Background

The CSA B354.12, CSA B354.13, and CSA B354.14 cover mast climbing transport platforms (MCTPs). MCTPs move personnel and construction materials on construction sites, providing an alternative to personnel hoists on smaller jobsites. Technical Safety BC proposes to adopt these standards, which would allow construction companies to use MCTPs in BC.

About MCTPs

MCTPs are specialized vertical access systems that are considered tools of the trade and designed to vertically transport authorized personnel and materials to different levels of a construction project. They consist of a platform that can be adjusted vertically using a mast or tower structure. The platform operates at a limited speed and minimum safe distance from the structure. MCTPs are primarily used for facade work, exterior finishing, and other tasks where access to elevated work areas is required. and are ideal as a cost-effective option to provide vertical transport of crews and materials during jobs of a temporary nature.

There are three CSA Standards that are proposed to be adopted for this equipment:

Technical Safety BC proposes to regulate MCTPs as an elevating device. Contractors wishing to use MCTPs would need:

Maintenance and Testing MCTPs

The Standards set requirements for the frequency of maintenance tasks and inspections based on the equipment’s condition, unlike other elevating devices which have mandatory maintenance frequencies as established in the EDSR. These devices do have annual testing required when installed for prolonged periods, as well as mandatory NDT test requirements.

TSBC is proposing amendments to the Standards that would address known hazards and better align with existing provincial safety requirements. Some of these recommended amendments also align with amendments made in other Canadian jurisdictions. These recommendations include:

• requiring full height base enclosures, platform roofs, additional guarding of moving equipment and full height landing gates;
• requiring emergency lowering controls be located where only individuals qualified to operate the emergency lowering means have access;
• preventing operation of the transport platform when movable guardrails on the platform are not secured in the normal operating position;
• preventing operation of the transport platform when the enclosure gates are open; and
• defining acceptable alternative to interlocks and when they are required. Landing door interlocks or mechanical locks should be evaluated and pre-approved by Technical Safety BC.

Impact and Benefits

The proposed Standard presents a new business market for manufacturers of these devices. To meet the proposed safety amendments, manufacturers may need to make modifications to their designs to improve the safety of users. This includes installation of full height base enclosures, platform roof protection and audible alarms. They will also be required to develop training and other regulatory materials to comply with the requirements in BC.

Contractors will be responsible for ensuring compliance with manufacturer implemented changes based on the new Standards and any regulatory amendments. Existing contractors wanting to install and operate this equipment will need to update their license to reflect this scope of work, and new applicants will need to apply as a Class C Contractor with an approved Regulatory Compliance Plan for MCTPs.

Elevating Devices Mechanics will be responsible for implementing the Standard in the field and adhering to safe work practices. They will be required to attend training in the installation, operation, and maintenance activities involved with MCTPs, and must update their certification (skills passport) to reflect this.

Adopting these Standards will provide industry a clear and consistent oversight framework allowed them to safely deploy this equipment.