Big Changes, Little Changes Are Coming

In addition to the terminology and language changes in the new ANSI A92 and CSA B354 standards, which are projected to go into effect later in 2018, the standards also include several big changes to the equipment itself.

New features, such as Platform Load Sense and Dynamic Terrain Sensing, will be incorporated into the design of many mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), as well as new provisions for machines rated “Indoor Only.”

Platform Load Sense

Following in the footsteps of EN280, a European standard in effect since 2001, many MEWPs in North America will be equipped with Platform Load Sense. Also known as an overload system or load sense system (LSS), platform load sense assesses the weight of operators and equipment in the work platform and will only allow machine operation if the total load is within the rated capacity of the MEWP. Equipment with a load sensing system will monitor the weight in the work platform and disable functionality if the rated capacity is exceeded.

This new feature will require additional systems on the machine, as well as service and training. Genie has been proactively working on a response to implementing the new load sense requirements across its entire aerial work platforms product range to offer effective, robust and reliable solutions worldwide. More details on how Genie is implementing load sense technology into its equipment offering will be available in the coming months.

Dynamic Terrain Sensing

In the new standards, MEWPs in North America will also be required to be equipped with a Chassis Angle Sensor, which measures the angle, or tilt, of the machine’s chassis during operation.

With this sensor, if the machine is working on a grade, a warning will alert the operator when the angle of the chassis has reached an operational limit. At this point, the machine will automatically restrict certain drive and boom functions, requiring that the operator safely return the machine to terrain that is within its operating range.

This functionality is similar to features currently on most scissor lifts available in the North American market.

Indoor-Only Machines

The new standards will also spell out requirements for MEWPs that are to be used indoors only. These provisions may allow for the development of smaller, lighter-weight MEWPs bearing an “indoor only” rating; such MEWPs would not be subjected to the typical wind speed limitations imposed on MEWPs used outdoors.

Other Changes

Many changes are coming in the updated North American standards. In addition to the big changes highlighted above, there will be many seemingly smaller, but just as important, alterations to pay attention to, including toeguards on work platform entrances, prohibiting the use of flexible and chain gates, as well as adjustments to the labeling and marking of machines.

These big and little changes in the new standards are intended to support aerial equipment manufacturers’ efforts to provide the latest advancements in safe work at height solutions for owners and operators of MEWPs worldwide. Solutions that get people safely to aerial work spaces, keep them safe while they complete the aerial work and safely get them back down.

With the implementation of the updated ANSI/CSA standards, we continue to evaluate and manufacture our products to meet, and in some cases exceed, the most current industry standards worldwide. This our guarantee to our customers that we will continue to provide them with the best safe work at height solutions possible.