With the updated ANSI A92 (United States) and CSA B354 (Canada) standards now in effect, one question our sales team is frequently asked by rental companies regarding the new standards relates to training.

“How do I get my customer (the end user) qualified?” 

We are also finding that many people — and companies — still do not fully understand the training requirements or each individual’s responsibilities for MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) outlined in the current standards. 

Training is very important in these standards (addressed in the ANSI A92.24 & CSA B354.8 sections), and there is a lot about training you need to focus on to be compliant with the new requirements.

New ANSI & CSA Training Requirements

So, how do you know what type of training (if any) that you need to be compliant?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The industry standards impact both equipment dealers, which includes rental companies, and end users. And, the reality is that the type of training you need will depend on what you are doing on (and around) a job site. And if you have more than one role on site, it is likely you will need more than one type of training. 

Below is an outline of the type of training mandated by the standards for different roles and responsibilities.

Equipment Dealers (ANSI & CSA)

Under the updated standards, dealers (which includes rental companies) are now required to offer training and familiarization to anyone who rents, leases or buys equipment if they request it. 

If your rental company does not currently offer industry-compliant training, the standards require you to be able to advise the renter on where to get operator training, as well as offer familiarization to the person designated to receive the MEWP. 

To help you meet these obligations, there are many reputable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including JLG, that offer industry-compliant, certified training programs. For instance, in addition to a full product line of standards-compliant equipment, JLG also offers a variety of standards-compliant options to help you meet ANSI and CSA training requirements, including classes through JLG® University, the company’s training center and proving grounds and AccessReady learning management system.

If you have any questions about how to get standards-compliant training, you should contact your OEM for assistance. Speaking on behalf of the JLG training team, we are available any time to take your call and discuss your training needs.

Be aware that the new training requirements for equipment dealers also states that you must train and familiarize, or have proof of training and familiarization, for all of your employees that you allow to operate a MEWP in your rental fleet. 

The new training requirements for equipment dealers also states that you must train and familiarize, or have proof of training and familiarization, for all of your employees that you allow to operate a MEWP in your rental fleet

In addition, you must also ensure that your rental company’s maintenance technicians are trained by a qualified person to inspect and maintain the MEWPs they are servicing. 

Maintenance & Repair Personnel (CSA only)

According to current industry standards, only a qualified person should inspect and maintain MEWPs in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This means that to effectively work on, repair and maintain MEWPs, your rental company’s service technicians and other maintenance and repair personnel working on a job site need to have a deep understanding of the construction, operation and maintenance of this type of equipment — especially as it relates to the new machine design standards. 

If you employ someone who might be asked to do service-related tasks on a MEWP, you need to make sure that person is properly trained. Service training courses can be completed online or in-person and will give your rental company’s service technicians the skills and knowledge needed to make informed repairs on the job. 

Equipment Operators

A MEWP can only be operated by persons who have been trained, familiarized and authorized to use the specific machine, before they use it. Proper MEWP operator training is comprised of two components: Theory Training (can be done online or in-person in a classroom setting) and Practical Training (hands-on training and evaluation). Per the guidelines stated in the A92.24 and B354.8 Training Standards, both components must be completed in order to fulfill industry training requirements.

Once training is completed, MEWP operators will also need to complete familiarization on specific types of equipment which includes:

• Identification of the location for the manual(s) storage
• Requirement for confirmation that the required manual(s) specified by the manufacturer are with the MEWP
• Purpose and function of the controls specific to the model of MEWP to be used
• Features, limitations and devices
• Operating characteristics specific to the model of the MEWP

Supervisors (ANSI only)

The updated ANSI A92 standards for the access industry state that anyone who directly supervises MEWP operators is considered a “Supervisor” and is required to complete supervisor-specific compliance training (online or in-person), which includes: 

• Proper MEWP selection
• Rules, regulations and standards that apply to MEWPs, including operation, safe use and training
• Potential hazards associated with the use of MEWPs and how to protect against them
• Where manufacturer’s operation manuals should be stored and how they should be used

Occupants (ANSI & CSA)

It is specifically noted in the current access industry standards that MEWP operators must provide instructions and/or make sure all occupants in the machine have a basic level of knowledge to work safely on the MEWP. 

Occupant knowledge is conveyed on site, in person, by the operator prior to machine use and include:

• How to use fall protection and the location of fall protection anchors
• How their actions could affect stability
• How to safely use MEWP accessories they are assigned to use
• How to adhere to the safety plan and avoid site-specific hazards
• How to complete emergency shutdown and lowering procedures in line with manufacturer’s warnings and safety information

As you can see, there is a significant level of importance associated with training in the new ANSI & CSA industry standards, for your rental company and for your customers. To be in compliance with the standards moving forward, it is crucial that your next steps are focused on training.

To learn more about ANSI-complaint training, click here.

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