Mobile elevating work platforms for roofers are great when projects are larger than the average ladder can help reach. As the technology and design evolves with these types of machinery, the rules and regulations for operating them have to change too.
Recently, the American National Standards Institute announced they would be implementing new safety requirements that contractors would have to follow to operate aerial work platforms.
Check out some of the updates that affect roofing businesses.
Regular User Examination
Much like any heavy duty equipment, elevating platforms require special testing and certification for regular users. The regulations for getting certified are being updated to match the new platform design specifications. This includes everything from how to operate the new railing system to load sensors.
Your roofing field team members that will be operating the aerial work platforms will have to get recertified to meet the new standards.
Rescue Planning
If a roofer is in danger of falling from a mobile elevated work platform, there is only a short amount of time for the rest of the team to take action to prevent injury or death on the job. The ANSI is putting new safety measures in place to help you and your roofing crew with rescue planning.
The rescue planning includes how fast your teams should respond (the current time is six minutes or less), training on how to manage a situation and how to document procedures.
Electrical Hazard Awareness & Controls
Many roofing crews in the past have experienced a project where they have had to navigate their way around dangerous electrical wires. The ANSI and OSHA have many regulations in place to avoid any mishaps.
The new specifications help qualified subcontractors and crews should know how to work around things like power lines and antennas. They also provide roofers with a breakdown of how to navigate new controls that have updated designs.
These new regulations from the ANSI and OSHA are designed so roofing contractors can remain safe and still have access to the best roofing tools on the market.
Read: How Technology is Improving Safety Conditions for Roofers
