2.1 Prevention and Control
2.1.1 Site Aerial Work Platform Plan
Each Microsoft location included in the scope of this procedure must develop a Site-specific AWP Plan (Site Plan). The Site Plan must be made available to any personnel potentially affected by the procedure, including employees, external staff, or regulatory agency personnel. The Site Plan must include the following:
Program purpose and scope.
Personnel roles and responsibilities.
Documented procedures to ensure AWPs at the location comply with all federal and state rules and regulations.
Definitions of terms critical to an understanding of the program, or those terms not commonly understood.
General safety rules.
PPE requirements.
Description of hazards and risk assessments.
Training records.
Incident investigations for all accidents, incidents, and near-misses related to the use of AWPs.
2.1.2 Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment is an evaluation of health and safety hazards in a work task and determining the likelihood of personnel injury or property damage resulting from those hazards. These analyses will usually include:
Interviewing supervisors, employees, and external staff.
Observing work practices.
Reviewing supporting documents that may include applicable regulations and guidelines and SOPs.
Conducting air and/or surface sampling, where occupational exposure limits are in question or as otherwise necessary.
Engaging process experts to review the tasks and develop safe work practices for operation and maintenance.
Creating an inventory of AWPs.
The Plan Administrator will provide recommendations of appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, PPE, or corrective action items.
Supervisors must notify the Plan Administrator when:
An AWP Inventory Form is included in Appendix B. For more information on the risk assessment process, consult the Microsoft Exposure Assessment Program.
2.2 General Use Requirements
2.2.1 Aerial Work Platforms
AWPs are provided for the use of employees who need to work at an elevated location inaccessible by other means. AWPs may only be used by employees who have been trained in their safe use, and who have been authorized to use them.
AWPs can be divided in to four broad categories:
Elevated work platforms, which include scissor lifts and vertical towers.
Extensible-boom work platforms (telescopic boom lifts).
Articulating-boom work platforms.
Manlifts.
2.2.2 Manlifts
Belt-driven manlifts are provided for moving quickly between levels in the workplace. These manlifts may only be used by employees who have been trained in their safe use, and who have been authorized to use them.
2.3 Design Specifications
AWPs acquired and utilized in support of work at Microsoft must meet the design and construction requirements outlined by ANSI.
Approved AWPs must bear the label or some other identifying mark indicating approval by the testing laboratory.
AWPs are required to have the following safeguards:
Manufacturer’s operating manual for the specific unit, stored within a weather resistant storage compartment at all times
Operational controls located at the platform and ground levels.
Emergency stop devices located at the platform and ground controls.
Slope warning device set to notify the operator whenever the base of the unit is off level by five degrees or a lesser amount specified by the manufacturer.
The maximum load capacity rating clearly visible on the operator platform.
Proof that required annual and frequent periodic inspections are done.
Operational controls that are “hold-to-run” type with their functions clearly identified.
Manual or auxiliary power system that will allow the platform to be lowered in the event of a loss of primary power.
Manufacturer installed anchor points for the attachment of a personal fall protection harness.
2.3.1 Modifications
OSHA does not permit the modification of an AWP, or creation of a customized attachment without written authorization of the manufacturer.
No modifications or alterations will be made to an AWP that may affect the capacity, stability, or safe operation of the truck without the prior written approval of the original truck manufacturer or its successor thereof.
When the AWP manufacturer or its successor approves a modification or alteration, appropriate changes must be made to capacity plates, decals, tags, and operation and maintenance manuals.
2.4 Hazards Related to the Use of AWPs
The safe operation of AWPs depends on understanding the equipment’s capabilities, limitations, and associated hazards. The Site Plan should address common hazards and establish safe work practices to avoid AWP accidents such as tipping, catapulting, or snagging materials on surrounding objects. Procedures in the Site Plan should ensure operators:
Understand the AWP’s maximum rated load capacity, which includes the weight of personnel plus their tools or materials, and how to stay within that limit.
Do not exceed the maximum rated horizontal force of the platform.
Know the size limitations of materials that can be elevated by the platform and alternative methods for elevating materials that are larger than the platform.
Are able to assess and maintain the stability of the platform.
Utilize proper material tie-down procedures.
Are not permitted to climb on the guardrails or use other pieces of equipment, such as ladders, to achieve greater reach or height.
Only use AWPs as designed, which is limited to elevating personnel and their equipment/materials.
Do not use AWPs to lift or hoist materials hung from the platform to a worksite; the appropriate crane, hoist, or PIT should be used to raise materials.
For more information on equipment designed to move materials, please reference the Microsoft Cranes and Hoist Program or the Microsoft Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Program.
2.4.1 Working at Heights
The use of fall protection is intended to protect workers from the hazards associated with working at heights.
Guardrail systems on AWPs are intended to be used as fall protection not as a leverage point for personnel. They offer no appreciable load bearing ability.
Fall protection is required to be worn by all personnel working from the platform of a boom lift.
Fall protection is not required to be worn while working from the elevated platform of a scissor lift or vertical lift, provided that the worker maintains and stays within the confines of the guardrail system. If the guardrail system is less than adequate or the worker leaves the safety of the work platform, additional fall protection is required.
Only those tie-off points provided by the manufacturer will be used as tie-off points.
The guardrail system cannot be used as a tie-off point.
2.4.2 Overhead Lines
Working on or near energized overhead lines is extremely dangerous and can cause property damage, irreversible injury or illness, and death.
Every effort must be made to de-energize and lockout electrical systems before performing work.
In areas where overhead lines are present and cannot be de-energized, operators must follow the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) of ten (10) feet from any line with a voltage of 50 kV or less.
For lines carrying voltages above 50 kV, add four (4) inches of distance for every 10 kV above 50 kV.
For more information on the MAD, please reference Appendix C. For more information on electrically safe work practices, please reference the Microsoft Electrical Safety Program and Microsoft Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO) Program.
2.4.3 Charging/Fueling
Specific fueling procedures must be established and followed for each type of AWP fuel source.
Fueling safety precautions listed in the manufacturer’s instructions must be observed.
LPG cylinders must be inspected for evidence of damage (e.g., corrosion, gouges, exposure to fire) prior to connecting to the AWP.
A specified fueling area should be established and the area should be free of any ignition sources.
Battery charging areas must be equipped with
A means of flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte.
Fire protection equipment.
Safeguards to protect charging apparatus from damage.
Equipment for moving and installing batteries.
Adequate ventilation to disperse vapors emitted from batteries while charging.
Proper PPE must be worn when fueling AWPs.
2.5 Personal Protective Equipment
PPE selection is the responsibility of the employer and is determined by risk assessment. Areas or tasks may be noted where PPE should be used if engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or do not sufficiently protect the employees from hazards. For more information, please reference the Microsoft Personal Protective Equipment Program.
2.6 Inspections and Maintenance
All AWPs must be maintained in safe operating condition by conducting routine inspections, regularly scheduled maintenance, and timely repairs. Inspections of the equipment are required as follows:
Pre-Use Inspections.
Workplace Inspections.
Periodic Inspections.
Annual Inspections.
All inspections must be documented. Records of inspections must be maintained onsite for review by the Plan Administrator, Microsoft OHS, or regulatory compliance officers.
2.6.1 Daily Pre-Use Inspections
All AWPs are required to be inspected daily before use.
When AWPs are used during multiple shifts during the day, users must conduct inspections prior to the start of each shift where AWPs are used.
Operators should evaluate the condition of the following:
Operating and emergency controls. o Safety devices.
Personal protective devices, including fall protection systems.
Air, hydraulic, and fuel system leaks.
Cables and wiring harnesses.
Loose and missing parts.
Tires and wheels.
Placards, warnings, control markings, and required manuals.
Outriggers, stabilizer, and other structures.
Guardrail systems.
Items specified by the manufacturer.
For operations where AWPs are used by multiple employers, each employer must document their inspections according to the guidelines established in this section.
Noted deficiencies in the equipment should be documented according to the Site Plan and shared with all organizations utilizing the equipment.
Deficiencies that render the equipment inoperable should be reported to the organization responsible for maintenance and the AWP taken out of service immediately until the necessary repairs are made.
A sample Pre-Use Inspection Form has been included in Appendix D.
2.6.2 Workplace Inspections
In addition to pre-use inspections, workplace inspections should also be conducted by the operator prior to use. A workplace inspection includes the following:
Drop-offs or holes.
Bumps and floor/ground obstructions.
Debris.
Overhead obstructions.
Energized power lines.
Hazardous locations.
Ground surface and support conditions.
Pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Evaluating wind and weather conditions.
2.6.3 Periodic Inspections
AWPs are required to be inspected every three (3) months or 150 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
AWPs are required to be inspected before putting an AWP back into service that has been out of service for three (3) months.
These activities should be completed only by a person trained and authorized to maintain, repair, adjust, and inspect the AWPs.
2.6.4 Annual Inspections
AWPs are required to be inspected no later than 13 months after their last annual inspection.
These activities should be completed only by a person trained and authorized to maintain, repair, adjust, and inspect the AWPs.
2.6.5 Maintenance
Operation of AWPs may be hazardous if maintenance is neglected or repairs, rebuilds, or adjustments are not performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s design criteria and inspection process detailed above.
A preventative maintenance schedule should be established and followed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Only trained and authorized persons are permitted to maintain, repair, adjust and inspect AWPs.
Maintenance schedules should be documented as defined in the Site Plan and records kept for review by the Plan Administrator.
For operations where AWPs are used by multiple employers, the Site Plan should document the organization responsible for maintenance.
Maintenance records should be made available to any organization utilizing the equipment.
2.7 Safety Training
Each location must ensure that employees authorized to operate AWPs meet all training requirements listed below.
A copy of the Site Plan should be provided to all external staff, vendors or contractors.
Managers or supervisors must ensure operators of AWPs are competent to operate the equipment safely.
Competency will be demonstrated by the successful completion of the classroom training and evaluation of hands-on training/AWP operation as specified in the Site Plan.
Prior to permitting an employee to operate an AWP, the Plan Administrator will ensure that each operator has successfully completed the required training.
Persons who are engaged in training activities outlined below may operate AWPs under the supervision of an authorized trainer.
Microsoft OHS has defined training to meet regulatory requirements for AWPs. To obtain training, contact Global OHS.
2.7.1 Training Requirements
All training and evaluation must be performed under the direct supervision of an authorized person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence.
The classroom/theory portion of the training should consist of a combination of formal instruction techniques (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material).
Operators must pass a written test as part of their formal instruction in order to become certified.
Practical training consists of demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee. Trainees may then operate AWPs only where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees.
Operators must go through the practical evaluation process for each type of equipment they will be certified to operate.
For more information on required training topics, please reference Appendix E.
2.7.2 Frequency of Training
2.7.3 Certification
The certification should include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.
Operators are expected to retain a copy of their certification card and have it available when working.
Documentation of the operator’s training and evaluation dates, including the trainer’s name, must be maintained.
2.8 Audits
The Site Plan must be audited annually and updated as needed to correct identified deficiencies. Plan Administrators must also review any past incidents that occurred since the previous audit.
Managers and supervisors should be consulted about program improvement opportunities and be involved in implementation of needed compliance improvements. The Site Plan should be updated as needed to reflect compliance improvements resulting from the annual audit.
