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Newfoundland Legislation

Newfoundland Aerial Lift

This material has been extracted from the Acts and Regulations of the Province to help students understand the subject. It is not an official source of information and must not be used for any other purpose.
Copyright © 2009: Queen’s Printer, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2009 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (O.C. 2009-233)

PART XI SCAFFOLDS, STAGES AND WORK PLATFORMS

Work platforms supported by a crane or hoist
191. A work platform suspended from a crane or hoist, or attached to a crane boom shall be approved and certified by a professional engineer.

Crane capacity
192. The weight of a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom, and its rigging, plus the rated capacity, shall not exceed 25% of the crane's rated capacity at the working radius.

Eccentric loading
193. Where a work platform attached to a crane boom causes eccentric loading on the boom, the rated capacity of the crane shall be reduced and shall be determined and certified by the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer.

Rigging
194. Rigging used to suspend a work platform from a crane or hoist shall have a safety factor of at least 10, and shall be used exclusively for suspending the work platform.

Two block prevention
195. Where a crane or hoist is being used to hoist personnel with a load line, the line shall have a device to prevent two-blocking.

Powered booms and winches
196.
(1) A crane used to suspend a work platform shall have a powered boom or a fixed boom.
(2) A hoist used to raise or lower a work platform suspended from a crane shall be capable of lowering under power.
(3) A free running boom or hoisting winch, controlled only by brakes, shall not be used to raise or lower a work platform.
(4) Hoisting and lowering speed of a crane or hoist shall be kept as slow as practicable while supporting a work platform.

Fall protection - suspended work platforms
197.
(1) An occupant of a work platform suspended from a crane or hoist shall use a personal fall arrest system with a shock absorbing lanyard secured to a designated anchorage point on the platform or above the load hook.
(2) Where a work platform suspended by a crane or hoist is occupied by a worker with a personal fall arrest system attached to the platform, the platform shall have a safety strap that prevents the platform from falling more than 15 centimetres where the platform becomes dislodged from the hook.
(3) Each occupant of a work platform attached to a crane boom shall use a personal fall arrest system secured to a designated anchorage point on the boom.

Articulating booms prohibited
198. A work platform shall not be
(a) suspended from an articulating boom crane; or
(b) attached to an articulating boom crane unless the installation is approved by the crane manufacturer.

Travelling restriction
199. Travelling with a worker in a work platform supported by a crane or hoist is not permitted except where the platform is supported by a rail-mounted crane.

Communications
200. The operator of a crane or hoist used to suspend a work platform shall have an effective means of constant communication with a person on the platform.

Definitions -elevating work platforms
201. For the purpose of this section and sections 202 to 217,
(a) "aerial device" means a vehicle-mounted device having a boom which may be telescoping or articulating, or both, with a work platform on the boom, which is used to position personnel;
(b) "aerial ladder" means a vehicle-mounted aerial device with a single or multiple-section ladder with or without a platform at the top;
(c) "boom-supported elevating work platform" means an elevating work platform or aerial device which has its platform supported by an elevating device that elevates and rotates relative to the machine base;
(d) "elevating work platform" means a work platform or aerial device which self-elevates to overhead work locations and includes other similar devices not covered elsewhere in these regulations; and
(e) "self-propelled" means the capability of an elevating work platform to be power propelled with the primary controls on the work platform.

Standards
202.
(1) A self-propelled work platform comprising a boom-supported elevating platform, which telescopes, articulates, rotates or extends beyond the base dimensions, and is not mounted on a separate self-propelled vehicle shall meet the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA-B354.4 "Self-propelled Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms";
(b) ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.5 "Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms"; or
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(2) A self-propelled integral chassis elevating work platform having a platform that cannot be positioned laterally completely beyond the base and for which primary functions are controlled from the platform shall meet the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA-B354.2 "Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms";
(b) ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.6 "American National Standard for Self- Propelled Elevating Work Platforms"; or (c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(3) A manually propelled, integral chassis elevating work platform having a platform that cannot be positioned laterally completely beyond the base, which may be adjusted by manual or powered means and which shall not be occupied when moved horizontally, shall meet the requirements of
(a) CSA Standard CAN/CSA-B354.1 "Portable Elevating Work Platforms";
(b) ANSI Standard ANSI/SIA A92.3 "American National Standard for Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms"; or
(c) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(4) A telescopic aerial device, aerial ladder, articulating aerial device, vertical t ower, material-lifting aerial device or a combination of these, when vehicle-mounted, whether powered or manually operated, shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C225 "Vehicle-Mounted Aerial Devices" or other standard acceptable to the minister.
(5) An elevating work platform of a type other than that referred to in subsections (1) to (4) shall meet a standard acceptable to the minister.

Operating and maintenance manuals
203.
(1) The equipment manufacturer's
(a) operation manual; and
(b) maintenance manual, containing maintenance instructions and replacement part information for each elevating work platform in use at the workplace shall be available at the workplace.
(2) Where either of the manuals referred to in subsection
(1) is not available, the equipment shall not be used until the manual is obtained, or until written instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment are supplied by a professional engineer.

Inspection and maintenance records
204.
(1) Records of inspection, maintenance, repair and modification shall be kept for an elevating work platform by the equipment operator and a person inspecting and maintaining the equipment.
(2) Where the inspection and maintenance records required under subsection (1) are not available, an elevating work platform shall be inspected and certified by a professional engineer before use, and an inspection and maintenance recording system shall be established as required by subsection (1).

Shift inspection
205. An elevating work platform shall be inspected by the operator before use on each shift and a condition that could endanger workers shall be remedied before the platform may be used.

Annual inspection and certification
206.
(1) An elevating work platform shall be inspected, maintained, repaired and modified in accordance with
(a) the manufacturer's instructions;
(b) the relevant CSA Standard as specified in section 202;
(c) the direction of a professional engineer; or
(d) another standard acceptable to the minister.
(2) An insulated aerial device shall be dielectrically tested at least annually in accordance with CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C225 "Vehicle Mounted Aerial Devices" or other standard acceptable to the minister and the insulating capability of the aerial device shall be certified by the testing agency.

Fall protection - elevating work platform
207.
(1) A person on an elevating work platform shall wear a personal fall arrest system secured to an anchorage point that is approved by the manufacturer or professional engineer.
(2) A worker on an aerial ladder shall be continuously protected by means of a personal fall arrest system as required by Part X or shall maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times.

Safe access
208. Safe means shall be provided to get on and off the platform of an elevating work platform.

Rated capacity
209. The rated capacity of an elevating work platform
(a) shall be marked on the platform; and
(b) shall not be exceeded.

Outriggers
210.
(1) An outrigger on an elevating work platform shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Where an elevating work platform has outriggers, notices indicating the circumstances specified by the manufacturer for which the outriggers are to be used shall be clearly displayed at the operating controls for the platform.

Controls
211.
(1) Each control on an elevating work platform shall be clearly identified to indicate its function.
(2) Controls on an elevating work platform shall be 'hold-to-run' (continuous pressure) type that return to the neutral or stop position when released.
(3) Controls on an elevating work platform shall be protected against inadvertent operation.
(4) Each set of operating controls of an elevating work platform shall be provided with an emergency stop device.
(5) An emergency stop device referred to in subsection (4) shall be (a) within easy reach of the operator; (b) clearly labelled 'STOP'; and (c) red in colour.
(6) An elevating work platform shall have a clearly marked overriding lowering control to enable a worker at the lower controls to stop and lower the platform in the event of an emergency.

Immobilization of vehicles
212.
(1) The carrier vehicle of an elevating work platform shall be secured against inadvertent movement before a worker occupies the platform.
(2) Where a manufacturer permits an elevating work platform to be elevated on sloping ground, the vehicle's wheels shall be secured according to the manufacturer's instructions and where no instructions have been provided, the wheels shall be chocked.

Shear hazard
213. An elevating work platform lifting mechanism which creates a shear hazard to workers shall be adequately guarded or identified with signs, decals or similar markings warning of the hazard.

Warning devices
214. An elevating work platform, other than a vehicle-mounted aerial device which complies with the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C225 "Vehicle Mounted Aerial Device", shall have a warning system consisting of an intermittent horn and flashing light which is automatically activated during motion of the work platform.

Transporting workers
215. A worker may not be transported on an elevated work platform unless the transport is in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Lift truck platform
216. A work platform mounted on the forks of a lift truck shall be designed by an engineer or conform to a standard acceptable to the minister and
(a) securely attached to the lifting carriage or forks;
(b) provided with perimeter guardrails meeting the requirements of sections 28 and 30;
(c) equipped with guarding to prevent occupants from contacting a hazardous part of the lifting machinery; and
(d) clearly marked with the rated load of the platform.

Fall protection - lift truck
217. Where a worker is elevated on a work platform supported by a lift truck,
(a) the lift truck operator shall remain at the controls of the lift truck;
(b) the lift truck mast shall be kept vertical;
(c) the lift truck shall not be moved except for minor adjustments necessary to facilitate positioning of the platform; and
(d) a platform occupant shall use a personal fall protection system as required by Part X.

Swing stages - definitions
218. For the purpose of this section and sections 219 to 242
(a) "bridging" means using a deck or planking to span a gap between two independent work platforms;
(b) "rated load" means the maximum load, designated by the manufacturer, that may be placed safely on a swing stage, and includes the weight of the workers, their tools and equipment, material to be transported and allowances for loads including trailing electric power supply cords, compressed air supply lines, abrasive blasting feed supply lines, or other loads, but does not include the weight of the work platform or its supporting rigging;
(c) "safe lower landing" means an area onto which a swing stage or other suspended platform system can be lowered that is capable of safely supporting the weight of the swing stage plus the rated load of the system and which can be accessed safely by workers;
(d) "static load" means
(i) for suspension by 2 or more lines, the rated load of the swing stage plus half the weight of the stage including the working platform, hangers or stirrups, hoisting units and suspension lines, and
(ii) for suspension by a single line, the rated load plus the weight of the stage;
(e) "suspension height" means the distance from the upper attachment points of the suspension line to the safe lower landing for the swing stage; and
(f) "swing stage" means a temporary suspended work platform used to support workers, tools, equipment and materials, which is raised and lowered by manually controlled hoisting equipment.

Rated load
219. The rated load
(a) shall be permanently marked upon a swing stage and clearly readable by workers on the stage; and
(b) shall not be exceeded.

Weight identification
220. A swing stage platform and a hoist unit shall have its weight clearly marked on it.

Prior permission 221. A swing stage shall not be used without the prior permission of the minister when
(a) there are 2 or more work platforms at different levels on one swing stage assembly;
(b) one swing stage is used above or below a portion of another swing stage;
(c) there is bridging between swing stages;
(d) a work platform exceeds 10 metres in length; or
(e) the suspension height exceeds 90 metres.

Attachment points
222. A swing stage shall be suspended from parapet clamps, cornice hooks, thrust-out beams or other solid anchorages having a working load limit that is at a minimum equivalent to that of the suspension system for the swing stage.

Securing suspension lines
223. A suspension line for a swing stage shall be secured at the upper end using a safety hook, shackle or other method acceptable to the minister.

Hook and clamp working load limit
224. The working load limit of a cornice hook or parapet clamp shall be determined by the manufacturer or professional engineer and be clearly marked on the hook or clamp.

Hook and clamp engagement
225.
(1) A cornice hook or parapet clamp shall be installed to engage structurally sound portions of a building or structure having adequate strength for the purpose.
(2) Where the structural adequacy of the building or structure at the point of attachment of a cornice hook or parapet clamp is not known, a professional engineer shall determine and certify the attachment points.

Tiebacks
226.
(1) A cornice hook, parapet clamp or thrust-out beam shall be secured by a tieback to a solid anchorage on the building or structure or to another parapet clamp secured on the far side of the structure.
(2) The securing, rigging and anchorage required under subsection (1) shall have an ultimate strength of at least 22.2 kilonewtons.
(3) A tieback referred to in subsection (1) shall, to the extent practicable, be rigged at a right angle to the building face.

Thrust-out beams
227.
(1) A thrust-out beam used to support a swing stage shall provide a minimum safety factor of 4, based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the thrust-out beam to the static load.
(2) The rated load for the allowable thrust-out beam projections shall be determined by the beam manufacturer or a professional engineer and clearly marked on the beam.

Counterbalance of thrust-out beams
228.
(1) A thrust-out beam used for supporting a swing stage shall be counterbalanced to support a load of at least 4 times the static load.
(2) A counterweight used to counterbalance a thrust-out beam shall be
(a) clearly marked to indicate its weight;
(b) of solid material not subject to loss of weight through attrition; and (c) secured to the thrust-out beam.

Hook closures
229.
(1) A hook used in a swing stage suspension system shall be moused or have a safety latch.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the connection between a cornice hook and the structure.

Protection against damage
230.
(1) Where a suspension line, tieback, lifeline or other part of the rigging for a swing stage comes into contact with a rough or sharp edge, the line shall be protected from damage.
(2) Padding shall be used to minimize loss of rope strength where a line supporting a swing stage makes a sharp bend over an edge.

Fibre rope suspension
231. Fibre rope used to suspend a swing stage or similar equipment shall
(a) provide a safety factor of at least 10, based on the ratio of the rope manufacturer's rated breaking strength for the rope to the load on the rope due to the static load;
(b) be made of synthetic fibre having a breaking strength of at least 22 kilonewtons;
(c) be reeved through a block and tackle system comprising at least one double upper and one single lower block, for each hanger;
(d) have the hauling line secured to prevent free running of the line;
(e) be free of knots or splices except for terminal eye-splices; and
(f) not be used where exposed to adverse effects of chemicals, unless the rope is made of materials inert to the chemicals.

Wire rope suspension
232. Wire rope used to suspend a swing stage or similar equipment shall
(a) provide a safety factor of at least 10, based on the ratio of the manufacturer's rated breaking strength of the wire rope on the load on the rope due to the static load;
(b) be a type recommended for that use by the rope manufacturer, and recommended for use by the hoist manufacturer; and
(c) be continuous and unspliced, except for terminal eye-splices or other types of terminal connections required under Part XV, but fold back eyes secured by only a pressed metal sleeve shall only be used where the sleeve manufacturer approves the use of the sleeve for this application, and the eyes are made in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction and proof tested.

Length of suspension ropes
233.
(1) Suspension ropes for a swing stage shall be of sufficient length to permit the work platform to be lowered to a safe lower landing.
(2) Where a swing stage or platform is suspended over water, or where it is impractical to lower the work platform to a safe lower landing, lower limit travel devices, compatible for safe use with the hoist system, shall be used to ensure the working platform shall not be lowered beyond the safe lower limit of travel.

Hoisting devices
234. Winches and other mechanical devices used for hoisting and lowering swing stages or similar equipment shall have automatically operated locking mechanisms that prevent slipping of the suspension ropes.

Hangers or stirrups
235. A hanger or stirrup used for supporting a swing stage shall
(a) be made of mild steel or other metal having similar properties, but shall not be made of wire rope;
(b) have a minimum safety factor of 10 based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the stirrup or hanger to the static load; and
(c) be effectively fastened to the swing stage platform to prevent inadvertent separation.

Platform width
236. A swing stage work platform shall be at least 50 centimetres wide.

Safety factor
237. A swing stage work platform shall have a safety factor of at least 4, based on the ratio of the ultimate load carrying capacity of the work platform to the rated load.

Rated load
238. The rated load for a swing stage platform shall be established by the platform manufacturer or a professional engineer.

Guardrails
239.
(1) A swing stage shall have guardrails with
(a) a top rail of 1.07 metres high on all sides of the platform and an intermediate rail, located midway between the top rail and the platform floor, or top of the toeboard, where applicable; or
(b) other type of guarding providing equivalent protection and satisfactory to the minister. (2) Guardrails on a swing stage shall be adequately supported and shall be able to withstand an ultimate load of 900N concentrated at any point on the top rail.

Toeboards and netting
240. A swing stage on which loose material or equipment is carried shall have toeboards at least 10 centimetres high along all sides of the work platform, and netting with a mesh opening of less than 2.5 centimetres extending from the toeboard to the top rail on the backside.

Equipment inspection
241.
(1) A swing stage and associated equipment shall be thoroughly inspected before use on each shift and defective equipment shall not be used.
(2) A swing stage that has been subjected to a sudden drop, contact with exposed energized electrical equipment or conductors, or shows signs of a structural failure shall be removed from service until certified safe for use by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.

Fall protection - swing stage
242. A worker on a swing stage which is 3 metres or more above grade or a safe lower landing, or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X secured to an anchor independent of the swing stage system.

Boatswain's chairs
243.
(1) A boatswain's chair shall meet the requirements of the applicable CSA standard or be acceptable to a professional engineer.
(2) A boatswain's chair shall provide stable and adequate support for the user.
(3) A boatswain's chair shall be suspended from a parapet clamp, cornice hook, thrust-out beam or other solid anchorage having a working load limit at least equivalent to that of the suspension system for the boatswain's chair.
(4) A counter weight shall be (a) positively secured to thrust outs; and (b) tied back to an anchorage that is capable of withstanding 22 kilonewtons static load where a counter weight configuration has not been designed into the building.
(5) Where a boatswain's chair is supported by block and tackle
(a) the rope shall be synthetic fibre rope with a breaking strength of at least 22 kilonewtons;
(b) the rope shall be reeved through not less than one single lower block and one double upper block and secured to prevent the line from free running; and
(c) block hooks shall be moused, or otherwise secured against dislodgement.
(6) Fibre rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair other than with a block and tackle system shall be synthetic fibre rope having a breaking strength of at least 27 kilonewtons and of a type compatible for use with the rigging hardware in the suspension system.
(7) Wire rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair shall be a type recommended for that use by the rope manufacturer or a professional engineer and suitable for the hoist being used.
(8) A worker in a boatswain's chair which is 3 metres or more above grade or a safe lower landing, or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X independent of the boatswain's chair system.
(9) A boatswain's chair shall not be used where the suspension height exceeds 92 metres without the prior permission of the minister.
(10) A thorough inspection shall be made of a boatswain's chair and associated equipment before use each day and defective equipment shall not be used.

Definitions
244. For the purpose of sections 245 to 249
(a) "permanent powered platform" means a powered platform which is a permanent installation on a particular building or structure;
(b) "portable powered platform" means a powered platform any part of which is not permanently installed or attached to a particular building or structure and which may be removed and relocated elsewhere where required; and
(c) "powered platform" means a suspended swing stage which is raised or lowered by other than manual means.

Permanent powered platforms
245. A permanent powered platform shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN3-Z271 "Safety Code for Suspended Powered Platforms" or other standard acceptable to the minister and shall be of a design and construction certified by a professional engineer.

Portable powered platforms
246.
(1) A portable powered platform shall meet
(a) the requirements for a swing stage regarding suspension, construction and use of fall protection; and (b) the requirements of CSA Standard CAN3-Z271 "Safety Code for Suspended Powered Platforms" for hoist units and controls.
(2) Where a portable powered platform is raised and lowered by 2 separately controlled hoists operated by a single occupant on the platform, the controls shall be located so that they can be used simultaneously by the occupant.

Fall protection - powered platform
247.
(1) Except as permitted by subsection
(2), where a powered platform is 3 metres or more above a grade or a safe lower landing or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, a worker on the platform shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X secured to an anchor independent of the powered platform system. (2) A worker supported on a permanent powered platform having 4 or more suspension ropes shall be attached to a secure anchorage on the platform by means of a personal fall arrest system and the installation shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN3-Z271 "Safety Code for Suspended Powered Platforms" or other standard acceptable to the minister.

Maintenance and operating records
248. Records of inspection and maintenance shall be maintained for 5 years by the operator and another person inspecting and maintaining a permanent powered platform.

Window cleaning
249. A window cleaning operation shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z91 "Health and Safety Code for Suspended Equipment Operations" or other standard that the minister may consider appropriate.

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