Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP)

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OSHA directly cites and relies on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A92.2 standards for much of their lift regulations. As of March 1, 2020, ANSI has updated these standards. This will affect Training, Safety Procedures, and Equipment Design.

Below is a summary of key changes that affect our operations at Stout:

1. All users of MEWPs MUST develop a MEWP Site safety plan before using. Elements include:

  • Defining the work - what tasks, work area, and conditions, needed reach, capacities are in play?

  • MEWP Selection - Select correct size/type of MEWP & attachments.

  • Perform a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

  • Verify Workers are trained for their task (outlined below)

  • Equipment Inspections (outlined below)

  • Preventing unauthorized use - individuals not trained

  • Rescue plan - How to lower worker should equipment malfunction or a fall occur.

2. Training

  • Operator: Trained, tested and certified (from Certified Instructor)

  • Occupant: How to lower lift if operator cannot operate (from trained operator or Supervisor)

  • Supervisor: How to lower lift from chassis & manage the mobile aerial safety plan (from certified instructor or trained operator)

  • Other/Ground Rescue: How to lower lift from chassis /emergency lower (from trained operator or supervisor)

  • All workers: must also be familiarized with each machine (make/model specific) and to the work area (from rental company OR familiarized supervisors)

3. Inspections

  • Daily JHA

  • Daily Equipment Walk-around

  • Dry Run from ground controls before each shift,

  • FREQUENT  inspection from qualified mechanic, trained on specific make and model of lift. (Each lift should have a decal with an inspection log that should be signed off every 3 months)

4. Safe Use Procedures

  • Absolutely NO climbing on rails, even if tied off to structure

  • Only exit lift through the gate

  • Only exit lift at heights if workers pass through the gate and utilize 100% tie off (no climbing over rails)

  • Boom lifts require harness 100%, even if not utilizing the lift function. (i.e. relocating lift around the site)

  • All slide rails, safety chains, gates, and other devices must be in place before a lift can be operated.

  • Materials cannot be placed on the rails of the lift without a manufactured, ANSI approved attachment.

  • Remain at least 10’ away from all power lines

5. Attachments

  • Click HERE to see the Lift Attachment Catalog

6. Additional Resources

  • Click HERE to read the full OSHA regulations