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Regulation Review Part 22

Workers in Manitoba have legislated regulations to help keep us safe, day in and day out – no matter what job we do. These regulations are a part of the framework for building safe workplaces in Manitoba.

 

The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect you – the worker – from workplace hazards and the risks they present. Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 is a 44-part document containing requirements and guidelines for workplaces, including site-specific rules and other valuable information to prevent harm from coming to workers.

 

Safety Check is profiling one part of the Regulation in each issue to help remind you of the Regulation’s specifics and to help keep safety top-of-mind for all Manitobans.

 

This issue, it’s Regulation Part 22: Powered Mobile Equipment (PME), which was previously regulated through other legislation. 

 

This regulation applies to every workplace where PME is used. In these workplaces, SAFE work procedures must be developed, implemented and workers trained.

 

Employers must keep written record of inspections, repairs and maintenance to PME.

 

Regulation Part 22 requires workplaces to adhere to the following points regarding PME use:

 

  • Exposed moving parts must be shielded, enclosed or guarded.
  • Exhaust and other hot equipment surfaces must be guarded.
  • Safety requirements include: a horn or other audible warning device, a portable fire extinguisher, a braking system and a parking device.
  • PME used to drive ancillary equipment must be equipped with a device that allows the operator to immediately stop the equipment.
  • Seats, seatbelts and restraining devices must not be removed and must be utilized when the PME is in use.
  • Lights are required if the PME is used during hours of darkness or in an inadequately lit area.
  • Operators must visually inspect the PME before use.
  • Barriers are required if the PME is used above grade height.
  • PME can only be used to transport workers if the equipment or attachment is designed for that use.
  • Unattended equipment must be secured against unintentional movement.
  • All suspended or elevated parts must be fully lowered when equipment is left unattended.
  • No worker may operate PME with an extending boom unless the equipment is stable under all conditions.
  • No workers may be on ladders attached to an extending boom when the equipment is being moved.
  • All equipment must be securely blocked in place before maintenance is performed.
  • Tires must be serviced by a competent person in accordance with specifications of both the tire and PME manufacturers.
  • Rollover Protective Structure (a structure designed to reduce the possibility of injury to an operator in the event of a rollover or upset, also known as ROPS) must be commercially manufactured and compliant with the appropriate CSA standards. If not commercially manufactured, ROPS must be designed by a professional engineer.
  • No one may operate the equipment if structural integrity is compromised until the ROPS is replaced or a professional engineer certifies it has not been compromised.
  • Additions/modifications/structural repairs of ROPS can only be done as per the equipment manufacturer or a professional engineer.
  • An operating certificate must be issued by the employer before a worker is permitted to operate a powered lift truck. The worker must receive instruction, training and testing and must be familiar with the operating procedures of the truck the worker will be operating. The employer must also implement an evaluation system to ensure continued competency of the powered lift truck operator.
  • A load rating chart must be affixed to the truck.
  • No worker or other person may be positioned under a distribution boom or mast while a concrete pump truck is in use. No one but the worker placing the concrete may be in the work area of the distribution boom or mast.
  • Concrete pump trucks may not be moved when the distribution boom or mast is extended unless the truck is designed to be moved with its boom or mast extended.
  • Dump truck SAFE work procedures must include procedures for the use of other PME to free a trapped load in the dump box.
  • Ensure the ground is stable and capable of withstanding the weight of both the truck and the load before dumping a load to the ground.
  • The employer must develop, implement and train workers on SAFE work procedures for working on ice. Procedure for testing the thickness of the ice and a plan for dealing with emergencies arising from PME breaking through the surface of the ice are required.
  • Refuelling on ice is prohibited.
  • A pilot vehicle is required when building a winter road on ice. The pilot vehicle must be equipped with a means of communication that allows the operator to talk to all the workers who will implement the plan for dealing with an emergency or emergency response services.

 

For more information on PME, download the regulation in full.