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Elevators, Lifts, and Hoists >>

Elevating Work Platforms

Elevating work platforms, such as vertical towers and scissor lifts, are designed to raise and to hold a work platform in a substantially vertical axis. 3637

Selected requirements are as follows:

April 2007 Update

Elevating Work Platforms and Aerial Devices

3637, Definitions: Added Mast-Climbing Work Platform: A powered elevating work platform or platforms, supported on one or more vertical masts, for the purpose of positioning personnel, along with necessary tools and materials, to perform their work.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3637.html

3638, General Requirements: Maintenance and operations manuals must be stored in a weather resistant location on the work platform or aerial device. Aerial devices and elevating work platforms must be assembled by a qualified person. If the manufacture is no longer in business and instructions are no longer available, assembly and erection must be done by a qualified individual under the direction of a registered engineer with appropriate experience. Work performed from these devices near energized high voltage lines will be done IAW Article 37 of the High Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (Title 8, Low Voltage Safety Orders for work below 600 volts). http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3638.html

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3638.html

3640, Inspection, Maintenance and Repairs: Additional requirements: Inspection/maintenance/repairs will be done by a qualified person under the direction of a registered engineer if manufacturer’s instructions are not available. Inspection/maintenance records shall be maintained for 3 years. Inspection records must include the date of the inspection, deficiencies found, corrective actions, and the name of the person(s) performing the inspection. Maintenance/repair records must include the date of the repair, a description of the work, and identity of the person/company doing the work.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3640.html

3642, Platform Equipment: Additional requirements for Mast-Climbing Work Platforms: When used by glaziers, bricklayers and stonemasons, the inboard guardrail may be removed if the platform is not more than 7 inches from the face of the structure or fall protection is used. For all other uses, the inboard guardrail may be removed if the inboard edge of the platform is no more than 12 inches from the face of the structure or fall protection is used. Controls will only be located on the platform and one-3A40BC fire extinguisher must be located not closer than 5 feet from the control panel. When fuel-powered equipment is used, the equipment fuel supply is limited to no more than that required for a single shift.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3642.html

3646, Operating Instructions (Elevating Work Platforms): All employees who erect, disassemble, move, operate, use, repair, maintain, or inspect elevating work platforms must be trained by a qualified person in the following: Correct procedures for their assigned duties, nature of hazards (including electrical/fall/falling object hazards) and the procedures to deal with those hazards, safe operation and use of the elevating work platform including proper handling of materials on the platform, and the maximum load capacity based on the platforms installed configuration. Employees must not stand, sit or climb on guardrails, or use ladders or planks to gain extra height. Mast-climbing work platforms are to be used for the positioning of personnel and their equipment, to perform their work. Mast climbers are not intended to be used as construction personnel hoists.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3646.html

A. An operations and instruction manual must be available where the platform is in use. 3638(a)

B. The following must be displayed on each unit:

  1. Safe operation restrictions. 3638(c)(5)
  2. Manufacturer’s name, model, and serial number. 3638(c)(1)
  3. Rated capacity. 3638(c)(2)
  4. Maximum travel height. 3638(c)(3)(A)
  5. Operating instructions. 3638(c)(6)
  6. A statement that the unit is in compliance with listed ANSI standards. 3638(b)

C. Employees must be instructed in proper (safe) use of the platform. 3638(d)

D. The platforms must have guardrails 42 in. ± 3 in. high. When guardrails are lower than 39 in. high, fall protection per 3210(b) is required. 3642(a)

E. The minimum platform width is 16 in. 3642(f)(3)

F. Powered units must be equipped with an emergency lowering means. 3642(c)

G. Powered units must have guarded and plainly marked upper and lower controls. 3642(d)

H. All units must guard rotating and moving parts and pinch and shear points. 3643

I. Devices must be designed to applicable ANSI standards. 3638(b)

Note: Refer to GISO 3646 for additional operation guidelines and requirements.