MOL Construction Sector Blitz – Inspections for Suspended Work Platform Systems
The MOL construction sector blitz for suspended work platform systems continues through September.
This initiative is an extension of slips, trips and falls focus from the MOL sector compliance plan for construction and includes the equipment commonly referred to as ‘swing stages’.
As identified in an earlier post, the inspections are designed to determine the implementation and compliance of new legislation that came into effect in early 2017.
In addition to enhancements in the planning for use of suspended access equipment, there were changes to the design, operational, technical and engineering requirements for the equipment.
Along with these significant changes, training requirements were also bolstered. New training requirements were implemented in the legislation for those who use, install and inspect suspended access equipment or otherwise referred to as suspended work platform systems.
Those who should be prepared for these inspections include those involved in:
- industrial, commercial and institutional building construction;
- residential building construction; and
- civil engineering and roadwork.
When conducting these inspections, MOL Inspectors will be specifically checking to ensure that:
- suspended access equipment has been designed, constructed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and in particular, sections 137-142 of Construction Projects (O.Reg 213/91) ; and
- workers have received appropriate training.
Training should be specific for the type of work that is to be performed. For instance, workers that are only going to be riding and operating the equipment will require Suspended Work Platform Systems training for Users while those who are installing and inspecting the equipment will require Suspended Work Platform Systems training for Users/Installers, affectionately referred to as ‘Riggers’. When scheduling training ensure the correct training is selected.