By Gregory Janda
Since October 2013, positive progress has been made by the ANSI A92.9 Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) and A92.10 Transport Platform (TP) subcommittees which are currently working on updating the standards that apply to these types of equipment. To facilitate additional progress the subcommittees have agreed on several topics which need to be further reviewed.
The A92.10 subcommittee is closely examining load requirements for the bridge, landing level gate requirements, and overhead protection of transport platforms, while the A92.9 subcommittee is tackling planking, life lines, and tie points on mast climbers.
Subgroups have been formed to review the current training for this equipment; these subgroups are developing recommended changes and updates to those sections of the standards, which they will then present to the subcommittee for review.
Several of the A92.9 and A92.10 subcommittee members are also working on equivalent International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards for both product types, with the goal of harmonizing the standards as much as possible. One such goal that has come from a recent CSA meeting is to work on the consistency of definitions.
The A92.9 and A92.10 subcommittees are working towards dividing the standards for certain product types into three areas—Design, Safe Use, and Training. The subcommittees believe this is an important goal to work towards in order to be consistent, considering it’s the approach the ISO utilizes and one that CSA is currently working to adopt.
The ISO Design draft document for transport platforms is different from the existing A92.10 standard and thus is being reviewed to determine which approach would be the best to follow. Changes are expected as a result of this review process.
Moving forward, another noteworthy goal of the subcommittees is to continue to educate and familiarize states and regulating authorities on this equipment—especially transport platforms, as it is not uncommon for a local regulating authority to apply an incorrect standard to this equipment, specifically.
The subcommittees are focused on using available resources to enhance awareness concerning use of the equipment, as well as educate regulating authorities on what standards the equipment was designed in accordance with.
The A92.9 and A92.10 subcommittees have worked with the Scaffold & Access Industry Association through its alliance with OSHA to produce safety tip documents on transport platforms and mast climbers, and will continue to explore all avenues to increase awareness of these products.
MCWP Safety Tips
The Mast Climbing Work Platform is a tool of the trade primarily used to position personnel, along with their necessary tools and materials, to perform their work. The major causes of injury / fatality include lack of training, improper use, falls, inadequate guardrail protection, collapses, improper planking, and inadequate inspection. Learn more
TP Safety Tips
The Transport Platform is a tool of the trade used to move authorized and trained personnel with their materials and tools between levels at a worksite. Learn more
Gregory Janda is a construction engineer with Alimak Hek Inc. and the Chairman of the A92.9 and A92.10 subcommittees. Additionally, Janda is the Co-Chair of the SAIA Mast Climber Council. Contact him at greg.janda@alimakhek.com
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