Tier 4 final emissions standards have already driven large disruptions in aerial rental, but pending changes to the ANSI A92/CSA B354 standards series* (which covers all North American aerials), be on the lookout for these standards to have an even greater impact in the years to come.

The new standards are based on an ISO model, so they are very similar to the current European EN280 standard. As a global manufacturer, Genie can leverage our experiences in Europe to help with the transition, but we have to remember that North American aerial operators are very different. It’s important that we, as an industry, starting preparing now for the impact it will have on rental fleets, rental customers and operators.

What is changing?

The new ANSI standards will be subject specific such that ANSI A92.20 (design), A92.22 (safe use) and A92.24 (training) covers booms, scissors and manually propelled aerials. There is no easy way to say it other than “everything will change.”

Some of the key changes in the new ANSI A92 standards are:

1. Platform Load Sense – All aerials will be required to continuously check the weight in the platform and disable function if the load is above the platform load limit. This requires additional systems, sophisticated components, service and training requirements.

1. Dynamic Terrain Sensing in Booms – Unlike the current standards, drive and certain boom functions must be disabled when out of their slope limit and functions restricted only to those that safely return the machine to terrain that is within limits.

1. Indoor-Only Machines – Provisions will exist for aerials that may only be used indoors, not subject to wind loads. This may allow some smaller, lighter weight aerial types while some existing aerials may be rated “indoor only.”

1. Terminology – Most terminology used in training and compliance will change. Aerial Work Platforms will become MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). MEWPs will be classified as groups A and B with types 1, 2, or 3 – not booms, scissors, etc., with more international language to get used to.

1. A Lot More – This is an all-new standard with many changes. Examples include reduced lift and lower speeds, required toeguards on entrances, flexible and chain gates are prohibited while A92.22 and A92.24 make sweeping changes to how safe use and training for aerials are addressed and administered.

*ANSI/SAIA 92.3 for manually propelled aerial, 92.5 for booms, 92.6 for self-propelled (scissors), and 92.8 for under-bridge inspection machines (92.2 for vehicle mounted platforms is not involved).