In this edition we'll be covering the following topics:
- Attention Trainers: New aerial lift standards getting close!
- Ask Bob: Our tech guru addresses a question on the liability of a trainer.
- IVES' 35th Anniversary Sale: Introductory DVDs!
- Our Feature Article: On the Shoulders of Giants. The third of 5 articles on notable figures in IVES' history.
- Last chance to register!
- What's Wrong With This? Photo and answer.
- A selection of interesting articles.
- Man indicted in the forklift-related death of contract worker.
- Answer to What's Your Trainer IQ?
- New testimonials from our clients.
But first, check out all the places we are delivering training this month...
New Aerial Lift Standards Getting Close
View this article as a PowerPoint presentation here!
Those of you that train operators of aerial boomlifts and/or scissor lifts take note, a brand new series of ANSI A92 and CSA B354 standards are coming and will probably be released in the fall/winter of 2016. The titles of these new standards are:
ANSI:
- A92.20 – Establishing Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
- A92.22 – for the Safe Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
- A92.24 – Establishing Training Requirements for the Use, Operation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
This new series or “suite” of standards will unite and replace the following four existing ANSI standards:
- A92.3 – for Manually Propelled Aerial Platforms.
- A92.5 – for Boom-supported Elevating Work Platforms.
- A92.6 – for Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
- A92.8 – for Vehicle-Mounted Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Devices.
At the present time, discussions are still underway as to whether ANSI/SAIA A92.2 – for Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices and A92.7 – for Airline Ground Support Vehicle-Mounted Vertical Lift Devices, will also be incorporated into the new suite, but we will keep you posted on any developments there as they occur.
On the Canadian side of things, the titles of the new standards are:
CSA:
- B354.7 - Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and Test Methods.
- B354.8 - Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Safety Principles, Inspection, Maintenance and Operations.
- B354.9 - Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Operator (Driver) Training.
This series of standards will replace the current:
- B354.1 – for Portable Elevating Work Platforms.
- B354.2 – for Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
- B354.4 – for Boom-Supported Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.
As you can see, the new standards are topic-specific (design, safe use and training) rather than equipment type-specific. They also contain modernized language and information regarding all common Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and better address advancements seen across the industry since the existing versions were originally implemented decades ago. They also address several types of MEWPs under common language which harmonizes much of the respective ANSI/CSA language with each other as well as the international standards, ISO 16368 (Design and Testing) and 18878 (Operator Training).
Following are some of the main changes you can expect to see in these new standards but this is not a complete list by any means. Also, be aware that some of the information is specific to ANSI or CSA while other information is common to both.
- Layout – The new standards are not laid out in separate sections directed toward Owners, Users, Operators, etc. Instead, the various related tasks are identified and the appropriate entity responsible is named. What this means is whoever assumes the tasks associated with a User (for example), takes on the associated responsibilities of the User,
- Terminology – You’ve probably already noticed the abbreviation “MEWPs” as meaning “Mobile Elevating Work Platform” used in this article. This is now the common term used for all types aerial lift devices and you will see it gradually become integrated into our training materials by early 2017.
- Definitions - The definitions throughout the standards have been expanded, revised and harmonized.
- Classifications – A classification system based on the structure and intended use of each MEWP is introduced in the new standards. It is an alphanumeric classification system which, for example classifies an aerial boomlift as a Type 3, Group B (3B) MEWP. Watch for more details on this in later IVES Updates.
- Design and Construction:
- Most MEWPs will need to have with a load sensing system that monitors load weight and disables certain functions if exceeded.
- Additional interlocks, enable devices, guarding and/or time-out systems will be added to prevent prolonged unintentional control activations.
- Function controls will now only be able to be activated one at a time.
- The maximum activation speed of some functions will be limited.
- Chains or ropes (flexible materials) will no longer be acceptable as guardrails at platform entry/exit points.
- Safe Use:
- The standards do not apply to electrically insulated MEWPs.
- MEWPs must have some means of identifying when the most recent annual inspection was performed on them.
- A risk assessment must be completed prior to use of the MEWP.
- A rescue plan for working at height must be in place.
- Enhanced details relative to weather conditions are included.
- Working on public roads is now addressed.
- A non –occupant trained in the emergency use of the lower controls must be on site where MEWPS are used (ANSI only).
- Training:
- Language addressing the mental and physical capabilities of the operator has been added.
- Requirements for Supervisor and Platform Occupant training are now included (ANSI only).
- A new requirement for the user to ensure that operators operate for a sufficient period of time to be proficient after familiarization.
- Repair, maintenance and inspection (not including pre-start inspection) must be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the MEWP manufacturer’s recommendations (new for CSA).
Once again, keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list nor is anything here is set in stone - things could change. Keep an eye on future editions of the IVES Update for follow-up information. We also recommend you acquire a copy of the actual standards as they become available which we will of course announce here in the Update as well.
Ask Bob
Q: My employer is interpreting OSHA regulation to say that the trainer does not need to go to a class to be a trainer and does not have to be recertified every 3 years. Where is it written that I as the trainer can be held responsible in a court of law in the event of an accident?
A: Your question is a great one as it brings up several important and often misunderstood points which I will try my best to clear up here.
First of all your employer’s interpretation is correct in that OSHA does not specifically require equipment trainers to take formal classes to become trainers but it does require the person designated as the trainer to be qualified to do so. OSHA CFR29 1910.178(l)(2)(iii) states: All operator training shall be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence. As you can see, one of the requirements listed in this regulation is “training.” So, although no specific wording exists for formal training to take place, having it sure helps should any doubt arise concerning your credentials as a trainer.
Personally I can’t imagine that a trainer who did not take any formal training to become one would be capable of delivering a compliant training program. That’s just my opinion but ask yourself honestly, would you have known everything you needed to know about delivering and documenting an operator class in compliance with OSHA 1910.178, to say nothing of the instructional and organizational skills required? If you’re anything like the vast majority of would-be trainers out there, probably not.
Speaking to recertification as a trainer, you probably already made the connection that if OSHA does not require formal training or certification then recertification is not required either. However, we (IVES) strongly recommend that you recertify the credentials we issue you in order to stay current and accurate in your operator training. However, please be very clear that this is an IVES recommendation and not an OSHA requirement.
On the matter of liability after a training program, you really have none as a trainer who is training on behalf of your employer. Ultimately, the employer is responsible for everything, even the training you deliver at your workplace. I suppose if you really dropped the ball and didn’t cover something really important and it led to an accident, that could lead to questions about your capabilities as a trainer but you would not be liable, just a bad trainer for which the employer would have to answer. To get completely crazy here, you would have liability if somehow it could be proven that you intentionally misled, misinformed or omitted information knowing that it would lead to an accident, but that would be a criminal matter for the police to deal with, not OSHA.
Remember that you do have liability during your training programs so always keep your trainees under your direct supervision and stop everything if you must leave the training area or divert your attention to other matters.
35th Anniversary Sale: Introductory DVDs
Our "Introduction To" DVDs will be on Sale until July 17. Available in English or Spanish for forklifts, aerial lifts, loaders and excavators.
Order and save 20% on your purchase of any of these DVDs!
Don't wait long, these introductory DVDs are only on sale for a limited time! Order online or call 1-800-643-1144.
On the Shoulders of Giants
In observance of our 35th anniversary year, this feature is one of a series of tributes acknowledging four seminal figures in IVES’ history whose contributions to the company were critical in its creation and continuing success. Colin Ives, Ron Elliott, Brenda Sheen and Grant Mackenzie all provided vital elements to IVES’ recipe for success and it is upon the shoulders of these four giants that the company was built and still stands today.
Brenda Sheen
In 1992 after long term career as a city/municipal administrative employee, Brenda Sheen answered an ad for a “Girl Friday” in a local newspaper. The ad was placed there by Colin Ives whose company, IVES & Associates was growing by leaps and bounds to the point where he needed somebody to mind the store, so to speak, while he was engaged in the business of the company. A Girl Friday was a term commonly used to describe a part time executive assistant but Brenda, the first official employee that Colin hired, became so much more than that.
In the beginning, Brenda efficiently performed the duties commensurate with the job description, taking messages, receiving mail, organizing various items related to the day to day comings and goings within the office, all the while remaining within the limited confines of Colin’s instructions which forbade her from doing anything proactive. This of course grated Brenda as it went against her very nature to simply sit and watch, as it were.
All this changed one day when a panicked client called the office in need of an emergency shipment of training materials. Brenda’s instructions in such cases were to take the client’s contact information and relay it to Colin, who would contact the client and take the order. Knowing that Colin was busy and sensing the urgency of the situation, Brenda decided to ignore her instructions and go with her instincts. She not only took the order but processed and shipped it. A simple act of customer service in Brenda’s mind but it caused a huge shift in Colin’s perception of her and what she was capable of. With that, Brenda’s job description changed and she started down a path that would eventually lead her to places within the company she never imagined she would go.
Brenda became all things to the company, and to Colin. The fierce loyalty, passionate pride and cool efficiency she brought to her work and the company did not go unnoticed by Colin who rewarded Brenda’s ability to run a ship, his ship, as tightly as if it were her own. Brenda became the voice and face of the company to clients calling the office or visiting the IVES booth at trade shows. She managed all the training, organized the calendar, managed the trainers in the field and did whatever needed doing to keep the company moving forward. Perhaps most impressive of all was the style and charm she displayed with clients. She remembered your name and your children’s names and that they played baseball and that you were worried about your sister’s operation and would ask how she was doing and how you were doing. All this she did not because she was told to but because it’s who she was. She did not need to write down these things or have prompts come up on her computer screen to remind her of them, being genuinely personable came to Brenda as naturally as breathing.
In 2001 Colin rewarded Brenda’s contribution with part ownership of the company but it did not suit her and she sold off her interests in 2004. She stayed on as a consultant and company representative for a number of years before calling it a career for good in 2012. Aside from Colin himself, no other employee ever gave as much of themselves to the company than Brenda did. To this day her legacy is the benchmark to which all other are measured. Brenda remains super active today spending her time between family, golf and happily doting over her grandchildren.
Last Chance Programs
There are lots of programs to choose from, but seats are limited!
U.S.A. Programs
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Express Forklift Trainer Jul 11-12
Irving, Texas
Premium Combo Trainer Jul 11-15
Sacramento, California
Express Forklift Trainer Jul 18-19
RT Forklift Trainer Upgrade Jul 20
Salt Lake City, Utah
Premium Combo Trainer Jul 25-29
Kapolei, Hawaii
Premium Combo Trainer Jul 25-29
Las Vegas, Nevada
Premium Forklift Trainer Aug 2-5
Seattle, Washington
Aerial Lifts Trainer Aug 8-10
|
Canadian Programs
Prince George, British Columbia
Express Forklift Trainer Jul 11-12
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Aerial Lifts Trainer Jul 12-14
Trainer Recertification Jul 15
Express Forklift Trainer Jul 25-26
Express Skid Steer Loader Jul 27-28
Excavator Trainer Upgrade Jul 29
Oshawa, Ontario
Premium Combo Trainer Jul 18-22
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Premium Combo Trainer Jul 25-29
|
Register in a program today! Register online or call 1-800-643-1144.
What's Wrong With This?
This month we are sharing a photo from Vertikal.net. Can you spot what's wrong?
Answer to Last Month's WWWT
Last month we shared this photo and asked if you knew what was wrong...
In the photo above the workers are lifting a full extended scissor lift with the platform full extended so they can reach the mast of a boat. It looks as if the scissor lift's tires are simply sitting on the forks. Also, it seems as if the platform's upper guard rails are missing. An excellent example of how NOT to use powered mobile equipment!
Have a photo you'd like to share? Send it to us!
Interesting Articles
- Will criminal prosecutions under the OSH Act become more common?... more
- Stay alert around forklifts... more
- Construction companies represent 60% of OSHA's Severe Violators program... more
- Alert: Elevating Work Platform Crushing Hazard... more
- Two Australian prison escapees use forklift to break out... more
- Telehandler forklift overturns, killing driver... more
- Worker killed in Ontario, company fined $175,000... more
- Traffic cop hospitalized after being hit in head with loader bucket... more
- Worker dies in aerial boomlift crushing incident... more
Man Indicted in the Forklift-related Death of Contract Worker
A Logan County man was indicted Friday in the January forklift death of a contract worker at the Honda R&D Americas facility in Raymond.
A Union County grand jury indicted John P. Hixon, 49, of Bellefontaine, on one count of reckless homicide for the death of Ghouse Gulam, 61, who died Jan. 4 after being struck by a forklift driven by Hixon.
Hixon, who was served a summons, is likely to be arraigned sometime before May 19, said David Phillips, county prosecutor.
Gulam, formerly of Michigan, was crossing a causeway between two buildings at the facility, about five minutes into his shift when the mishap occurred. One other person witnessed part of the accident, said Phillips, who declined to give details.
"This was a well-lit area with stop signs, controlled much like any crosswalk on a public street," said Phillips.
The forklift was carrying a load of trash that might have obscured the driver’s visibility, authorities said at the time. County Coroner David Applegate said the causeway did not have surveillance cameras, and there was no video recording of the accident.
The indictment alleges that Hixon's speed, failure to yield and failure to operate with appropriate lookout all contributed to Gulam's death.
Gulam was taken to Memorial Hospital of Marysville, where he died from a crushed skull shortly after the incident. According to Honda, Gulam was from Livonia, Michigan but had moved to neighboring Delaware County about 40 minutes from the worksite.
Hixon worked for Aetna Integrated Systems, which had a contract to remove waste from the facility. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cleared Aetna and Honda of any safety violations which might have contributed to the death.
Honda officials say they have cooperated with investigators, but offered no details, citing "a pending legal matter."
Source: www.dispatch.com
What's Your Trainer IQ? Answer
Here's the correct answer to last month's Trainer IQ question!
Aerial boomlift platform occupants must wear a personal fall protection harness connected to a suitable anchorage:
a) At all times while in the platform.
b) If the platform is elevated above 6 feet (1.8 m).
c) If the platform is elevated above 10 feet (3 m).
d) At all times while traveling.
Client Testimonials
"Wow! The program is a real eye opener. I would recommend this course to anybody who has to train others in fork truck operations. David, US Forest Service.
"Very good, very in depth compared to programs I have used in the past." Pete, G3 Enterprises.
"I appreciated the overall concern and emphasis on the safety aspect of the program. Very well taught and executed." Jessie, PepsiCo.
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