R 408.41243 Rough terrain forklift truck scaffolds; equipment requirements; employee safety requirements.

Rule 1243. (1) The scaffold platform shall be attached to the forks by enclosed sleeves and shall be secured against the back of the forks with a mechanical device so that the platform cannot tip or slip. (2) A work platform shall be in compliance with all of the following requirements: (a) Except for the guardrail system as specified in Construction Safety Standard Part 21. “Guarding of Walking and Working Areas,” as referenced in R 408.41201, be of welded mild steel construction that has a minimum safety factor of 4 times the maximum intended load. (b) Have a continuous guardrail system constructed as follows: (i) Have a top rail which is located not less than 36 inches, nor more than 42 inches, above the platform floor and which is constructed to withstand a minimum of 200 pounds of force in any direction. (ii) Have a midrail which is installed at mid-height between the top rail and platform floor and which is constructed to withstand a 200-pound side thrust. (iii) Have a toeboard which is not less than 4 inches in nominal height and which is installed not more than 1/4 of an inch above the floor around the periphery of the work platform. If the platform has a gate, then the toeboard shall be installed on the gate. (c) Have a wood planking, steel plate, or a steel grating bolted or welded to the bottom of the platform and be maintained free of slip or trip hazards. (d) Have a permanently affixed sign on the platform that specifies the maximum number of passengers allowed, the work platform identification number, and the maximum rated load. (e) Be easily identifiable by high-visibility color or marking. (3) The work platform shall be level when in use. (4) If an employee is elevated in a platform on a variable reach lift truck, a personal fall arrest system, including the anchorage required in Construction Safety Standard Part 45. “Fall Protection,” and Construction Safety and Health Standard Part 6. “Personal Protective Equipment,” as referenced in R 408.41201, is required and shall be worn when an employee is elevated. (5) The rough terrain fork truck or the lift truck shall rest on firm footing. Leveling devices and outriggers shall be used where provided on equipment. (6) A trained operator shall remain at the operator station of a lift truck to control the lift truck while an employee is elevated. The lift truck control or controls shall be in neutral and the parking brake set. The operator of the lift truck scaffold platform shall be able to see the elevated platform at all times. (7) A lift truck platform shall be returned to the ground before a lift truck is repositioned. The forklift shall be moved as close to the work area as possible for final positioning. An employee shall exit the landed platform and reboard the platform only after the lift truck repositioning is completed. (8) The combined mass weight of the platform, load, and the employee shall not be more than 1/3 of the rated capacity of the rough terrain forklift truck on which the platform is used. (9) An employee shall maintain firm footing on the platform floor. Railings, planks, ladders, or other materials shall not be used on the platform to achieve reach or height. (10) The guardrail system of the platform shall not be used to support any of the following: (a) Materials. (b) Other work platforms. (c) Employees. (11) The platform shall be lowered to ground level for an employee to enter or exit, except where elevated work areas are inaccessible or hazardous to reach. An employee may exit the platform with the knowledge and consent of the employer. When exiting to unguarded work areas, fall protection shall be provided and used as required in Construction Safety Standard Part 45. “Fall Protection,” as referenced in R 408.41201. An employee shall not climb on any part of a lift truck when attempting to enter or exit the platform. (12) A platform shall not be modified if the modification is detrimental to its safe use. (13) Floor dimensions parallel to the truck longitudinal centerline shall not be more than 2 times the load center distance listed on the rough terrain forklift truck nameplate. The floor dimension width shall not be more than the overall width of the truck measured across the load-bearing tires plus 10 inches (250 mm) on either side. The minimum space for each employee on the platform shall be not less than 18 inches (450 mm) in either direction. (14) A wood pallet shall not be used as a platform for lift truck scaffolds. (15) If arc welding is performed by an employee on the platform, then the electrode holders shall be protected from contact with the metal components of the work platform. (16) A work platform shall not be used during high winds, electrical storms, snow, ice, sleet, or other adverse weather conditions that could affect the safety of the employees on the work platform or the operator of the truck.