Exiting or Entering a Boom-supported Work Platform While Elevated

Articulated and telescopic boom platforms (collectively referred to as mobile elevating work platforms, or MEWP) are designed to allow operators to work at varying heights while remaining inside the platform. According to the operator’s manual for most booms, the operator should never enter or exit the platform unless the machine is in the stowed position and the platform is at ground level.

With that said, there are certain applications where there is a legitimate need for the operator to exit an elevated boom platform in order to complete a task. To accommodate this some manufacturers have provided authorization and direction that covers the process operators must follow for just such a need.

The following is the Safe Work Practice that meets the collective requirements of the manufacturers Genie, JLG, and Skyjack.

Pre-job Requirements

1. Assess the area to be accessed and determine if whether or not it is reasonably practicable to provide access by other means.
2. A copy of the authorization document from the relevant manufacturer must be provided to the operator and occupants, and must accompany the operating manual for the MEWP.
3. Wind must not exceed 30 km/h.

Employer / Supervisor Requirements

1. Operators must be instructed regarding the specific hazards associated with using the MEWP in this application, and utilize all means, including those provided by the employer, to avoid them.

Operation Requirements

1. Operators must be trained and qualified on how to safely operate the equipment and be familiar with the specific model of MEWP in accordance with section 7 of CSA Standard B354.4-02.
2. The employer and operator shall comply with all applicable jobsite, WorkSafeBC rules, regulations, and standards related to the use of the equipment and its modification.
3. The MEWP must be in proper working condition and configuration.
4. The boom must be operated in accordance with all restrictions, instructions and warnings contained in this Safe Work Practice, the manufacturer’s authorization letter, the operator’s manual and decals and the responsibilities and safety manuals contained on the machine.
5. Operators must comply with all applicable WorkSafeBC, job site, employer, and manufacturer’s requirements for the use of personal fall protection system (PFPS) on the MEWP when exiting or entering an elevated boom platform.
6. If a self‐retracting lifeline/lanyard is used while exiting the platform it shall not allow a free fall greater than 1.8 m.
7. The machine must be located on a firm level surface capable of supporting its full weight prior to elevation and during operation.
8. Operators must only enter and exit through the sliding mid‐rail entry or gate provided on the MEWP.
9. Employers and operators must be aware of and plan for potential vertical and horizontal platform movement while exiting or entering an elevated boom platform.
   NOTE:
   The potential for boom platform movement is greatest when fully-extended. When extended horizontally, the potential for vertical and horizontal deflection increases. When extended vertically, the potential for horizontal deflection increases.
10. Before moving from the platform to an adjacent roof surface, be sure that the roof surface is firm and capable of supporting the weight of any intended load (worker, materials, tools, and equipment)
11. The platform entry step shall be positioned as close to the elevated surface as possible prior to entering or exiting the platform but no more than 30 cm (12 in) away from the surface.

Specific Condition Requirements

Transferring to Another Structure

The following applies when transferring to or from an elevated platform unless the exit point of the platform can be positioned 2 m away from any fall hazard or in a manner that it provides a physical barrier for any fall hazard with no horizontal gap greater than 30 cm (12 in).

1. Workers entering or exiting an elevated platform must use a lanyard designed to allow for 100% tie-off.
2. A worker exiting a platform must attach a lanyard to an appropriate Fall Protection Anchor on the adjacent structure before detaching from the platform anchor.
3. A worker entering a platform must attach a lanyard to the platform anchor before detaching from the adjacent structure Fall Protection Anchor.

Using Boom Platform as Fall Restraint Device

The following applies when the task involves the worker remaining connected to the elevated work platform

1. Workers entering or exiting an elevated platform shall maintain 100% tie-off to the boom platform at all times.
2. The platform shall be positioned to provide a physical barrier between the worker and the most immediate fall hazard.
3. The MEWP shall not be operated while a worker is tied-off and has exited the platform, and all reasonable measures shall be taken to prevent the unauthorized use.

Initially published 2023/10/16