiarization: Providing information regarding the control functions and safety devices for the aerial platform(s) to a qualified person or operator who controls the movement of the aerial platform.
Guardrail System: A vertical barrier primarily intended to protect against personnel falling to lower levels.
Maintenance: The art of upkeep such as inspection, lubrication, refueling, cleaning, adjustment and scheduled parts replacement.
Manual of Responsibilities: A document containing the definitions (Section 3) and the requirements mandated in this Standard for the following entities: Dealers (Owners Section 5); (Section 6); Users (Section 7); Operators (Section 8); Lessors (Section 9); Lessors (Section 10); and Brokers (Section 11).
Operations: Performance of functions of an aerial platform within the scope of its specifications and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the user's work rules and applicable government regulations.
Qualified Person: One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
Rebuild/recondition: The act of disassembly, repair … to the original manufactured specifications.
Remanufacture: The modification of an aerial platform, either by its original manufacturer or another qualified entity, so that the aerial platform will comply with the ANSI standard in effect on the date of the modification is complete.
Repair: The act of restoring to good condition that which has been broken, damaged or worn due to use, abuse, or other reasons.
Should: The word “should” indicates that the rule is a recommendation, the advisability of which depends on the facts of each situation. The word “shall” continues to mean that it is required.
Training: Instructions to enable the trainee to become a qualified person regarding the task to be performed, including knowledge regarding potential hazards.

The following are some of the significant changes to the standard:

Remanufacturers are referenced as responsible parties wherever manufacturers are listed.
Anchorage(s) has expanded details (see new definition).
Familiarization (see new definition) is defined as a separate function from training. It is to occur at time of delivery to a qualified person OR operator of the lift being delivered.
Training is defined as instructions to enable a trainee to become a qualified person.
Dealers shall offer training and shall provide familiarization upon delivery.
Operator training including familiarization and the awareness of ANSI responsibilities has been additionally identified as required for those loading, unloading, inspecting or performing any form of use of an AWP.
Copies of the operating and maintenance manuals shall be provided upon each rental, lease or sale.
The Manual of Responsibilities has been defined and included in requirements for manuals and instructions with each use for sale, lease or rental. The current standard must be supplied on or before the date the standard became effective.
Frequent and Annual inspections have incorporated the manufacturer's instructions as a requirement. All inspections MUST include items defined by the manufacturer.
Maintenance has been expanded to include maintenance, inspection and repair, all in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation.
Record retention has expanded from three years to four. Required records include pre-delivery preparation performed prior to each delivery, frequent and annual inspections, names of persons being trained and familiarized and by whom.
The Minimum Safe Approach Distance (MSAD) diagram and table have been removed and replaced with the requirement that safety related work practices MUST be defined and explained to the operator by a qualified person when working in proximity of electrical hazards as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.333. In particular, the qualified person must direct the operator to maintain the appropriate minimum approach distance (MAD) from energized power lines.

To assist you in becoming aware of the changes in responsibilities, a comparison between the old and new standards presented at the SAF-T conference can be found at www.awpt.org. Read the entire standard to understand and comply with your responsibilities. Awareness and fluency will aid in making jobsite safety a reality.