The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has updated and revised their A92 standards. This new update includes three A92 standards that will affect almost every aspect of the access industry.
In this article, we will focus primarily on the requirements of the A92.22 Safe Use and the A92.24 Training standards. These standards provide guidelines, list responsibilities and answer important questions that will be essential to everyone in the access industry.
One frequently asked question is: "What are the responsibilities that I am held accountable for under the new ANSI standard?" This question can be difficult to answer due to the many entities/roles defined by ANSI. Add that to the fact that you can be defined as more than one entity/role at the same time, which will require you to meet all responsibilities listed for every category under which you fall. To understand your responsibilities as a certain entity/role, you must first understand the definitions of each.
Defining a qualified person, trainer and operator
First, let's look at the definition of a qualified person. ANSI defines a qualified person as "a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work or the project."
Knowing the definition of a qualified person is important to understand the definition of a trainer. A trainer is defined as a "qualified person who conducts the training."
Last, let's look at the definition of an operator. ANSI defines an operator as an "entity qualified to control the movement of a MEWP." That means anytime you touch the controls on a MEWP, you have become the operator and are required to follow all operator responsibilities. This is the entity/role we will focus on for the remainder of this post.
Requirements for operators
Operators are required to be trained on the ANSI classification and required to be familiarized on the specific model of MEWP they are operating. Training and familiarization must be documented, and the operator must have proof of both. Proof can be in various forms, such as certificates of completion and operator training cards. It is the responsibility of the dealer/owner of the equipment to ensure their employees are trained, familiarized and retain proof. Operator training consists of the following requirements: theory training, practical training, familiarization, occupant knowledge and retraining. The A92 standards provide detailed guidelines for each of these requirements. Let's take a quick look at each.
Theory training
Theory training is considered the information portion and is a prerequisite to practical training. Theory training is the lecture, discussion and content of operator training. This information can be received either face-to-face in a classroom or through e-learning online. Select manufacturers offer both types of this instruction to their customers.
Some of the major topics covered during theory training include:
- MEWP classifications
- Training requirements
- Regulations
- Inspections
- Component identification
- Control functionality
- Safety
Again, these are just a few of the topics required under the A92 standard.
Practical training
After theory training, operators receive practical training. Practical training is considered the "hands-on" portion of operator training. Practical training is the trainer-led demonstrations and exercises, followed by the evaluation of the operator.
Some of the major hands-on topics covered during practical training include:
- Pre-start, workplace and walk-around inspections
- Function check
- Operation of all controls
- Actual operation of the machine
After trainees receive hands-on training, they are now ready to be evaluated. The evaluation must be performed under the direct supervision of a trainer.
Familiarization
Once an operator has successfully completed theory and practical training on an ANSI classification they will be able to familiarize themselves on specific types of equipment using the manufacturer's operation and safety manual.
For example, an operator received training on the ANSI MEWP classification, Group B, Type 3, which is a self-propelled boom lift. During training, the operator was trained and evaluated on the operation of a JLG® 450AJ boom lift. For the operator to operate a JLG® 800S boom lift, additional training is required. This training is known as familiarization. Rather than having the operator go through the extensive training content again, they will be able to familiarize on the controls and features specific to the 800S model. Operators can do this because both machines fall under the same ANSI classification, Group B, Type 3.
Occupant knowledge
Anytime someone enters a MEWP platform with the operator, they are known as an occupant. Occupant knowledge is the training that provides occupants a basic level of knowledge to work safely on the MEWP. Operators are required to provide occupants with occupant knowledge. Occupants may only operate the MEWP when the operator cannot, during an emergency.
Retraining
Retraining is a duplication of the complete training program for a certain classification of MEWP, starting again with theory training, practical training, familiarization and occupant knowledge. ANSI does not place a limitation on how long an operator remains qualified. Some employers impose expiration dates on their operators' qualification, which requires retraining for the operator to again be qualified. Certain observed behaviors, such as deteriorated performance, a near miss or an accident may also require retraining.
ANSI does not place a limitation on how long an operator remains qualified. Some employers impose expiration dates on their operators' qualifications, which requires retraining for the operator to again be qualified.
In conclusion, training is everybody's responsibility. Every entity involved under the ANSI umbrella has a role to play in training. Training is a key step to ensure your operators return home safely each day. The new ANSI standards have placed a great deal of emphasis on not only operator training, but training in general. A trained operator will be able to properly operate machines, prevent most accidents and, when required, know the plan of action during an emergency.
A comprehensive review of all the new A92 standards is recommended to confirm you are meeting all the requirements. Learn more about these training requirements with our ANSI resources.