OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
February 22, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
FROM: |
THOMAS J. SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin - Insulated and
Non-Insulated Aerial Devices |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins
(HIB) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood safety and health
hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and engineering
controls. HIB's are initiated based on information provided by the field
staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Information is compiled based on a
comprehensive evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination
with appropriate parties. HIB's do not necessarily reflect OSHA policy.
The Dallas Regional Office brought to our attention a potential serious
safety hazard with the use of aerial devices. An electrician was
electrocuted while working on electric signs, standing in a fiberglass bucket
mounted on an aerial ladder. The fiberglass bucket has a metal reinforcing
strip on the upper lip of the bucket which is isolated from all other metal
parts. It appears that the metal strip played a part in the accident.
Upon reviewing the aerial ladder specifications and the information from the
manufacturer and distributor, we determined that the aerial ladder in
question was a non-insulated unit. According to the manufacturer of the
aerial ladder, warning labels are affixed on this model of aerial ladder
stating that the unit is a non-insulated device. This is required by the
revised ANSI A92.2-1979 standard.
For an aerial device to be acceptable for use on energized equipment as an
insulated device up to 69kV, it must meet the following requirements of ANSI
A92.2-1969 standard:
3.2 Electrical Ratings
3.2.1 Required Statement
3.2.2 Rated Line Voltage
3.2.3 Certification
4.10 Insulated Boom and Platform Specifications, and
5.4 Insulation Tests
Compliance and consultation personnel should be aware of the requirements of
insulated and non-insulated aerial devices.
Please distribute this bulletin to Area Offices, State Plan States, and
Consultation Project Officers.
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