Experts agree that although aerial work platforms lift workers high off the ground, they are quite safe when used properly by a well-trained operator. The challenge is making sure the operator is properly educated.
Dedication to aerial work platform training and safe use requires a commitment from the entire industry, including equipment owners, dealers and rental companies, equipment users and operators, training and safety professionals, brokers and auction companies, governing bodies, regulators, and insurance companies.
The priority is to make sure that everyone who owns and operates AWP equipment has a clear understanding of the requirements for its safe use. Issues facing the industry include understanding the ANSI standards and OSHA regulations; learning the importance of proper general training and familiarization; eliminating inadequate training and the confusion between general training and familiarization; understanding who is qualified to be a trainer; clarifying rental company or dealer’s responsibilities; and knowing the impact accidents can have on insurance rates.
To increase awareness of best practices, clarify responsibilities, and address the safe use of equipment among AWP users in North America, five groups collaborated to create the Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment. This helpful document, published in 2010, can be downloaded for free from the American Rental Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Associated Equipment Distributors, International Powered Access Federation, and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association websites.
Why train?
The concerns of site owners and general contractors are driving much of the need for training. Some sites are now requiring lift operators to show proof of training and familiarization before they are allowed to use the equipment, and this requirement only continues to grow. Also, OSHA is focusing more on fall hazards, including falls from aerial work platforms. It’s important to remember that OSHA holds employers responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace.
There is no question that aerial work platforms are extremely safe, particularly when compared to ladders. However, there is still the possibility of an accident, especially when operators have not been properly trained and familiarized with a machine.
Training and familiarization reduce the risk. We need skilled operators who are trained and have some experience operating a particular machine to improve job efficiency, avoid downtime, comply with the site’s safety requirements, and avoid injuries, property damage, bad press, and litigation.
Operator errors can cause accidents, resulting in insurance claims and lawsuits. The main objective for the industry is to prevent accidents. According to the American Rental Association, injuries from aerial work platform accidents are the most expensive ARA Insurance Services claims. Based on its clients’ claims, ARA Insurance says that only 1 percent of all the accidents it covers involve aerial work platforms, but that those accidents make up 8% of the claim severity. When an accident involves an aerial platform, there’s a good possibility it will be expensive because of worker injuries and equipment or property damage.
In the event of an accident, the potential for litigation is high. If you have an accident involving aerial equipment, attorneys are usually close behind. Individuals will look for any party to hold responsible—even third-party vendors. For companies that have never had an accident, the first brush with litigation can be a rude awakening.
Even if there isn’t an accident and OSHA only issues a citation, the employer of the workers exposed to hazards on the site will receive the citation. For example, if an employee is caught standing on the guardrail of a scissor lift—even if he is not operating the machine—the employer will be issued the citation, not the worker on the guardrail.
General training vs. familiarization
Complete training for aerial work platform operators must include general training and familiarization. General training focuses on skills and knowledge about a type of aerial platform; familiarization is specific to the particular unit the operator will be using.
General training includes lecturing and coaching, discussions and testing, question and answer sessions, review of case studies, and similar activities. It typically covers the ANSI standards and the equipment manufacturer’s information about safe use and hazards.
The OSHA regulation says that users and operators have to be aware of the hazards when operating the equipment. That information is covered in a classroom session, and the classroom session can vary between four and six hours, depending on how much equipment operators are being trained on. While training classes cover many of the topics in the operator’s manual, the manufacturer and ANSI require the operator to read and understand the manual. Models may even change midyear, so it is important to read the operating manual for each machine.
Familiarization, or hands-on training, involves going out to the equipment and making the operator familiar with the machine. ANSI identifies four topics that must be covered during familiarization. First, show where the weatherproof storage box for the operator’s manual is located. Second, make sure the correct manuals are in the box and the operator knows he or she must read, understand, and implement the guidelines in the manuals. Third, go over the lift’s ground and platform controls so the operator understands exactly how the lift operates. Finally, the operator must understand the specific safety devices on the unit. Familiarization also includes watching the operator demonstrate that he or she can run the equipment properly.
General training, familiarization, and observation are all needed for a complete training program.
Trainer traits and qualifications
OSHA and ANSI define a qualified person as one who, by possession of a recognized degree,certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project. The key phrase is “successfully demonstrated.”
If someone has, over a period of time, successfully demonstrated they can train people on aerial work platform safety and operation, then that person is qualified to be a trainer.
Attributes of a good trainer are having the skills and knowledge of the standards and regulations, equipment, operator safety manual, warning decals and placards, potential hazards, and guidelines for proper and improper use and application of the equipment. Train-the-trainer classes make this information available, as does reading the operator’s manuals and becoming familiar with what’s in the operator’s manuals prior to teaching on the equipment.
Personality qualities vital to being a good trainer include concern for the welfare of others, willingness to serve as a safety advocate, empathy toward trainees, and being intuitive and perceptive with people. The trainer needs to be able to read the audience and adjust his or her methods to make sure all trainees are engaged in the learning. Also, trainers must work confidently and honestly.
Shared responsibility
ANSI defines the responsibilities for everyone involved with aerial lift training.
The equipment manufacturer must provide manuals, as well as develop and offer training and training materials. All major manufacturers of aerial work platforms supply training materials for their equipment and offer train-the-trainer programs that comply with both the ISO and the ANSI standards. Dealers and rental companies are required to offer training by providing it or by directing customers to a professional or organization that does.
Dealers are also responsible for basic principles, such as manuals, pre-delivery preparation, maintenance and upkeep, inspection and repair, maintenance and safety precautions, replacement parts, training, and familiarization upon delivery. They must keep records of repairs and training, as well as control any modifications made to machines. Dealers have to retain records for at least four years. The records must include the name and address of the purchaser of the equipment, an account of pre-delivery preparation performed prior to each delivery, records of frequent and annual machine inspections accomplished, and a register of repairs.
Training records must include the name and date of the persons trained, and the names of those familiarized on the lift upon delivery.
Employers are obligated to have all operators of aerial work platforms properly trained and familiarized. Ideally, they’d want to have a qualified trainer on staff and include training as part of employee development. This is a great idea because those trainers will know the hazards their operators are exposed to and will be better able train the company’s own employees than would someone coming from the outside. Operators are responsible for receiving training and complying with safe operating practices.
Again, dedication to proper training and the safe use of aerial work platforms requires commitment from the entire industry. Working together, we can make it happen.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
