22.N Mast Climbing Work Platforms.
22.N.01 Mast Climbing work platforms (MCWPs) must be erected, used, inspected, tested, maintained, and repaired in accordance with ANSI A92.9, the IPAF/SAIA Safe Use Guidelines for Mast Climbing Work Platforms (henceforth referred to as ('IPAF/SAIA') and the manufacturer's recommendations as outlined in the operating manual, henceforth referred to as 'manual'.
22.N.02 A pre-use inspection will be performed prior to erecting the work platform, according to requirements set out in IFPA/SAIA and the operator's manual.
- An overhead inspection will be done to ensure that the MCWP will not come in contact with any obstructions while moving up or down the mast. Special attention will be given to high voltage conductors. Once the voltage of the line(s) is established, the minimum safe approach distance in Table 11-1 will be used.
- An inspection of the ground will be done to ensure that there are no obstacles around the MCWP and in the path of travel (if the unit is on a mobile chassis) such as holes, drop-offs, debris, ditches, or soft fill. For static and mobile units, compaction will be sufficient to support the static and live loads for the configuration. The perimeter around the base of the unit, matching the length and width of the platform area above, must be identified as restricted access by use of danger signs, tape, fences, or other suitable means.
- Daily maintenance and inspections will be performed and documented by a CP per Section 22.B.03. Copies will be maintained on the job site.
22.N.03 Only designated and trained users must operate the MCWP. Training records must be maintained for at least 3 years and maintained on-site. All personnel on the MCWP must be trained per Section 22.N.14 below.
22.N.04 The MCWP will not be raised on uneven or sloped surfaces unless outriggers are used to level the MCWP and the ground is suitable to support the load.
22.N.05 MCWPs must be raised only in accordance with manufacturer's recommended free standing height and outrigger requirement, and loading recommendations. All outriggers must be as per manufacturer's recommendation. The unit must be level before raising the platform (mast should be plumb and level before vertical movement of platform).
Note: Not all Mast Climbing Work Platforms are designed with freestanding capability. Check the machine and manual to see if the machine being operated has a freestanding height.
22.N.06 If the unit is on a powered chassis, the MCWP must be lowered to its lowest position prior to being moved. Additionally, all material and tools must be removed from the platform, the outriggers must be fully extended and open and the jacks must be raised no more than 1 in (2.5 cm) from the ground. When moved into its new working position, the unit must be set up and leveled again before it is elevated. The work platform must remain horizontal within 2 degrees during normal movement of the platform.
22.N.07 A MCWP, with platform elevated or personnel on the platform, must not be driven. The manufacturer's instructions must be followed when moving a MCWP to determine the safe mast height for ground conditions, ground slope, and overhead obstructions.
22.N.08 MCWPs will be properly tied to the building (or structure) according to manufacturer's guidelines unless it is designed to be freestanding. A QP must demonstrate the correct anchoring method based on tensile, shear and torsion forces as advised by the manufacturer and with respect to the strength of the structure to be tied to, following all relevant requirements on installation from the anchor manufacturer's data.
22.N.09 No ladders or structures of any kind will be used to increase the size or working height of platform unless specifically designed by the manufacturer for the intended use and all fall hazards have been controlled.
22.N.10 Access.
- Climbing of braces and guardrails is prohibited. When access ladders, including masts designed as ladders, exceed 20 ft (6 m) in height, positive fall protection must be used.
- All access gates must either close automatically or be electronically interlocked to prevent operation of the MCWP unless they are closed. Chains or ropes must not be used as access gates.
- Prior to use at elevations of 20 ft (6 m) or more, an emergency egress plan will be developed to evacuate workers from a MCWP that gets caught in an elevated position 20 ft or more above the ground. If that plan includes descending the mast, all employees working on the MCWP will be provided fall arrest equipment and will be trained in its use.
22.N.11 The MCWP must not be raised in windy or gusty conditions
- The operation manual must be followed to determine maximum in-service wind speed conditions. A copy of the operator's manual must be available on the job site.
- Loads and forces must be accounted for and followed per manufacturer's instructions.
22.N.12 MCWPs must not be altered or modified in any way, unless approved by the manufacturer, and performed by a QP.
22.N.13 Only authorized personnel (users and operators) must use the MCWP.
22.N.14 Training.
Personnel will be trained and familiarized by a QP (Qualified by either a manufacturer or an Industry recognized training course) before using and/or operating MCWPs. Anyone involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, using, repairing, maintaining or inspecting a MCWP must be trained by a QP to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question. Proof of training must be made readily available on site. Operator training must meet the following:
- All training must be per the ANSI 92.9 standard and IPAF/SAIA guidelines.
- All non-user trained personnel (i.e., building inspectors, consultants, etc.) that may need to be on the MCWPs must have as a minimum, safety/hazard awareness training, and be escorted by a trained user while on the scaffold.
22.N.15 A damaged or malfunctioning machine must not be used. Operation of damaged equipment must be discontinued until the unit is repaired.
22.N.16 MCWPs must be equipped with a permanently installed device on the work platform to switch off the work platform and secure it from unauthorized use.
22.N.17 Planking and decking must follow the guidelines set forth in Section 22.B.15 and 29 CFR 1926.451.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
22-15. What must be completed prior to use when the MCWP will be used at elevations of 20 ft (6 m) or more?
You forgot to answer the question!