Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Powered Platforms Chapter 296-870, WAC

Effective Date: 01/01/07

WAC 296-870-500 Existing Installations

For printing

IMPORTANT:

This section applies to permanent powered platforms installations that meet all of the following:

• The installation was completed between August 27, 1971, and July 24, 1990.
• There has been no major modification to the installation after July 30, 1990.
• The working platforms use electric-powered, winding drum type hoisting mchines.

Note: Platforms operated by other types of power and using other types of hoisting machines are allowed if they: - Have adequate protective devices for the type of power used and - Provide reasonable safety for persons using or exposed to the equipment Other types of hoisting machines include, but aren't limited to, machines such as traction drum hoisting machines, air powered machines, hydraulic powered machines, and internal combustion machines.

Definition: An existing installation is a permanent powered platform installation that: - Was completed before July 23, 1990 and - Has had no major modification done after July 23, 1990.

 

Your responsibility:

To make sure powered platform installations completed between August 27, 1971, and July 24, 1990, meet these building and equipment requirements

Design, construction and installation	WAC 296-870-50005
Fall protection	WAC 296-870-50010
Electrical	WAC 296-870-50015

 

WAC 296-870-50005

Design, construction, and installation

You must

• Make sure powered platforms designated as Type F meet all the requirements in Part II of ANSI A120.1-1970, American National Standard Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms for Exterior Building Maintenance.

Definition: A Type F powered platform has both of the following characteristics: - The working platform is suspended by at least 4 wire ropes and designed so that failure of any one rope won't substantially alter the normal position of the working platform. - Only one layer of hoisting rope is permitted onthe winding drums.

 

You must

• Make sure powered platforms designated as Type T meet all of the requirements in Part III of ANSI A120.1-1970, American National Standard Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms for Exterior Building Maintenance except for section 28, Safety belts and lifelines.

Definition: A Type T powered platform has a working platform that's suspended by at least 2 wire ropes. The platform won't fall to the ground if a wire rope fails, but the working platform's normal position would be upset.

WAC 296-870-50010

Fall protection

You must

• Make sure the fall protection system on both Type F and Type T powered platforms meet the requirements of Appendix C-Personal fall arrest system, WAC 296-24-88050, found in the General Safety and Health Standards, Chapter 296-24 WAC.
• Make sure working platforms have permanent guardrails that meet all of the following requirements:

  - Guardrails on the building side (front) of the platform have a top rail that isn't less than 38 inches and not more than 45 inches high.

  - Guardrails on the other three sides have a top rail that isn't less than 45 inches high.

  - Top rails are able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds.

  - Guardrails have a midrail around the entire platform between the top rail and the toeboard.

Reference: Ramps and walkways that are 4 feet (1.2m) or more above a lowere level need to have a guardrail system. These requirements are found in Working Surfaces, Guarding Floors and Wall Openings, Ladders, Part J-1, in the General Safety and Health Standards, Chapter 296-24 WAC.

 

 

WAC 296-870-50015

Electrical

You must

• Make sure electrical wiring and equipment meet the requirements of the National Electric Code, NFPA 70-1987, ANSI C1-1987, except as modified by ANSI A120.1-1970, American National Standard Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms for Exterior Building Maintenance.
• Make sure runway conductor systems are:

  - Designed for use in exterior locations

  and

  - Located to prevent contact with water or accumulated snow.

• Make sure conductors, collectors, and disconnecting means meet the requirements for cranes and hoists in Article 610 of the National Electric Code, NFPA 70-1987, ANSI C1-1987.
• Make sure the power conductors are paralleled by a ground conductor that meets both of the following:

  - It can't be opened by the disconnecting means

  and

  - The system is designed to not pose a hazard to persons in the area.