Weekly Toolbox Talk: Mobile Equipment Working Platforms – ANSI A92

As you might have heard, the new ANSI Standards regarding mobile equipment working platforms are out and this classifies the equipment into two different groups.

Group A is consisted of MEWPs that move vertically but stay inside the tipping lines. Group B includes all others, such as boom-type MEWPs where the platform extends past the machine’s chassis. In addition, the equipment is grouped into three types.

Type 1 can only be driven in the stowed position, this means you can only move it within the same area for working purposes like framing or hanging rock. It you need to move further then the length of the machine, you need to bring it down and reposition the machine to a new working area. Type 2 can be driven elevated but is controlled from the chassis, and Type 3 can be driven elevated but is controlled from the work platform. The new standards A92.20 (for design), A92.22 (for safe use), and A92.24 (for training) will replace the current standards A92.5 for boom supported platforms and A92.6 for scissor type platforms. Please familiarize yourself with the following key changes:

LOAD SENSING

Machines will actively monitor load and interrupt normal operations by sounding an alarm if overloaded. Users need to be sure no overloading occurs on machines built under A92.20.

STABILITY TESTING

Most rough terrain equipment will only be available with solid tires or foam-filled tires based on the new stability testing guidelines. The A92.20 requires machines to be tested when air-filled tires are deflated.

WIND FORCE REQUIREMENTS

For outdoor use, machines may require increased machine weight for more stability and reduced platform capacities, particularly in scissor lifts and vertical masts.

TILT SENSING REQUIREMENTS

Machines that could previously only operate on level surfaces will be able for use on slopes. These machines will be required to have a tilt sensor alarm and cutout. If the incline surpasses the slope limit, the system will disable boom and drive functions.

ENTRANCE GATES

Flexible devices, such as chains, will no longer be acceptable entrance gates. All new machines would come with a gate. In addition, the toe boards must be on all areas of the platform. Gates and toe boards will replace chains on entrances on electric scissor lifts, vertical masts, and boom lifts.

PLATFORM RAILINGS

The railing height requirement will be raised for small indoor scissor lifts. To fit through standard doorways, taller, folding rails will replace fixed, nonfolding rails on select models.