Write a safe work procedure for jumpers in the elevator industry

Safe Work Procedure: Elevator Jumpers

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements and procedures for elevator "jumpers," which involves temporarily bypassing elevator safety circuits to move the elevator car for inspection, maintenance, or troubleshooting purposes. This procedure applies to qualified elevator mechanics and technicians who have received specific training and authorization to perform this task. It is essential to follow this procedure to prevent serious injury or death. This SWP does not cover procedures for normal elevator operation or repair activities that do not involve bypassing safety circuits.

2. Definitions

Elevator Jumper: A device or tool used to temporarily bypass an elevator's safety circuit to allow movement of the car for inspection, maintenance, or troubleshooting N/A.

Qualified Elevator Mechanic/Technician: An individual who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform elevator work safely, and who has received specific training on the use of elevator jumpers N/A.

Safety Circuit: A series of interconnected safety devices and switches that monitor the safe operation of the elevator and prevent movement of the car if any unsafe condition is detected N/A.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that only qualified elevator mechanics/technicians are assigned to perform elevator jumper tasks N/A.
Provide appropriate training and resources to workers N/A.
Ensure that a pre-job briefing is conducted before starting any work involving elevator jumpers N/A.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided during training and pre-job briefings N/A.
Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition N/A.
Immediately report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor N/A.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of safe work procedures related to elevator work N/A.
Conduct periodic inspections of elevator work areas to ensure compliance with safety procedures N/A.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to elevator work and recommend corrective actions N/A.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical shock	Electrocution, burns	De-energize and lockout/tagout the elevator power supply before working on electrical components. Use insulated tools and equipment. Verify the absence of voltage before touching any electrical parts.
Uncontrolled elevator movement	Crushing, amputation, falls	Ensure all safety circuits are functioning correctly before bypassing any safety devices. Use properly rated jumpers and follow approved procedures. Have a second qualified person present to monitor elevator movement.
Falls from height	Serious injury, death	Use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, when working at heights. Ensure that the elevator car is properly secured before working on top of the car.
Struck by moving parts	Bruises, fractures, head injuries	Be aware of moving parts and maintain a safe distance. Use caution when working near the elevator drive and control systems.
Entrapment	Suffocation, crushing	Ensure that there are clear communication protocols and emergency procedures in place. Have a second qualified person present to assist in case of an emergency.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the job N/A.

Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts N/A.
Safety glasses - Protects eyes from dust, debris, and other particles N/A.
Safety shoes - Provides protection against foot injuries from impacts and punctures N/A.
Insulated gloves - Protects against electrical shock when working with electrical components N/A.
Fall protection harness - Prevents falls from height when working on top of the elevator car or in the hoistway N/A.

Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately N/A.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper equipment and tools for the job N/A.

Elevator jumpers - Used to temporarily bypass safety circuits (must be properly rated and insulated) N/A.
Multimeter - Used to verify the absence of voltage and test electrical circuits N/A.
Lockout/tagout devices - Used to de-energize and isolate the elevator power supply N/A</n-A.
Hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches) - Used for various mechanical and electrical tasks N/A.
Fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard, lifeline) - Used to prevent falls from height N/A.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service N/A.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All elevator mechanics/technicians must have completed a recognized elevator apprenticeship program or equivalent training N/A.
Workers must be trained to perform self rescue on the equipment and personal protective equipment [1].
Workers must receive specific training on the use of elevator jumpers, including the hazards involved and the proper procedures to follow N/A.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety procedures N/A.
Review the specific steps involved in the elevator jumper procedure and ensure everyone understands their role N/A.
Identify any potential hazards or unusual conditions that may be encountered during the work N/A.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure that the elevator hoistway and machine room are properly illuminated N/A.
Barricade the elevator entrances on all floors to prevent unauthorized access N/A.
Place warning signs at each entrance indicating that elevator work is in progress N/A.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 De-energize and Lockout/Tagout

De-energize the elevator power supply at the main disconnect switch N/A.
Verify that all controls are in the proper starting position and that all personnel are in the clear [2].
Apply lockout/tagout devices to the disconnect switch to prevent accidental re-energization N/A.
Verify the absence of voltage using a multimeter before proceeding with any work N/A.

8.2 Bypassing Safety Circuits

Identify the specific safety circuit(s) that need to be bypassed for the task at hand N/A.
Use properly rated and insulated elevator jumpers to temporarily bypass the safety circuit(s) N/A.
Ensure that the jumpers are securely connected and cannot be accidentally dislodged N/A.

8.3 Elevator Movement and Monitoring

With the safety circuit(s) bypassed, carefully move the elevator car as needed for inspection, maintenance, or troubleshooting N/A.
Have a second qualified person present to monitor the elevator movement and ensure that it remains under control N/A.
Use clear communication protocols to coordinate elevator movement and prevent accidents N/A.

8.4 Restoring Safety Circuits

Once the work is completed, remove the elevator jumpers and restore the safety circuits to their normal operating condition N/A.
Verify that all safety devices and switches are functioning correctly N/A.
Remove the lockout/tagout devices from the disconnect switch and re-energize the elevator power supply N/A.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never bypass safety circuits without proper training and authorization N/A.
Always use properly rated and insulated elevator jumpers N/A.
Ensure that a second qualified person is present to monitor elevator movement N/A.
Follow all lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental re-energization N/A.
Be aware of moving parts and maintain a safe distance N/A.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop all work and assess the situation N/A.
Evacuate the area if necessary and ensure that everyone is accounted for N/A.
Contact emergency services (911) if needed and provide them with accurate information about the location and nature of the emergency N/A.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Shock: Immediately de-energize the power supply and provide first aid. Seek medical attention as soon as possible N/A.
Uncontrolled Elevator Movement: Activate the emergency stop switch and evacuate the area. Investigate the cause of the uncontrolled movement before resuming work N/A.
Fall from Height: Provide first aid and seek medical attention immediately. Investigate the cause of the fall and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences N/A.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911 N/A
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER] N/A
[Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER] N/A

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately N/A.

Investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence N/A.

12. References and Related Documents

[Company Safety Manual] N/A
ANSI/ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators N/A
29 CFR 1926.552, Material hoists, personnel hoists, and elevators [3]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]