4.04 – Movable Work Platforms

POLICY

Griffin Properties Ltd. will take all reasonable precautions/measures to ensure all movable work platforms onsite are designed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and OHS Regulation Part 13.

PROCEDURE

General
  1. Each work platform will:
    • a) have safe access provided
    • b) have sufficient strength to bear the load to be placed on it
    • c) be secured against separation from the supporting equipment, structure or surface to which it is attached
  2. Cornice hooks, parapet clamps and thrust-out beams will be secured by tiebacks to a solid anchor on the building or structure.
  3. Tiebacks for cornice hooks, parapet clamps and thrust-out beams will be rigged at right angles to the building face.
  4. The following equipment will be clearly marked with a rated capacity:
    • a) platforms that are suspended from or attached to a crane or hoist
    • b) elevating work platforms
    • c) work platforms that are supported by a lift truck
    • d) swing stages
    • e) interchangeable load bearing components of a suspended work platform system
  5. A work platform will be removed from service until certified safe for use by the manufacturer or a professional engineer if it has:
    • a) been subjected to a sudden drop
    • b) been in contact with exposed energized electrical equipment or conductors
    • c) shows signs of any kind of structural or mechanical damage or substantial wear
Fall Protection
  1. All fall protection systems referred to in this section will be used in accordance with established company procedure. (Fall Protection)
  2. A worker on an elevating work platform will wear a personal fall arrest system secured to a suitable and substantial anchorage point.
  3. Despite subsection (2), a worker on a scissor lift, or on an elevating work platform with similar characteristics to a scissor lift, that is on a firm level surface with no irregularities to cause platform instability, is exempt from wearing a personal fall arrest system, provided that all manufacturer’s guardrails and chains are in place.
  4. If a worker is supported on a work platform suspended by fewer than four suspension lines, the worker will use a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor independent of the work platform and its suspension system.
  5. If a worker is supported on a work platform suspended by four or more suspension lines, the worker will use a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchor on the platform or to an anchor independent of the work platform and its suspension system.
Powered Work Platforms
  1. For each powered work platform in use at a workplace:
    • a) the equipment manufacturer’s operation manual will be available at the workplace or from the rental company supplying the platform
    • b) the equipment manufacturer’s maintenance manual, containing maintenance instructions and replacement part information, will be reasonably available to workers at the workplace
    • c) operated, maintained, and inspected in accordance with established procedure (Mobile Equipment)
  2. If either of the manuals required by subsection (1) are not available, the equipment will not be used until:
    • a) the manual is obtained, or
    • b) written instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment are supplied by a professional engineer
  3. If a portable powered platform is raised and lowered by two or more separately controlled hoists operated by one person on the platform, the controls will be located so that they can be used simultaneously by that person.
  4. A movable work platform with a worker on it will not be transported along the ground unless the platform is a self-propelled elevating work platform and is designed to be moved with the platform elevated
  5. The carrier vehicle or wheels of a movable work platform must be secured against inadvertent movement before a worker occupies the platform.
  6. An elevating work platform, except a vehicle-mounted work platform, will have a warning system consisting of an intermittent horn or flashing light that:
    • a) is automatically activated during any motion of the work platform
    • b) can be seen or heard by other workers in proximity to the work platform
  7. If the safe operation of an elevating work platform requires its carrier vehicle to be on a level surface or level within specified degrees, the platform will be fitted, as the carrier requires, with a device to warn the operator that:
    • a) the carrier is not level, or
    • b) the carrier is outside the permitted degrees from level
  8. The controls for an elevating work platform will:
    • a) be clearly identified to indicate their functions
    • b) be “hold-to-run” (continuous pressure) type that return to the neutral or the stop position when released
    • c) be protected against inadvertent operation
    • d) for each set of controls, be provided with an emergency stop device that is within easy reach of the operator, clearly labeled “STOP,” and coloured red
    • e) include a clearly marked overriding lowering control that will enable a worker at the lower controls to stop and lower the platform in an emergency