Today, we’re going to talk about powered platform safety. We’ll focus on the hazards associated with working on powered platforms and the precautions you need to take to prevent falls and other accidents. We’ll also discuss design safety features and emergency procedures.

All this information is vital to your safety when you’re working on a powered platform. It’s not exaggerating to say that what you learn today could save your life someday.

Session Objectives

The main objective of this session is to talk about powered platform safety features and procedures. By the time this session is over, you should be able to:

• Identify powered platform components;
• Recognize platform safety features;
• Understand inspection requirements;
• Use personal fall arrest systems properly;
• Follow safe work practices; and
• Act effectively in an emergency.

Building Owner Certification

• Building owners must certify that powered platforms meet OSHA design and safety standards. New installations must meet OSHA’s requirements for system loads, building components, hoisting and supporting equipment, stability factors and equipment, platform and support equipment, maximum horizontal movement for the carriage and davits, and electrical wiring and equipment.
• Building owners must also ensure and certify that powered platforms have been tested, inspected, and maintained according to OSHA standards.
• Finally, we can’t allow you to use a powered platform to perform your work until we receive assurance and certification from the building owner that the platform is safe to use.

Suspension Systems

One of the most important parts of any powered platform is, of course, the suspension system. There are different suspension methods you should be aware of.

• Transportable outriggers are moveable devices used for suspending a platform from work, storage, and rigging locations on the building. Transportable outriggers are tied down to an anchorage on the building while in use. They must be able to withstand at least four times their hoist’s rated load.
• Davits are also used to suspend work platforms on the building and to suspend or lower equipment. Davits can be either ground or roof rigged. Davits must be designed to prevent the platform from overturning. Davits must be locked to their socket or base before being used to suspend a platform.
• And, carriages are wheeled vehicles used for the horizontal movement and support of other equipment such as powered platforms. Carriage horizontal speed may not exceed 50 feet per minute. Structural stops or curbs must be installed to prevent traversing of the carriage beyond design limits. A brake and lock system that prevents unintentional traversing must also be installed.

Think about the suspension systems of the powered platforms you use.

Stabilization Systems

Stabilization systems are also essential for safety.

• Continuous stabilization systems use tie-in guides such as indented mullions, T-rails, or equivalent guides.
• Intermittent stabilization systems the suspension wire ropes are secured to regularly spaced building anchors. These anchors prevent horizontal movement and keep the platform pressed against the building.
• Button-guided stabilized systems have side tracks that you can easily use and get in and out of the storage position. These guide tracks are on the platform and interact with guide buttons located horizontally on the building. Each track must engage at least two buttons when traveling.
• Angled roping stabilization systems cause the platform to press against the building, and the platform must have building face rollers to use this system. This system can only be used if the platform is not suspended more than 130 feet above a safe working surface.
• Finally, alternative stabilization can be used only if a registered professional engineer designs the building and equipment and can demonstrate that the proposed stabilization method is safe.

Think about stabilization systems of the powered platforms you use.

Hoisting Machines

The raising and lowering of suspended equipment can only be done by hoisting machines—not by manual systems. Hoisting machines that raise and lower platform equipment must be powered by air, electricity, or hydraulics and must also have a number of safety features.

• Hoisting machines must have a primary brake that is directly connected to the drive train. The primary brake is used during normal operations.
• Hoisting machines must also have at least one secondary brake for a back-up to the primary brake in an emergency. The secondary brake must be able to stop and hold the platform within a vertical travel distance of 24 inches.
• Hoisting machines must be designed to handle at least 125 percent of the powered platform’s rated load.
• The hoisting machine must be able to stop any overspeed descent of its load. If the primary brake fails, the secondary brake must be able to detect that the platform is descending too quickly and then engage in order to stop the overspeed descent.
• Finally, hoisting machines have some machinery-related hazards such as powered rollers and pinch points. Therefore, these moving parts must be enclosed or guarded in order to protect you from the hazards.

Platform Installation

Platform installation includes the storage home of the powered platform as well as the primary entrance and exit point to the platform. The platform installation might be located on the ground, the roof, or another safe working surface. The platform installation will also typically be the home of the hoisting machine, suspension system, and main electrical or other platform power system.

• The platform installation must be designed so that there is enough room to safely access the platform, hoisting machine, and other systems for easy inspections and maintenance.
• Platform installations on the roof must have a protective perimeter guardrail system to protect people performing inspections and maintenance, and when entering or exiting the powered platform. Gates on the platform loading area must be self-closing or interlocked.
• OSHA does not permit sharing the platform’s electrical circuit with tools used on the platform or with an emergency power system. The platform system must have a separate electrical system.
• And, the platform installation must have an easy-to-reach power disconnect switch that can be locked “on” or “off.” The switch must be locked in the “on” position when the platform is in use to prevent someone from accidentally switching the platform off while you’re on it.

Load Capacity Design

OSHA requires powered platform system parts such as the platform, outrigger, hoisting machines, and so on to meet strict safety standards. For example:

• OSHA requires each component—except ropes and guardrail systems—to be able to handle at least four times its maximum intended load of people, tools, and so forth—plus the forces of anticipated weather conditions.
• Platform components must also be able to hold at least 250 pounds per intended platform occupant.
• Components must additionally be able to withstand 50 miles per hour (mph) winds when in service and 100 mph winds when not in service.
• All connections associated with powered platforms must be self-locking or otherwise be able to handle vibration so that they won’t come loose during operation.
• Remember, you’ll find load limits and system capacity on the load rating plate, which should be in a visible location on the powered platform. Sometimes each component will have its own rating plate. So make sure you are looking at the rating plate for the overall platform system.

Platform Safety Features

Now let’s look at some safety features of the platforms themselves.

• To begin with, platforms must be at least 2 feet wide to give you and your co-workers enough room to work around one another and to work with tools.
• Platforms also have to have slip-resistant floors. The floors can’t have openings large enough to allow any objects to fall through either.
• Every platform must have a fire extinguisher mounted so that it’s accessible. And you need to know how to use a fire extinguisher effectively to put out any fires on the platform.
• Finally, tool and material storage is another important safety issue on powered platforms. Be sure to keep tools and materials off the floor so that they don’t create tripping hazards.

Platform Safety Features (cont.)

• Operating controls are located on the platform so that you easily control the platform. Controls are of the continuous pressure type so that when you release the control, the platform stops automatically. The controls are also weatherproof. And there are emergency stops on each end of the platform to interrupt the power to the hoist motor and prevent the platform from moving any farther up or down until the emergency stop is disengaged.
• Platforms must have maximum rated speeds of no more than 50 feet per minute for single speed hoists and a maximum of 75 feet per minute for multispeed hoists.
• Powered platforms are also designed so that you can get on and off safely if the platform can’t land directly on a safe surface. For example, access might include stairs, ladders, platforms, runways, and so on. Guardrails are provided if the access way is 4 feet or more above a safe surface.
• Finally, a vertical lifeline must be provided for each person on a powered platform to protect against falls.

Think about the powered platform features you rely on for safety.

Guardrails

Guardrails are another important safety feature to protect against falls.

• All powered platforms must be equipped with guardrails.
• Roof areas and access ways are also protected by guardrails.
• Top rails must be at least 38 inches high and be able to withstand 200 pounds of vertical force.
• Midrails are located midway between the top rail and the working surface. Midrails must be able to withstand 75 pounds of horizontal force.
• And, toe boards must be 4 inches tall above the working surface. They must be made of solid material and be able to withstand 100 pounds of horizontal force.

Safety Features: Multiple Choice

Now let’s test your knowledge of powered platform safety features with some questions.

1. What information is on the load rating plate of a powered platform?

Is it A—the manufacturer information, B—the load limit, or C— the type of fuel used?

The correct answer is B—load limit.

2. Where are the emergency stops located?

Is it A—at either end of the platform, B—on the floor of the platform, or C—on the rails?

The correct answer is A, the emergency stops are located at either end of the platform.

3. How many vertical lifelines must be provided on a platform?

Is it A—a maximum of four, B—one for each worker on the platform, or C—at least two?

The correct answer is B—there must be one vertical lifeline for each worker on the platform.

Safety Features

Now it’s time to ask yourself if you understand the information presented in the previous slides. Do you understand what we’ve discussed about:

• Suspension and stabilization systems?
• Hoisting machines?
• Platform installations?
• Load capacity and design?
• Platform safety features?

Equipment Inspections

Before equipment can be used and after any alteration, the building owner must make sure that the platform is tested and inspected, as we said earlier. The owner must also keep certified records of those inspections, including the inspection date and inspector’s signature.

• Inspections must be conducted by a competent person who is able to identify hazards and who has the authority to correct them. The required inspection schedule is as follows:

– Daily visual inspections should be conducted before you use a powered platform.

– A thorough wire rope inspection as well as general maintenance inspection should be done monthly. This inspection should ensure that all parts affecting safe operation are in proper working order.

– Annual inspections are also required and should include a thorough check of building support structures, control system, and operating parts.

– The entire powered platform system must be thoroughly checked for defects after any incident that could harm its integrity.

• In addition, be sure that certified records are kept after each inspection.

In the next three slides, we’ll look at annual, monthly, and daily inspections in more detail.

Annual Inspections

During an annual inspection, the inspector will look for any safety hazards in any part of the platform system.

• All building support structures will be inspected, including outriggers, davits, stabilization systems, fall protection anchor points, and so on. The inspector will be looking for any signs of wear or damage.
• All platform components will also be inspected to check that the floor, railings, toe boards, access ways, and so on are all in safe operating condition.
• Hoist machines and control systems will also be carefully checked to make sure they’re operating properly. Brakes and emergency stop controls will also be inspected.
• Finally, the inspector will also be taking a close look at any parts subject to wear—for example, wire ropes, bearings, gears, governors, and so forth. If any signs of wear are discovered, the parts will be replaced.

Wire Suspension Rope Inspections

A competent person must also conduct a thorough wire suspension rope inspection every month and maintain records of the inspections. A visual inspection of wire ropes should also be conducted before each use of a powered platform. We’ll talk more about daily inspections in the next slide. For now let’s stick to the monthly inspection. Because wire ropes perform the essential job of holding the platform and the people on it, this inspection is very important.

Wire ropes must be removed and replaced whenever an inspection—daily visual inspection or monthly inspection—gives any indication that they might not be able to do their job. Wire ropes should be removed and replaced if any of these conditions occur:

• Distortion in the wire rope, such as as crushing or kinking;
• Evidence of heat damage;
• Deterioration from corrosion;
• Noticeable rusting or pitting; or
• More than one broken wire—for example, three wires in one strand or six wires in one rope lay. A single broken wire within 18 inches of the end attachments also requires replacement.

Daily Inspections

• You should conduct daily visual inspections of the powered platforms you operate before each use. Learn to recognize the different parts of the platform system and their key safety elements so that you know what you’re looking for and why. Daily visual inspections are your opportunity to identify potential hazards so that they can be corrected.
• Report anything that’s missing, damaged, or not quite right.
• Check to make sure that brakes operate properly. Test them before each day’s use, or do a visual check to make sure they operate freely.
• Before lowering the platform below the top elevation, test the hoist in the lifting direction to make sure the lifting capacity is sufficient to raise you and your co-workers back to the boarding level.
• Test all operating controls and emergency stop controls before each use, too, to make sure they’re operating correctly.
• And then take another look and check for any obvious signs of wear or damage. Check the platform, guardrails, fill protection anchor points, access ways, stabilization guides, and so forth.

Think about what you need to include in your daily visual inspection.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

When inspecting or working on a powered platform, you must always wear a personal fall arrest system. A fall arrest system can save your life if you fall, so it’s absolutely essential for safety.

• Attach the lanyard, or lifeline, to the D-ring located on the back of the safety harness. Do not attach the lanyard to any other D-ring on the harness when using it for fall protection.
• Each person on the platform should attach to his or her own vertical or horizontal lifeline. Do not use the same lifeline as a co-worker. If you did, and the co-worker fell, you’d probably fall, too.
• Stay tied-off or attached at all times. Never disconnect your harness from the lanyard for even a moment. Identify anchor points in advance and practice attaching the lanyard to the anchor point. Do not use a lifeline that has a knot in it. Do not rope around an H or I beam—use a webbing lanyard. And do not tie-off around rough or sharp edges.
• And, always check your potential fall path to make sure you have enough room to safely fall 6 feet without hitting an obstruction. Find another tie-off point if there is the potential for striking an obstruction.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (cont.)

You should also take care to protect your lanyard and harness from damage that could be caused by the work being done on platforms, such as welding, grinding, chemical cleaning, or sand blasting.

• Of course, inspect your harness and lanyard daily for cuts, tears, abrasion, mold, signs of overstretching, distorted snap hooks, faulty snap hook springs, or other signs of damage and deterioration.
• Don’t use defective or damaged personal fall arrest systems. Replace them with a new lanyard or harness—or both. And make sure nobody else uses the defective equipment.
• Make sure you know how to use your fall arrest system correctly.
• And, make sure you are prepared to help a co-worker who has fallen and is suspended by his or her personal fall arrest system.

Think about all the steps you must take to use your personal fall arrest system safely.

Safe Work Practices

Now let’s talk about safe work practices.

• First of all, don’t overload platforms with people or tools. Stay within the limits described on the load rating plate.
• Don’t work on a platform if the floor is covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material.
• Don’t carry flammable liquids on platforms under any circumstance. A flammable liquid fire could injure you and co-workers as well as damage platform components and cause the platform to fall.
• Don’t operate platforms in bad weather conditions such as high winds, snowstorms, thunderstorms, or other dangerous conditions.
• Do protect platforms, wire ropes, and lifelines from corrosives or heat-producing processes. Once exposed to heat-producing processes, the platform and platform components are considered permanently damaged and cannot be used. Corrosives must be neutralized and washed down.
• Remember, don’t operate platforms in bad weather conditions, such as high winds, snowstorms, thunderstorms, or other dangerous conditions.

Safe Work Practices (cont.)

• Also, be sure to mount a wind-measuring anemometer outside platform installations. If the wind is 25 miles per hour or more, do not use the platform except to move it from an operating position to storage.
• Don’t let tools, materials, and debris accumulate on the platform and become tripping hazards. Also, items are more likely to be accidentally kicked over the edge of the toe board if they have accumulated on top of one another.
• Make sure the stabilizer ties that connect your suspension rope to the building anchor won’t get tangled in platform machinery or get in your way when you walk across the platform.
• Stay in voice communication with someone inside the building while you’re on the platform.
• And finally, lock the power disconnect switch to the “on” position so that no one can turn off your power while you’re suspended on the platform.

Think about the safe work practices you use to prevent accidents on powered platforms.

Emergency Plans

• We have a written emergency plan for each platform you use, and we are required to train you in emergency procedures involving work on a powered platform as well as emergencies within the building. You must know how to respond to a platform emergency such as a power failure or equipment failure.
• Emergency electrical operating devices are provided for roof powered platforms. These are usually located near the hoisting machines in a secured compartment. An implement to open the compartment is usually located in a “break-glass” receptacle. Instructions for using the emergency electrical operating device are inside the compartment. Make sure you know where to find these devices and how to use them in an emergency.
• You also need to understand how emergency rescue operations will be carried out in different circumstances. For example, you should know the rescue procedures to use when someone falls off the platform and is suspended by a personal fall arrest system.
• And, our emergency plans also describe communication methods, such as phones or radios to be used during emergencies.

Emergency Plans (cont.)

You also need to know how to report emergencies.

• It may be as simple as communicating on the phone with someone inside the building or it may involve the activation of an alarm system. You should also be able to recognize emergency alarms within the building, such as alarms for fire and evacuation.
• And, of course, no emergency plan would be complete without evacuation procedures. You must therefore know how to evacuate the platform and building for emergencies such as fires. Usually, this means descending or ascending to the nearest safe platform exit point and then following the building’s emergency escape routes.

Are you familiar with the emergency plans for the powered platforms you work on? You should be.

Safety Procedures: True or False?

1. Now let’s review the information about platform safety procedures presented in the previous slides with a quick true or false quiz. Ready?

• Platforms need only be inspected once a year. True or false?

[PAUSE] The correct answer is false. Platforms should also be inspected monthly and given a daily visual check.

• You shouldn’t work on a platform with a slippery floor. True or false?

[PAUSE] The correct answer is true. Don’t use a platform if the floor is covered with snow, ice, or another slippery material.

• It’s safe to carry flammable liquids on platforms if there’s a fire extinguisher.

[PAUSE] The correct answer is false. Never carry flammable liquids onto a platform under any circumstance.

• You should maintain voice communication with someone in the building while working on a powered platform. True or false?

[PAUSE] The correct answer is true.

How did you do? Did you get all the answers right?

Safety Procedures

Do you understand all of the information presented in the previous slides? Do you understand:

• Inspection requirements and procedures?
• Proper use of personal fall arrest systems?
• Safe work practices?
• Emergency procedures?

All of this information is vital to your safety. Something you learned here could save your life or the life of a co-worker someday.

Now let’s conclude the session with some key points to remember.

Key Points to Remember

Slide Show Notes Here are the main points to remember from this session on powered platform safety:

• Learn about powered platform hazards and safety features;
• Inspect equipment before each use;
• Follow safe work practices;
• Use the personal fall arrest system; and
• Learn emergency procedures.

This concludes the powered platform safety training session.