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Create me a toolbox topic of operating a manlift

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Published by SALUS

Safe Manlift Operation ======================

Date: 2025-09-13

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all personnel understand the safe operating procedures for manlifts, including pre-use inspections, fall protection, and emergency procedures, to prevent accidents and injuries.

Introduction

Manlifts are designed for the vertical transportation of personnel between floors. This toolbox talk will cover essential safety practices for their operation.

Key Points

  • Pre-Use Inspection: Before using the manlift, inspect all components, including steps, handholds, rails, and safety devices. Report any defects immediately.
  • Proper Use: Face the belt, use the handholds, and do not carry any freight or materials on the manlift. [4]
  • Fall Protection: Always use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as a harness and lanyard, when working on a manlift.
  • Emergency Procedures: Know the location of emergency stop buttons and exit ladders. Understand the procedures for evacuating the manlift in case of a failure.
  • Weather Protection: Ensure that the manlift and its driving mechanism are protected from the weather at all times. [3]
  • Illumination: Both runs of the manlift shall be illuminated at all times when the lift is in operation. [3]

Hazard Identification

Understanding the hazards associated with manlifts is crucial for preventing accidents.

  • Falls from height due to improper use or lack of fall protection.: Severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or fatalities.
  • Mechanical failures due to inadequate inspection and maintenance.: Manlift malfunction, leading to falls or entrapment.
  • Struck by hazards from moving parts of the manlift.: Cuts, bruises, fractures, or other impact injuries.
  • Electrical hazards due to damaged wiring or improper grounding.: Electric shock, burns, or electrocution.
  • Entrapment between the step and adjacent structures.: Crushing injuries, suffocation.

Control Measures

  • Conduct pre-use inspections of all manlift components.: Check steps, handholds, rails, and safety devices for damage or wear. Ensure all components are in proper working order.
  • Ensure proper illumination at all manlift runways.: Maintain an intensity of not less than 1-foot candle at all points. [2]
  • Use fall protection equipment at all times while on the manlift.: Harnesses and lanyards must be inspected before each use. Ensure proper attachment to designated anchor points.
  • Ensure weather protection for the manlift.: The entire manlift and its driving mechanism shall be protected from the weather at all times. [2]
  • Comply with posting requirements.: Post instruction signs at landings or on the belt.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hats: Wear hard hats to protect against head injuries from falling objects or bumping into overhead structures. Ensure the hard hat fits properly and is in good condition.
  • Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, debris, or other particles that may be present in the environment.
  • Gloves: Wear gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and contact with potentially hazardous substances.
  • Safety Boots: Wear safety boots with slip-resistant soles to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Steel-toed boots provide additional protection against foot injuries.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker failed to conduct a pre-use inspection and used a manlift with a damaged handhold. While ascending, the handhold broke, causing the worker to lose balance and fall, resulting in a fractured arm. This highlights the importance of thorough pre-use inspections.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common defects you have found during manlift inspections?
  2. What steps can we take to improve our pre-use inspection process?
  3. How can we ensure that everyone is properly trained on manlift safety procedures?

Emergency Procedures

  1. In case of manlift failure, remain calm and use the emergency stop button.
  2. Use the emergency exit ladder to evacuate if the manlift is stuck. [1]
  3. Report any incidents or near-misses to the supervisor immediately.

Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions about manlift safety:

  • Q: What should I do if I see a defect during the pre-use inspection?

A: Report the defect to your supervisor immediately and do not use the manlift until it is repaired.

  • Q: Can I carry tools or materials with me on the manlift?

A: No, manlifts are for personnel transport only. Tools and materials should be transported separately. [5]

  • Q: What is the procedure if the manlift stops working while I am on it?

A: Remain calm, activate the emergency stop, and use the emergency exit ladder to descend. Report the incident immediately.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Always perform a pre-use inspection of the manlift.
  • Use appropriate fall protection equipment at all times.
  • Follow emergency procedures in case of manlift failure.
  • Report any defects or incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Review the manlift pre-use inspection checklist.
  2. Practice using the emergency exit ladder.
  3. Ask your supervisor any questions you have about manlift safety.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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5 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 1910.68 MANLIFTS (cont.) ## 1910.68(b)(11) Top arrangements. (i) Clearance from floor. A top clearance shall be provided of at least 11 feet above the top terminal landing. This clearance shall be maintained from a plane through each face of the belt to a vertical cylindrical plane having a diameter 2 feet greater than the diameter of the floor opening, extending upward from the top floor to the ceiling on the up-running side of the belt. No encroachment of structural or machine supporting members within this space will be permitted. (ii) Pulley clearance. (a) There shall be a clearance of at least 5 feet between the center of the head pulley shaft and any ceiling obstruction. (b) The center of the head pulley shaft shall be not less than 6 feet above the top terminal landing. (iii) Emergency grab rail. An emergency grab bar or rail and platform shall be provided at the head pulley when the distance to the head pulley is over 6 feet above the top landing, otherwise only a grab bar or rail is to be provided to permit the rider to swing free should the emergency stops become inoperative. 1910.68(b)(12) Emergency exit ladder. A fixed metal ladder accessible from both the "up" and "down" run of the manlift shall be provided for the entire travel of the manlift. Such ladders shall meet the requirements in subpart D of this part. 1910.68(b)(13) Superstructure bracing. Manlift rails shall be secured in such a manner as to avoid spreading, vibration, and misalignment. 1910.68(b)(14) Illumination. (i) General. Both runs of the manlift shall be illuminated at all times when the lift is in operation. An intensity of not less than 1-foot candle shall be maintained at all points. (However, see subparagraph (6)(iii) of this paragraph for illumination requirements at landings.) (ii) Control of illumination. Lighting of manlift runways shall be by means of circuits permanently tied in to the building circuits (no switches), or shall be controlled by switches at each…

[2] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.68 - Manlifts.

Page 8

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1910.68(b)(7)(i)(c) (cont.) - 1910.68(b)(14)(i) General. Both runs of the manlift shall be illuminated at all times when the lift is in operation. An intensity of not less than 1-foot candle shall be maintained at all points. (However, see subparagraph (6)(iii) of this paragraph for illumination requirements at landings.) - 1910.68(b)(14)(ii) - Control of illumination. Lighting of manlift runways shall be by means of circuits permanently tied in to the building circuits (no switches), or shall be controlled by switches at each landing. Where separate switches are provided at each landing, any switch shall turn on all lights necessary to illuminate the entire runway. - 1910.68(b)(15) Weather protection. The entire manlift and its driving mechanism shall be protected from the weather at all times. - 1910.68(c) - Mechanical requirements- - 1910.68(c)(1) - Machines, general- - 1910.68(c)(1)(i) Brakes. Brakes provided for stopping and holding a manlift shall be inherently self-engaging, by requiring power or force from an external source to cause disengagement. The brake shall be electrically released, and shall be applied to the motor shaft for direct-connected units or to the input shaft for belt-driven units. The brake shall be capable of stopping and holding the manlift when the descending side is loaded with 250 lb on each step. - 1910.68(c)(1)(ii) - Belt. - 1910.68(c)(1)(ii)(a) The belts shall be of hard-woven canvas, rubber-coated canvas, leather, or other material meeting the strength requirements of paragraph (b)(3) of this section and having a coefficient of friction such that when used in conjunction with an adequate tension device it will meet the brake test specified in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph. 1910.68(c)(1)(ii)(b) Submit Feedback

[3] Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.68 - Manlifts.

Page 14

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1910.68(b)(7)(i)(c) (cont.) ONLY-shall be displayed at each landing. - 1910.68(d) - Operating rules- - 1910.68(d)(1) - Proper use of manlifts. No freight, packaged goods, pipe, lumber, or construction materials of any kind shall be handled on any manlift. - 1910.68(d)(2) [Reserved] - 1910.68(e) - Periodic inspection- 1910.68(e)(1) Frequency. All manlifts shall be inspected by a competent designated person at intervals of not more than 30 days. Limit switches shall be checked weekly. Manlifts found to be unsafe shall not be operated until properly repaired. - 1910.68(e)(2) Items covered. This periodic inspection shall cover but is not limited to the following items: Steps. Step Fastenings. Rails. Rail Supports and Fastenings. Rollers and Slides. Belt and Belt Tension. Handholds and Fastenings. Floor Landings. Guardrails. Lubrication. Limit Switches. Warning Signs and Lights. Illumination. Drive Pulley. Bottom (boot) Pulley and Clearance.

[4] General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

Page 7

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 1910.68 MANLIFTS (cont.) ## 1910.68(c)(7) Instruction and warning signs. (i) Instruction signs at landings or belts. Signs of conspicuous and easily read style giving instructions for the use of the manlift shall be posted at each landing or stenciled on the belt. (a) [Reserved] (b) The instructions shall read approximately as follows: Face the Belt. Use the Handholds. To Stop-Pull Rope. (ii) Top floor warning sign and light. (a) At the top floor an illuminated sign shall be displayed bearing the following wording: ## "TOP FLOOR-GET OFF" - Signs shall be in block letters not less than 2 inches in height. This sign shall be located within easy view of an ascending passenger and not more than 2 feet above the top terminal landing. (b) In addition to the sign required by paragraph (c)(7)(ii)(a) of this section, a red warning light of not less than 40- watt rating shall be provided immediately below the upper landing terminal and so located as to shine in the passenger's face. (iii) Visitor warning. A conspicuous sign having the following legend-AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY- shall be displayed at each landing. ## 1910.68(D) OPERATING RULES. (1) Proper use of manlifts. No freight, packaged goods, pipe, lumber, or construction materials of any kind shall be handled on any manlift. ## 1910.68(E) PERIODIC INSPECTION. (1) Frequency. All manlifts shall be inspected by a competent designated person at intervals of not more than 30 days. Limit switches shall be checked weekly. Manlifts found to be unsafe shall not be operated until properly repaired. (2) Items covered. This periodic inspection shall cover but is not limited to the following items: - Steps. - Step Fastenings. - Rails. - Rail Supports and Fastenings. - Rollers and Slides. - Belt and Belt Tension. - Handholds and Fastenings. - Floor Landings. - Guardrails. - Lubrication. - Limit Switches. - Warning Signs and Lights. - Illumination. - Drive Pulley. - Bottom (boo…

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 251

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Platforms (cont.) ## 1910.68 Manlifts (cont.) F Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Platforms Division 2 Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (iv) Guardrails. To guard against persons walking under a descending step, the area on the downside of the manlift shall be guarded in accordance with subparagraph (8) of this paragraph. To guard against a person getting between the mounting platform and an ascending step, the area between the belt and the platform shall be protected by a guardrail. (11) Top arrangements. (i) Clearance from floor. A top clearance shall be provided of at least 11 feet above the top terminal landing. This clearance shall be maintained from a plane through each face of the belt to a vertical cylindrical plane having a diameter 2 feet greater than the diameter of the floor opening, extending upward from the top floor to the ceiling on the up- running side of the belt. No encroachment of structural or machine supporting members within this space will be permitted. (ii) Pulley clearance. (A) There shall be a clearance of at least 5 feet between the center of the head pulley shaft and any ceiling obstruction. (B) The center of the head pulley shaft shall be not less than 6 feet above the top terminal landing. (iii) Emergency grab rail. An emergency grab bar or rail and platform shall be provided at the head pulley when the distance to the head pulley is over 6 feet above the top landing, otherwise only a grab bar or rail is to be provided to permit the rider to swing free should the emergency stops become inoperative. (12) Emergency exit ladder. A fixed metal ladder accessible from both the "up" and "down" run of the manlift shall be provided for the entire travel of the manlift. Such ladders shall meet the requirements in Subpart D of this part. (13) Superstructure bracing. Manlift rails shall be secured in such a manner as to…

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