The new ANSI standards released in December 2018 affect all owners, operators and supervisors of aerial lifts including: booms, scissor lifts and under-bridge inspection machines. The new standards are designed to enhance safety and shift North American equipment standards closer to international standards - allowing companies and equipment manufacturers to be more competitive in the global marketplace.
The new standards place greater responsibility on the equipment user/owner regardless of whether they are a large maintenance operation or a small business that rents a scissor lift, boom lift, etc. for seasonal work. Employers, owners and operators must be in compliance by December 10, 2019.
Don’t get caught off guard. Learn more about the new ANSI A92.22 standards for Safe Use and ANSI A92.24 standards for Training.
The last significant changes to ANSI standards occurred back in 2006. The new, December 2018, updates replace ANSI standards A92.3, A92.5, A92.6 and A92.8. ANSI’s new A92 standards affect training, job site safety and equipment design. There are also new equipment classifications for scissor lifts, boom lifts, stock pickers, etc., and a new class of user: Occupants.
ANSI A92 MEWP Classifications
Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) are now called Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Rather than being classified by the equipment type, machines are now broken up by Groups, then sub-divided into Types.
MEWP Groups
- If a MEWP moves vertically but within the tipping lines, such as a scissor lift, it is classified as Group A.
- If the MEWP can move beyond the tipping lines (outriggers or wheels) it is considered Group B. A boom lift is an example of equipment in Group B.
MEWPS are further classified into Types:
Type 1: The equipment can only be driven with the platform in its stowed position Type 2: The equipment can be driven elevated but is controlled from the chassis Type 3: The equipment can be driven elevated, controlled from the work platform.
ANSI MEWP Classification Examples
- Group A, Type 1 MEWP: JLG 12 or 15 SP Push-Around Stock PickerThe aerial platform never extends beyond the chassis, and the machine may only be moved with the platform retracted.
- Group A, Type 3 MEWP: electric scissor lift or driveable stock picker
Both of these machines fit the description of Group A because the platform never extends beyond the equipment tipping line, and travel can be initiated from the platform.
- Group B, Type 3 MEWP: Boom lifts
The aerial platform extends beyond the wheels and the machine can be moved by the operator while on the elevated work platform.
ANSI Standard A92.22 - Safe Use
All MEWP users, including both full-time owners and companies who occasionally rent aerial equipment, must develop a risk assessment and site safety plan. The plan must be documented and shared with everyone on the work site. 
Risk Assessment
An effective risk assessment and safety plan should:
- Include a description of the job, location and time frame
- Identify risks related to using the MEWP or other equipment, and any hazardous materials
- List which workers have received training
- Include measures to prevent unauthorized use of a MEWP
- Describe safe work procedures and safety measures
- Be completed before work begins
- Used to select the best MEWP for the job
- Shared with everyone on the work site
- Include a rescue plan for workers in the event of a fall or if the MEWP breaks down
Rescue Planning
Rescue planning is one of the new standards worth looking at in greater detail. The rescue plan must include steps to be taken:
- After a fall
- If the platform becomes entangled
- If the machine fails
- The plan must be written down, added to the company training manual, and shared with all workers on the job site.
- Anyone working in or around the MEWP must receive training on what to do if they see someone fall from a MEWP, or if they themselves fall.
- The plan must set a time limit for how long a properly-restrained worker can hang suspend in the air.
- The rescue plan can include options for self-rescue, assisted rescue, or technical rescue (emergency services).
ANSI Standard A92.24 - Training
Documented training remains mandatory for aerial equipment operators. The new standard now requires training for Occupants and Supervisors.Who Are Occupants?
An Occupant is anyone in the MEWP platform who is not an Operator. Under the new standards, Occupants must receive training on fall protection systems and what to do if the Operator can no longer operate the lift.
The Operator is responsible for ensuring every Occupant in the platform knows how to work safely on the MEWP. Lastly, there must be someone on the ground who can act as the Operator and return elevated workers to the ground in the event of an unexpected malfunction or an emergency.
Changes to ANSI Training Standards for Aerial OperatorsAerial lift operators are still required to have documented training such as a certificate of completion or certification card. What’s new? Under the new standards, Operators are responsible for familiarizing themselves with any MEWP they are not familiar with including:
- Reading the operator manual
- Doing a walk-around inspection
- Familiarizing themselves with the controls
- Understanding any limitations of the equipment
To ensure our clients are can use aerial lifts safely, TMH provides training and familiarization to anyone who rents, leases or buys an aerial lift from us.
ANSI Supervisor Training Requirements
According to ANSI A92.24, a Supervisor is, “An entity assigned by the user to monitor operator performance and supervise their work." Basically, someone who directly supervises one or more MEWP operators is considered a Supervisor by ANSI, and anyone who fits this description is now required to have aerial lift safety training. This requirement enables supervisors to reduce liability and improve safety by understanding:
- What type of MEWP is appropriate for the job
- The rules, regulations and standards that apply to MEWPs as defined in ANSI A92.22 including the safety procedures defined in the risk assessment (described above)
- The hazards associated with MEWPs and how to prevent accidents
- Ensuring the operator manual is safely stored, easily accessible and used for inspections.
- Confirm maintenance technicians are trained to inspect and service the MEWP according to manufacturer’s recommendations
Training for Maintenance and Repair Personnel
Maintenance personnel must conduct annual inspections in addition to evaluating any MEWP put into use after being out of service for three months or more. Maintenance personnel must also be trained on any new features load such as the load limit alarm, tilt sensor and wind speed sensor.
New ANSI Standards for Aerial Equipment Design
ANSI A92 includes new requirements for equipment manufacturers. Existing equipment does not need to be retrofitted to meet the new standards. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:
- All new MEWPs must have a gated entrance to the work platform, chains are no longer permitted.
- Some models will have reduced lift and load speeds
- MEWPs used on rough terrain will be required to have foam-filled or solid tires.
- Indoor-only equipment may be developed.
- The minimum height for equipment platform railings will increase from 39 to 43.5 inches.
Load limit, tilt and wind speed sensors
If the safe load limit is exceeded, an alarm will sound and a sensor will prevent normal operation. Similarly, all new equipment will come with a tilt sensor alarm and system to disable boom functions if the machine exceeds its slope limit. MEWPs designed to be used outdoors will utilize a wind-speed sensor to reduce load capacities and enhance safety in windy conditions.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. We can help. For a comprehensive assessment, or one-off questions about ANSI standards, feel free to contact us online or by phone.
Ensure Your Staff and Equipment are Up to Speed
We offer onsite aerial training at your facility using your equipment. Don't delay, aerial equipment owners and operators must be ANSI compliant by December 10, 2019.
East Bay - Livermore (510) 675-0500
Fresno (559) 834-9500
Sacramento (916) 376-0500
Salinas (831) 757-1091
Further Reading
