512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

22-8. General Requirements.

Turbine Maintenance Platforms (TMPs)

RPE (Registered Professional Engineer) must design or certify TMPs.
The design must support the platform weight plus four times the maximum intended load, and a data plate or documentation with RPE details and design specifics must be onsite.
Testing involves proof testing the platform to 100% of its rated capacity post-fabrication or modification.
For assembly/disassembly, TMPs must be securely attached and stable under anticipated loads, with specific welding requirements and lifting protocols for occupied platforms.

Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) – Mounted Work Platforms

Use only as a last resort, ensuring the manufacturer allows personnel lifting, with necessary specifications and compatibility letters present onsite.
Platforms must be securely attached, with lift and safety mechanisms properly set, and personnel protected during lifting operations.
Operational protocols include keeping the forklift stationary and controls neutral during lifting, ensuring a clear path, and adhering to weight limitations and movement restrictions.

Work Stands (Portable Work Platforms)

Design must adhere to ANSI standards with a maximum working height of 4 feet and a clear load rating displayed.
Employ guardrails or fall protection when necessary, inspect daily, and avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s rated capacity or using improvised stands.

Trestle Ladder Scaffolds

Limit scaffold platform height, ensure ladder stability and compliance with regulations, and avoid bridging scaffolds.
Maintain proper climbing and working practices, avoiding prohibited steps or rungs and ensuring proper ladder use as per manufacturer recommendations.

22-9. Figures and Tables.

See Figures/Tables Checklists/Forms

22-10. Checklists and Forms.

Not Applicable.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

22-10. A turbine maintenance platform must support the platform weight plus _____.

twice the anticipated load

150% of the potential load

four times the maximum intended load

at least twice the actual load

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 22-8 (r.–u.).

22-8. General Requirements. (r.–u.).

r.  Turbine Maintenance Platforms (TMPs).  (22-8.r)

(1)  Design.

(a) TMPs must be designed and/or certified by an RPE.  Existing TMPs must be certified prior to the next use. There is a grace period of 6 months from the effective date of this manual.

(b) TMPs must be designed to support their own weight plus four times the maximum intended load.

(c) A data plate must be attached or the documentation showing the design must be readily available onsite. The RPE must be listed on the drawings and calculations for the platform, not on the data plate. The data plate, when used, must include the following:

(c-1)  Descriptive name indicating intended usage.

(c-2) Assembled weight of TMP.

(c-3) Total maximum live load (pounds).

(c-4) Total maximum distributed live load (pounds per square foot).

(c-5)  Date of fabrication.

(c-6)  Name of fabricator.

(c-7) Any load restrictions or usage limitations.

(d)  If wire rope is used to either support the platform after installation or to raise the platform while occupied, the wire rope must have a safety factor of six.

(e)  Deflections in structural members and structural systems under appropriate service load combinations must not impair the serviceability of the structure.

(f)  If hooks are used to support the platform in its final position, they must be designed with a positive means of securing them to prevent the hooks from being disengaged.

(g) The decking/platform must be designed so that the space between adjacent obstacles or structures and the space between the platform is no more than 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) wide, except where the user can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary.  Where gaps exceed 9.5 inches  (24.1 cm), implement fall protection according to chapter 21.

(h)  Working surfaces must be slip-resistant.

(2)  Testing. Immediately after fabrication and after any modification of the structural members, the platform must be proof tested to 100% of its rated capacity according to paragraph 22-5.e.

(3)  Assembly/Disassembly.

(a) The TMP must be positively attached prior to use.  Platform components must be supported and secured such that each component is stable in all anticipated load conditions.  When attachment points are welded, they must be either welded by an AWS certified welder or a pull test conducted according to RPE specifications.  See chapter 10 for structural welding requirements and qualifications.

(b)  Raising and lowering the platform, when occupied by personnel, will only be done with rated grip hoists or other lifting equipment rated for lifting personnel.  Do not use chain falls to lift personnel unless an independent fall protection system is used. (See chapter 21)

s.  Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) – Mounted Work Platforms.  (22-8.s)

(1)  Do not use forklifts/PITs to support work platforms unless there is no other
    practical method. If a rough terrain (RT) forklift must be used, all the conditions must be met.

(2) The manufacturer must specifically allow the specific machine to lift personnel. Maintain the operator’s manual at the work site on the forklift.

(3)  Maintain the manufacturer’s specifications onsite. These specifications must reference ANSI B56.6.

(a) A data plate may be used in lieu of the manufacturer’s specifications if it references ANSI B56.6.

(b)  If the platform is not manufactured by or for the company that manufactures the forklift, a letter must be obtained from the forklift manufacturer that states the machine is compatible with the platform design. This letter must be kept onsite and a copy provided to the USACE supervisor/KO or COR.

(4)  Securely attach the platform to the lifting carriage and forks.

(5)  Secure the lifting carriage and forks from pivoting forward.

(6)  If the truck is equipped with a rotator, deactivate the rotator.

(7)  Provide personnel protection from moving parts while in their normal working positions.

(8)  Provide overhead protection as necessary for the operating conditions.

(9) The lifting operation must be done smoothly throughout the entire range of the lift.

(10) All lift limiting devices and latches, if so equipped, must be functional.

(11) The operator must verify a firm footing before lifting personnel.

(12) All personnel must use a fall restraint system according to chapter 21 and must maintain a firm footing on the platform at all times.

(13)  Do not tilt the platform forward or rearward.

(14)  Lower the platform to the ground level for personnel to enter and exit.

(15) The operator must remain at the controls whenever personnel are elevated.

(16)  Do not move the forklift horizontally while occupied.

(17) Before elevating personnel, forklift travel controls must be in neutral and the parking brake set.

(18) The operator must verify that the mast or boom travel is vertical and must not operate on a slope unless the RT forklift is level.

(19) The operator must verify that the path of the platform travel is clear of hazards, such as electrical wires, overhead obstructions, scaffolding, storage racks, and other obstacles.

(20) Before elevating personnel, the work area must be marked to warn of work by elevated personnel.

(21) Driving a forklift equipped with a personnel work platform in a raised position or with personnel on the platform is forbidden.

(22) Before raising or lowering the platform, the operator must alert the personnel on the platform and then move the platform smoothly and with caution as requested by the occupants.

(23) The combined weight of the platform, load, and personnel must not exceed one-third of the capacity at the related load center position as indicated on the information plate(s) of the RT forklift truck.

t.  Work Stands (Portable Work Platforms).  (22-8.t)

(1)  Work stands must be designed according to either ANSI A14.2 (aluminum) or ANSI A14.5 (plastic/fiberglass).

(2) The working height of work stands must not exceed 4 feet (1.2 m).

(3) The load rating must be clearly and legibly marked on the work stand.  Do not load the work stand beyond the manufacturer’s rated capacity. The maximum intended load includes the worker and all tools and supplies.

(4)  When work stands are used adjacent to stairs or ramps where a fall to a different level could occur, use guardrails or another other fall protection method.  See chapter 21 for fall protection requirements and options.

(5)  Inspect work stands for visible defects on a daily basis.  Maintain work stands so they remain free of structural damage.

(6)  Do not use job-built work stands.  Do not use sawhorses as work stands.

u.  Trestle Ladder Scaffolds.  (22-8.u)

(1)  Do not place scaffold platforms higher than the second-highest rung or step of the ladder supporting the platform.

(2) All ladders used in step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffolds must:

(a)  Meet or exceed 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L.

Note.  Job-made ladders are not permitted.

(b)  Place, fasten, or equip the ladder to prevent slipping.

(3)  Do not bridge scaffolds one to another.

(4)  Climbing and Working Locations.  Climb or work with the body near the middle of the step or rung.  Climbing higher than the step or rung indicated on the label marking the highest standing level of a ladder.  Do not step or stand on any of the following:

(a) A ladder top cap or the top step of the step or trestle ladder or the bucket or pail shelf of a self-supporting ladder.

(b) The rear braces of a self-supporting ladder, unless designed and recommended for that purpose by the manufacturer.

(d) The top cap or top step of a combination ladder when it is used as a self- supporting ladder.