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Since the new ANSI A92 standards were published on December 20^th, 2018, one of the most often asked questions I receive is “Do I have to replace the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities on all of my MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) with the newest one?”

The answer is YES!

What are Manuals of Responsibilities?

As you may know, the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, is the standards writing body for MEWPs in the United States and it is comprised of a consensus body of industry experts. ANSI standards provide the requirements for design, maintenance and use of aerial lift equipment in the United States.

The Scaffold and Access Industry Association, or SAIA, is the secretariat for the ANSI standards. They are responsible for publishing and distributing the standards. They also are responsible for the development and distribution of the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities that is required to be on every MEWP sold within the United States and Canada.

The ANSI Manual of Responsibilities outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers, dealers, owners, users, supervisors, operators, occupants, lessors, lessees and brokers of MEWPs as they relate to the safe use of the equipment.

It also provides a detailed description of the safety practices individuals must follow as an operator of MEWPs.

The ANSI Manual of Responsibilities is taken directly from the applicable ANSI standards. The ANSI standards have always required that the latest version of the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities be on the MEWP at all times.

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What has changed?

The new ANSI A92 and CSA B354 standards are loaded with sweeping and significant changes over the previous standards. Since the standards have changed significantly, the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities has also changed to reflect the new standards.

The ANSI A92.22 Safe Use standard states that the standard will become effective December 2019 for responsibilities for manufacturers, dealers, owners, users, supervisors, operators, occupants, lessors, lessees and brokers for both new and existing units delivered by sale, lease, rental or any form of beneficial use on or after that effective date.

It also states that the standard must be used in conjunction with the following documents:

1. The manufacturer’s make and model operator’s manual; and
2. The SAIA Manual of Responsibilities for Dealers, Owners, Users, Supervisors, Operators, Occupants, Lessors, Lessees and Brokers for the Safe Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.

Why do you need to update these manuals?

It is very clear that the new ANSI Manual of Responsibilities must be on every MEWP once the new standards are in effect since the current manuals reference the current standards and will no longer be applicable. These manuals provide an easily accessible, quick and efficient outline of the responsibilities of all parties associated with the service, maintenance and operation of MEWPs.

Please keep in mind that, in the United States, trailer-mounted booms do not fall under the new ANSI A92 standards so they will still utilize the ANSI A92.2-2015 Manual of Responsibilities. All other MEWPs will require the ANSI A92.7/A92.8 Manual of Responsibilities.

It can be very costly to purchase the entire set of ANSI A92 standards, but the ANSI Manual of Responsibilities are available to purchase at a very reasonable cost. The ANSI Manual of Responsibilities may be purchased directly through SAIA by visiting:

http://www.saiaonline.org/a92