Safe Work Procedure for Operating and Maintaining Elevated Work Platforms

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 requirements for the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of elevated work platforms (EWPs), including scissor lifts and boom lifts. It covers pre-operation checks, safe operating practices, fall protection requirements, hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency response, and incident reporting. This SWP applies to all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of EWPs. It is designed to comply with applicable safety regulations and manufacturer's recommendations. This SWP does not cover vehicle-mounted platforms.

2. Definitions

EWP Elevated Work Platform, including scissor lifts and boom lifts. Fall Arrest System A system that permits an arrested fall is considered a fall arrest system. A body belt is prohibited in a fall arrest system and instead a full body harness and lanyard that limits the fall distance and arresting force on the person is required. Fall arresting lanyards typically have a shock absorbing section or are a self-retracting lifeline/lanyard. [5]

Fall Restraint System Restraint systems prevent a worker from being exposed to a fall. If the employee is protected by a restraint system, either a body belt or a harness may be used. When a restraint system is used for fall protection in a Genie mobile elevating work platform, the employer/user/operator must ensure that the lanyard and anchor are arranged so that the operator is not exposed to falling any distance outside the platform. [5]

PFPE Personal Fall Protection Equipment Self-retracting lifeline/lanyard A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line which can be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall. The use of the self-retracting lifeline/ lanyard as a fall arrest lanyard is allowed on boom-supported aerial work platforms. [5]

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all EWP operators are trained and competent.
• Conduct regular inspections of EWPs to ensure they are in safe working condition.
• Enforce the use of required PPE.
• Ensure a pre-start inspection is completed.

3.2 Workers

• Inspect the EWP before each use and report any defects.
• Operate the EWP safely and in accordance with training and this SWP.
• Use required PPE at all times.
• Report any hazards or incidents immediately.
• Maintain a firm footing on the platform. [1]
• Do not use guardrails, planks, ladders, or any other device to gain additional height or reach. [1]

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Participate in incident investigations related to EWP operations.
• Promote safe work practices related to EWP operations.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel operating or working near EWPs must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Full Body Harness: A full body harness is required for all personnel working on boom-supported elevating work platforms. Ensure the harness fits properly and is in good condition. Inspect before each use. [1]
• Safety Footwear: Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles to provide traction and protect against foot injuries.
• Hard Hat: A hard hat is required to protect against head injuries from falling objects.
• High-Visibility Clothing: Wear high-visibility clothing to ensure you are seen by other workers and equipment operators.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and other hazards.

Inspect all PPE before each use. Replace any damaged or defective PPE immediately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition.

• Wheel chocks: Used to prevent the EWP from rolling when parked on an incline.
• Warning cones/barricade tape: Used to cordon off the work area and alert others to the presence of the EWP.
• Two-way radios: For communication between the operator and spotter, especially in noisy environments.
• Tool lanyard: To prevent tools from falling from the platform.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and repair.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All EWP operators must be trained and certified in the safe operation of the specific type of EWP they will be using. Training must include: manufacturer's requirements, understanding of EWP capabilities and limitations, fall protection, emergency procedures, and relevant regulations.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved in the EWP operation. Discuss the tasks to be performed, potential hazards, safety procedures, and emergency plans.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Inspection: Before operating an EWP, inspect the work area for hazards such as: uneven surfaces, slopes, holes, drop-offs, obstructions, overhead power lines, and inadequate clearances. Ensure the surface is capable of supporting the weight of the EWP and its load. The Genie equipment must be located on a firm level surface capable of supporting its full weight prior to elevation and during operation. [2]

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Operation Inspection: Before each use, inspect the EWP for any defects or damage. Check the following:
   • Hydraulic fluid levels
   • Tire condition and pressure
   • Battery charge (if applicable)
   • Control functions
   • Emergency stop button
   • Fall protection equipment
   • Guardrails and gates
   • Structural integrity
2. Start-Up Procedure: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting the EWP. Ensure all controls are functioning properly before operating the EWP.
3. Operating the EWP: Operate the EWP smoothly and avoid sudden movements. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from obstacles. Do not operate the boom once an operator/worker has tied-off and exited the platform. [6]
4. Fall Protection: Ensure that all personnel on the platform are wearing a full body harness with a lanyard attached to the designated anchor point. Adjust the lanyard to minimize free fall distance. When a self-retracting/fixed or adjustable lanyard is used while exiting the platform it shall not allow a free fall greater than 6 ft/1.8m. In some global regions this could be 6.6ft/2m. [2]
5. Moving the EWP: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for moving the EWP. Ensure the path is clear of obstacles and personnel. Avoid moving the EWP on uneven surfaces or slopes.
6. Working Near Overhead Hazards: Identify and avoid all overhead hazards, such as power lines, trees, and structures. Maintain the minimum safe clearance distance from power lines as specified by regulations.
7. Entering and Exiting the Platform: Enter and exit the platform only through the designated access point. Ensure the platform is stable and secure before entering or exiting. Operators must only enter and exit through the sliding mid-rail entry or gate provided on Genie platforms. Operators must not climb on the platform guardrail to enter or exit the platform. [2]
8. Shutdown Procedure: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for shutting down the EWP. Secure the EWP to prevent unauthorized use.
9. Positioning for exiting the platform: For Boom Models: The boom platform entry shall be positioned above the surface as close as possible but not more than 6 in / 15 cm away from the surface. For Scissor Models: The scissor lift platform entry shall be positioned as close to the surface as possible prior to entering or exiting the platform but not be more than 12 inches / 30 cm away from the surface. [7] [7]
10. Maintaining 100% tie-off: Operators/workers are required to wear an approved* PFPE at all times and must use a lanyard designed to allow 100% tie-off when exiting or entering an elevated platform. Operators must attach a lanyard to an approved* surface/adjacent structure anchorage before detaching the primary lanyard from the platform anchor. [4]

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never exceed the manufacturer's load limits.
• Always maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.
• Ensure the work area is clear of obstructions and hazards.
• Use a spotter when operating the EWP in congested areas.
• Do not operate the EWP in high winds or adverse weather conditions.
• Report any defects or safety concerns immediately.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately activate the emergency stop button. Evacuate the area and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to move or operate the EWP until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Power Failure: Activate the emergency lowering system. If the platform cannot be lowered, contact emergency services for assistance.
• Fall from Height: Immediately call for emergency medical assistance. Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger. Implement the working at heights rescue plan.
• EWP Tip-Over: Evacuate the area and call for emergency assistance. Do not attempt to right the EWP without professional help.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will then notify the safety department and initiate an incident investigation.

The incident investigation will be conducted by a team that includes a supervisor, safety representative, and any other relevant personnel. The investigation will determine the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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