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Guideline No. 22: Mobile elevating equipment
This guideline encompasses devices such as scissor lifts, aerial extendable boom platforms, bucket-trucks, cherry pickers, etc. It makes reference to the (Regulation for Industrial Establishments Reg. 851) and the (Regulation for Construction Projects O. Reg. 213/91) and also outlines best practices, procedures and equipment for film and television production.
- The mobile elevating device shall be operated by a competent person (as required by section 51(2) of Reg. 851).
- Equipment should be inspected by each technician prior to use each day as outlined in the operator’s manual for the specific piece of equipment. Inspection should be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions by a worker trained as to the manufacturer’s procedures.
- Technicians operating devices covered by this guideline should consider the job task to be performed and evaluate the job site location for potential hazards. The following should be considered:
- All overhead dangers should be identified, controlled or resolved prior to the commencement of work.
- Equipment operated within specified distances to overhead energized high voltage sources is prohibited by section 188 of O. Reg.
- Ground stability should be tested and confirmed. Equipment should only be operated on a firm level surface capable of withstanding the weight and all forces applied by the machine (with special care taken looking for unseen hazards such as under ground vaults, storage tanks, parking etc.).
- The travel path should be clear of all hazards such as ditches, drop offs, holes, bumps, debris, or any other potential obstructions.
- Wheel chocks should be used when parked on inclined surfaces.
- Gradability should not exceed specifications in the operator’s manual.
- Outriggers or stabilizers should be used in accordance with the operator’s manual.
- The basket or platform should not be loaded or operated beyond its rated maximum weight, height or reach as specified in the operator’s manual.
- Boarding or exiting a mobile elevating device should be accomplished in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Objects or production equipment with the potential of falling from an aerial platform should be secured with an adequate safety lanyard and/or system.
- "Towering" or driving mobile elevating devices in the elevated position is only to be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The Key Grip and/or the operator should resolve all hazards to establish complete control of the work site and a smooth, level path of travel, capable of withstanding the weight and all forces applied by the machine.
- When working a mobile elevating device in areas of vehicular traffic, proper signage should be in place and pay duty officers on set as required.
- Extra caution should be exercised when adding lighting components and hanging areas of material (i.e. black drapes, tarpaulin, silks, etc.) from mobile elevating devices. In such situations, ongoing risk assessments should be performed. Such assessments should be based on safety considerations and may require adjustment due to changing weather conditions (i.e. shift in winds, storms etc.) which could cause potential danger to workers and equipment. Input from the manufacturer or an engineer should be obtained regarding wind loading of tarps or other material that may act as sails, extra weight of lighting and camera cabling hanging off man lift. Ensure that electrical cables do not snag while lifting the unit.
- The operator’s manual should be referenced as to the safe or permissible number of people and equipment working on a mobile elevating device.
Note: S.143 Regulation for Construction Projects O. Reg. 213/91or s.54 of the Regulation for Industrial Establishments Reg. 851 may apply.
Fall protection as it pertains to mobile elevating devices
- Fall protection shall be used when a worker is at risk of being ejected from the platform. The fall protection provided by the guardrail must be augmented by a fall arrest or a travel restraint system attached to the platform or device. A mobile elevating device shall not be moved unless all workers on it are protected against falling by a full body harness or a safety belt attached to specified attachment points on the platform (as per section 148(e) of O. Reg. 213/91).
- While working on a mobile elevating device, you must use an approved harness fall arrest system consisting of a full body harness or 5-point harness with lanyard (as per section 26.1(3) of O. Reg. 213/91).
- The lanyard or strap shall be attached to the boom, basket, or platform prior to operating or elevating any mobile elevating device, as specified in the Operator’s Manual and required by section 148(e) of O. Reg. 213/91.
- Tying off to an adjacent structure or equipment while working from the basket, or platform should not permitted.
- Communication and observation are essential at all times. This includes a two- way walkie-talkie system and hand signal system.
- Personnel should not work from mobile elevating devices when:
- Exposed to extreme weather conditions (thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold) unless provisions have been made to ensure their safety and /or protection.
- Winds exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Personnel should not sit or climb on the guardrail of the basket/platform.
- Personnel should not climb up to an already elevated platform.
- If the operator’s manual is missing and/or any registration decals are not clearly visible, the equipment should be rendered out of service.
- If any function is not working as expected the equipment should be rendered out of service.
- Never exceed the rated workload of the platform as per section 148(a) of O. Reg. 213/91. Section 144(8) of O. Reg. 213/91 requires a sign visible to the operator at its controls indicating the rated working load.
- Do not alter or disconnect or disable any safety device (as per section 28 of OHSA).
- Smoking while near the batteries or fuel supply of any mobile elevating devices is extremely dangerous and may cause an explosion.
This guideline should be read in conjunction with Guideline #21 Working at Heights.
Updated: April 27, 2022
Published: April 27, 2022