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Scaffolding is a temporary type of structure that is used in construction. This type of structure works with a series of platforms and multiple levels that aide in constructing structures that are tall in height. Scaffolding can be made out of many types of materials. Some of the most common are wood or metal, but in some Asian countries the most common scaffold building material is bamboo.
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The types of equipment referred to in this section are as follows:
Note: Specific rules for compactors and rubber-tired “skid-steer” equipment are reserved due to standards currently being developed.
Seat belts – are a requirement for all equipment that is covered in this section. However, seat belts are not required for equipment which is designed – only for standup operation, and/or equipment that is not equipped with a roll-over protective structure or canopy protection. The reason behind the latter of these two exceptions is; if an operator was wearing a seatbelt with no roll-over or canopy protection, he/she could become trapped or crushed in the event of a roll-over, rather than being afforded the freedom of mobility (not bound by a seatbelt) to immediately vacate (leap or jump from) the equipment prior to or during a roll-over.
Access roadways and grades may not be used for movement of construction equipment or vehicles unless the roadway or grade is constructed and maintained to accommodate the equipment or vehicles safely.
All earthmoving equipment must have an operable service braking system that is capable of stopping and holding the equipment while fully loaded.
Bi-directional equipment such as rollers, compactors, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and other similar equipment must be equipped with an operable audible alarm (horn), audible above the ambient noise level.
No earthmoving or compacting equipment which has an obstructed view to the rear may be used unless the equipment is equipped with a reverse signal alarm or an employee signals that it is safe to move.
Lifting and hauling equipment such as lift trucks, stackers, etc., must have the rated capacity posted on the equipment/vehicle clearly and in plain view of the operator. When auxiliary removable counterweights as provided by the manufacturer are used, those corresponding rated capacities shall also be posted/shown. Ratings must not be exceeded. Also, any modifications or additions to equipment that may affect the capacity ratings or safe operation of the equipment will require the manufacturer’s written approval. When changes or additions are made, the equipment’s operating and maintenance instructions, plates, tags, decals, load ratings, etc. shall be changed/revised to reflect those modifications.
Equipment may not be equipped with a steering or spinner knob unless the steering mechanism is of a type that prevents road reactions from causing the steering wheel to rebound or spin.
Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. When riding of trucks is authorized, then a safe place to ride must be provided.
The information as outlined in this article focuses primarily on the requirements for “vehicles” and “equipment” in the workplace or on the jobsite. Please refer to these sections of the CFR (including Subpart-W Rollover Protective Structures: Overhead Protection) for a more in-depth review of these regulations.
This is part two of a two-part series on Equipment & Vehicles – General Requirements
Part One: Equipment & Vehicles – General Requirements Part 1
Many OSHA regulations address workplace or jobsite hazards quite specifically when it comes to the employee or worker, however there are a few basic but equally important OSHA regulations in-place that focus on your motor vehicles and mechanized equipment used in the workplace or on your jobsites. Local state or federal DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations may prevail or may be as stringent in many cases regarding your equipment, yet, the intent of this article is to inform you of these general OSHA requirements as found in the CFR Subpart O – 1926.600, 1926.601, & 1926.602. Some sections of this subpart may not be addressed in this article.
Equipment that is parked or left unattended at night in an area that is adjacent to a highway in normal use, or a construction site where there will be work in progress, must be equipped as follows to identify the location of the equipment and to maintain overall safety:
When leaving your equipment overnight, not in use, or during repairs, such as a bulldozer, scraper blade, end-loader, dump bodies or other similar equipment, they shall be fully lowered or blocked, all controls set in equipment, they shall be fully lowered or blocked, all controls set in a neutral position, brakes set and motor stopped (unless the work being performed requires otherwise).
Any machinery, equipment, or parts that are held aloft or suspended by use of jacks, slings, or hoists, must be carefully blocked or cribbed to prevent the load from falling or shifting before employees or personnel are permitted to pass or work under or between the load.
Equipment cab glass must be “safety glass” type or equivalent, and must be free of any visible distortion or obstructions that may affect the safe operation.
If any work onsite or in the workplace will involve inflating, mounting, or dismounting of equipment tires installed on split rims, or rims with locking rings or similar devices; a safety tire rack, cage, or equivalent protective device must then be provided and used for personnel safety.
The type of vehicles referred to in this section are those that operate within an off-highway jobsite, which is not open to public traffic.
All vehicles must be equipped with the following, and shall be maintained in operable condition:
In addition to the above listed items, all vehicles with cabs must be equipped with the following:
Fenders must be equipped on all rubber-tired motor vehicle/equipment manufactured on or after 5/1/72. Mud flaps may be used in lieu of fenders where the vehicle is not designed for such.
In a case where the motor vehicle/equipment has an obstructed view to the rear, a reverse signal alarm audible above the ambient noise level must be used or an observer used to signal the operator when it is safe to back up.
Trucks that are equipped with dump bodies shall have a means of support, permanently attached, that is capable of being locked in a position to prevent the accidental lowering of the body while maintenance or inspection work is performed. Also, operating levers which control hoisting or dumping devices must be equipped with a latch or other device which will prevent the accidental starting or tripping of the device.
Tailgates of dump trucks equipped with trip handles must have the device positioned so that while dumping, the operator is in the clear.
All vehicles that are in use must be checked at the beginning of each shift to assure that the items outlined above are in safe operating condition and free of any damage that may cause failure. If any defects are found, they must be corrected before the vehicle is put back in service.
This is part one of a two-part series on Equipment & Vehicles – General Requirements
Part Two: Equipment & Vehicles – General Requirements Part 2