7 — ANSI REPRINT
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9. Responsibility of Users.
9.1 General Responsibilities. Each User shall comply with the requirements of this
section.
9.2 Personnel. Only trained and authorized personnel shall be permitted to operate the
aerial device.
9.3 Training, Retraining, and Familiarization of Operators.
9.3.1 General Training. Only personnel who have received general instructions
regarding the inspection, application and operation of aerial devices, including
recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with their operation, shall operate
an aerial device. Such items covered shall include, but not necessarily be limited to,
the following issues and requirements:
(1) The purpose and use of manuals.
(2) That operating manuals are an integral part of the aerial device and must be
properly stored on the vehicle when not in use.
(3) A pre-start inspection.
(4) Responsibilities associated with problems or malfunctions affecting the
operation of the aerial device.
(5) Factors affecting stability.
(6) The purpose of placards and decals.
(7) Workplace inspection.
(8) Applicable safety rules and regulations, such as Part 4, ANSI C2-1997,
National Electrical Safety Code. (applies to utility workers as defined in
ANSI C2). The above standard is an example; other industries using aerial
devices have safety rules pertinent to that industry.
(9) Authorization to operate.
(10) Operator warnings and instructions.
(11) Actual operation of the aerial device. Under the direction of a qualified
person, the trainee shall operate the aerial device for a sufficient period of
time to demonstrate proficiency in the actual operation of the aerial device.
(12) Proper use of personal fall protection equipment
9.3.2 Retraining. The operator shall be retrained, when so directed by the user, based on
the user’s observation and evaluation of the operator.
9.3.3 Familiarization. When an operator is directed to operate an aerial device he/she is
not familiar with, the operator, prior to operating, shall be instructed regarding the
following items and issues:
(1) The location of the manuals.
(2) The purpose and function of all controls.
(3) Safety devices and operating characteristics specific to the aerial device.
9.4 Application. The employer and assigned operator shall insure that the aerial device
is used only for intended applications as defined in the operating manual, and that
recognized safety practices are observed.
9.5 Mobile Operation. Before and during driving, the driver shall:
(1) Avoid traveling on any surface that adversely affects vehicle stability.
(2) Maintain a safe distance from obstacles and overhead lines.
(3) Maintain communications between the driver and the operator.
(4) Under all travel conditions, the driver shall limit travel speed in accordance
with conditions of the ground surface, congestion, and slope.
9.6 Alterations. Altering or disabling of safety devices, guards, or interlocks if so
equipped shall be prohibited.
9.7 Bare-Hand Work. For bare-hand work, a Category “A” aerial device shall be used.
9.8 Lower Controls. The lower controls of aerial devices shall not be used for
continuous operation with personnel in the platform.
10. Responsibilities of Operators
10.1 General Responsibilities. Each operator shall comply with the requirements of this
section.
