Mobile Elevating Work Platform Training

Mobile Elevating Work Platform Operator Training

Are you ready for an OSHA training audit? If OSHA decides to check your organization’s compliance with the training requirement, will you be ready? Who in your organization is best positioned to be an advocate for safety practices that can help you avoid on-the-job- injuries and OSHA penalties? Read blew to learn more about OSHA’s aerial platform training requirements and how Stowers Rents can help you stay in compliance.

OSHA Training Requirements

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that any person assigned to operate any mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) be trained to use it. That responsibility typically falls on the user of the MEWP, defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as the entity that has control or possession of the equipment. Penalties for non-compliance can be significant.

In 29 CFR 1910.67 (detailed below) OSHA requires that all operators of MEWPs receive training before operating any MEWP but is does not specify the content or standards of that training. ANSI has defined standards for MEWP operator training.

  29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(ii).Only trained persons shall operate an aerial lift.

ANSI A92.24-2018 defines the standards for operator training and retraining, trainee records, and familiarizations before use. These standards provide clarity for organizations that are attempting to comply with the OSHA regulations.

 ANSI Standard A925-2018

Section 6.1 General

Only personnel who have received training in compliance with this Standard regarding the inspection, application, and operation of MEWPs (including recognition and avoiding of hazards associated with their operation) shall be authorized to operate a MEWP.

6.4 User

All users of MEWPs shall either train and familiarize or ensure that personnel whom they authorize as operators, supervisors and occupants have been trained and familiarized in accordance with this standard. Users shall retain records of training in accordance with this Standard.

6.8 Familiarization

Familiarization shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of ANSI/SAIA A92.22, Section 6.2.5 (See below).

6.9 Retraining

6.9.1 The user shall designate a qualified person to monitor, supervise and evaluate operators on a regular basis to ensure their proficiency. Examples of situations when retraining would be necessary include, but are not limited to:

1. expiration of the operator’s valid training period;
2. deterioration of the operator’s performance;
3. the operator’s extended period of time with no operation of a MEWP;
4. the operator’s introduction to new or significantly different MEWP technology;
5. the operator’s involvement in an accident or near miss with the MEWP.

6.9.2 The evaluation will be accomplished through visual observation, at a minimum, which shall be documented for retention by the user.

8.6 Record Retention

The following training records shall be dated and retained by the user for at least the period of time the training is valid, and the familiarization records will be retained for at least four years:

1. name of person(s) trained or retrained and MEWP classifications;
2. name of entity providing the training;
3. name of person(s) delivering the training;
4. name of person(s) receiving familiarization and MEWP make and model;
5. name of person(s) providing familiarization.

ANSI A92.22-2020 6.2.5 Familiarization

6.2.5.1 Prior to user’s authorization of an operator to use a specific model of MEWP, the user shall ensure the operator is familiarized on the following, and as specified by the manufacturer:

1. identification of the location for the manual(s) storage;
2. requirement for confirmation that the required manual(s) specified by the manufacturer are with the MEWP;
3. purpose and function of the controls specific to the model of MEWP to be used;
4. features, limitations and devices; and
5. operating characteristics specific to the model of the MEWP.

HOW STOWERS CAN HELP

Stowers Rents can provide MEWP training for your organization’s operators. Your employees will get complete training that meets ANSI standards and OSHA requirements, including:

1. MEWP classifications and applications
2. Responsibilities of all parties involved with the operation of a MEWP
3. Explanations of tip-over, fall, collision, and electrocution hazards
4. Procedures for dealing with hazards
5. Recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions in the work setting
6. Instructions for the correct operation of the lift (including maximum intended load and load capacity)
7. Demonstrations of the skills and knowledge needed to operate a MEWP before operating it on the job
8. When and how to perform inspections
9. Requirements from the manufacturer of the MEWP
10. Explanation of safe use plans, site risk assessments and rescue planning
11. The requirement for MEWP Supervisor training and occupant instruction

Each operator who completes MEWP operator training from Stowers Rents receives a card showing the type of operator training completed, the MEWP classification(s) used and the date it was completed.

FORKLIFT OPERATOR TRAINING

Stowers Rents can also provide training for your forklift operators. Let us show you how we can help you further reduce your safety risks