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Organizations partner for Statement of Best Practices for Workplace Risk Assessment and Aerial Work Platform Equipment Selection

Words: Tracy AllenThe American Rental Association (ARA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) have joined forces once again to develop a document of best practices regarding workplace risk assessment and selecting the most appropriate aerial work platform (AWP) equipment for the job at hand.

The result of this joint venture is the Statement of Best Practices for Workplace Risk Assessment and Aerial Work Platform Equipment Selection. Previous documents include Statement of Best Practices of Personal Fall Protection Systems for Aerial Work Platform Equipment (2011) and Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment (2010).

The participating organizations recognized a need to aid in the identification of hazards, offer guidance for conducting a thorough workplace risk assessment and implementing control measures as well as assist in the selection of the most appropriate AWP equipment for the work involved. The industry remains committed to putting forth initiatives that increase awareness of best practices, clarify responsibilities and address the safe use of AWP equipment.

The objectives of this best practice document are intended to:
  • Educate the industry on applicable OSHA regulations and the industry-recognized and supported ANSI/SAIA A92 standards.
  • Provide information to assist users and operators in assessing the risk of potential hazards for the work to be done and implementing appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate such risks.
  • Offer guidance and issues to consider in the selection of the most appropriate AWP equipment to perform the work needed.
  • Encourage the incorporation of best practices into a company’s workplace risk assessment plan.
The Statement of Best Practices for Workplace Risk Assessment and Aerial Work Platform Equipment Selection document was unveiled by the participating organizations during The Rental Show, the ARA’s convention and trade show, February 11, 2013 at The Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. This document is also available as a free download from each participating organizations’ websites.
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