WAC 296-305-04511   Elevated platforms.  (1) Elevated platform system design requirements:

     (a) The platform shall have a minimum floor area of fourteen square feet.

     (b) The platform shall be provided with a guard railing. The guard railing shall be 42 to 45 inches high on all sides.

     (c) The railing shall be constructed so that there is no opening below it greater than 19 inches.

     (d) There shall be two gates below the top railing, each of which shall be provided with suitable safety latches.

     (e) A kick plate not less than four inches high shall be provided around the floor of the platform.

     (f) Drain openings shall be provided to prevent water accumulation on the platform.

     (g) A heat-protective shield shall be provided on the platform for the protection of the operator.

     (h) Hydraulic or pneumatic systems shall have a minimum bursting strength of at least four times the operating pressure for which the system is designed.

     (i) The basic structural elements of the hydraulic or articulating boom shall have a safety factor of three.

     (j) Each hydraulic or pneumatic system for the boom shall be equipped with a pilot operated check valve or other appropriate device to prevent free fall in the event of hydraulic failure.

     (2) Requirements related to the controlling of elevated platforms:

     (a) A control or device shall be provided at both the lower control station and the platform control station to allow either operator to completely deactivate the platform controls.

     (b) During the deactivation of the platform controls, the lower controls shall remain operable.

     (c) A plate shall be located at the platform control unit or units listing the following information:

     (i) Model and serial number of the manufacturer;

     (ii) Rated capacity of the platform;

     (iii) Operating pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic systems or both;

     (iv) Caution or restriction of operation or both; and

     (v) Control instructions.

     (vi) This plate shall be clearly visible to the operator at the lower control position.

     (d) There shall be an operator at the lower controls at all times while the fire fighter is in the bucket.

     (e) The operator at the lower controls shall make certain the fire fighter on the platform is secured by his life belt, or equivalent, before raising the platform.

     (3) Testing of elevated platforms and related apparatus shall be conducted annually.

     (a) Testing of elevated platforms and related apparatus shall be in accordance with NFPA, Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Ladders 1914, 1991 edition.

     (b) It is recommended that the boom section as well as the support section of the apparatus which supports the turntable should be nondestructively tested by a certified testing agency every five years.

     (c) After any accident that causes structural damage, testing shall be performed and all defects detected shall be corrected before the apparatus is returned to service.

     (d) Elevated platform testing shall follow recommendations of the current National Fire Code.

     (e) Fire apparatus elevated platforms shall be positioned for the greatest stability feasible at the fire scene.

     (4) A two-way voice communication system shall be installed between the platform and the lower control station.

     (5) Automotive apparatus used in conjunction with elevated platforms shall be used in accordance with the following:

     (a) Hand or air brakes shall be set before the platform is operated.

     (b) Jacks or outriggers shall be used if the platform is to be elevated.

     (c) Wheel blocks shall also be used when the platform is in operation unless the type of apparatus is one that has wheels that lift off the ground when the jacks or outriggers are engaged.

     (d) Ground plates shall be used under the outriggers or jacks.

     (e) Sand shall be put under jacks and outriggers when operating on ice or snow.

     (f) When working on or near energized electrical lines, the fire department shall develop operational procedures for observing the following minimum working clearances:

     (i) For lines rated 50 kv or below, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet.

     (ii) For lines rated over 50 kv, the minimum clearance shall be ten feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kv.

     (iii) For low voltage lines (operating at 750 volts or less), the work shall be performed in a manner to prevent the fire fighters contacting the energized conductor.

     (6) Appliances mounted on elevated platforms. Platform mounted monitors shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

     Additional References: WAC 296-24-880.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038, § 296-305-04511, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-04511, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97.]