6 — ANSI REPRINT
6-5
7.7 Before Operation. Before authorizing an operator to operate an aerial platform, the
user shall ensure that the operator has: (1) Been instructed by a qualified person in the
intended purpose and function of each control (2) Read and understood the
manufacturer's operating instructions and user's safety rules, or been trained by a qualified
person on the contents of the manufacturer's operating instructions and user's safety rules
(3) Understood by reading or by having a qualified person explain all decals, warnings,
and instructions displayed on the aerial platform (4) Determine that the purpose for
which the aerial platform is to be used is within the scope of the intended applications
defined by the manufacturer (5) Been provided with approved fall protection devices
and other safety gear for all personnel on the platform (see 4.9.5).
7.8 Work Place Inspection. Before the aerial platform is used and during use, the user
shall check the area in which the aerial platform is to be used for possible hazards such as,
but not limited to: (1) Drop-offs or holes (2) Bumps and floor obstructions (3) Debris
(4) Overhead obstructions and high voltage conductors (5) Hazardous locations (6)
Inadequate surface and support to withstand all load forces imposed by the aerial platform
in all operating configurations (7) Wind and weather conditions (8) Other possible
unsafe conditions (9) Presence of unauthorized persons.
7.9 During Operation. The aerial platform shall be used in accordance with this
standard. The user shall direct the operator to ensure the following before each elevation
of the platform: (1) That the aerial platform is operated on a surface within the limits
specified by the manufacturer (2) That the outriggers, stabilizers, extendable axles, or
other stabilizing methods are used as required by the manufacturer (3) That guardrails
are installed and access gates or openings are closed per manufacturer's instructions (4)
That the load and its distribution on the platform and any platform extension are in
accordance with the manufacturer's rated capacity for that specific configuration (5) That
there is adequate clearance from overhead obstructions (6) That the minimum safe
approach distances (MSAD) to energized power lines and parts, as listed in Table One
are maintained. See Figure 2 for examples of safe operating procedures (7) That the
precautions defined in 7.3.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 of this standard are followed
during operation of the aerial platform.
7.10 Determination of Hazardous Locations. It shall be the responsibility of the user
to determine the hazard classification of any particular atmosphere or location according
to ANSI/NFPA 505-1987. Aerial platforms operated in hazardous locations shall be
approved in accordance with, and of the type required, by ANSI/NFPA 505-1987.
7.11 Warnings and Instruction. The user shall direct his operating personnel and
supervise the work to ensure operation in compliance with the requirements in 7.11.1
through 7.11.14.
7.11.1 Personnel Footing. Personnel shall maintain a firm footing on the platform
floor while working thereon. Use of planks, ladders, or any other device on the aerial
platform for achieving additional height or reach shall be prohibited.
7.11.2 Other Moving Equipment. When other moving equipment or vehicles are
present, special precautions shall be taken to comply with local ordinances or safety
standards established for the workplace. Warnings such as, but not limited to, flags,
roped-off areas, flashing lights, and barricades shall be used.
7.11.3 Reporting Problems or Malfunctions. The operator shall immediately
report to the supervisor any problems or malfunctions that become evident during
operation. Any problems or malfunctions that affect the safety or operations shall be
repaired prior to continued use of the aerial platform.
7.11.4 Altering Safety Devices. Altering or disabling of interlocks or other safety
devices shall be prohibited.
7.11.5 Entanglement. Care shall be taken to prevent rope, electric cords, hoses,
etc., from becoming entangled in the aerial platform.
7.11.6 Capacity Limitation. Aerial platform rated capacities shall not be exceeded
when loads are transferred to the platform at any height.
