ANSI A92 Standards
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Identify the three current ANSI/SAIA A92 standards and what each one governs
- •Explain the MEWP Group A / Group B and Type 1 / 2 / 3 classification system
- •State the SAE hand signal standard required by 230 CMR 6.00 and who may direct the operator
- •Describe the operator, supervisor, and occupant responsibilities introduced by the A92 standards
Topics Covered
- •ANSI/SAIA A92.20 — design and build standard for MEWPs
- •ANSI/SAIA A92.22 — safe use standard for MEWPs (owners, users, operators)
- •ANSI/SAIA A92.24 — training standard for operators, supervisors, and occupants
- •The term "MEWP" (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) replaced "aerial work platform" / "AWP" under the A92 standards
- •Group A vs. Group B: whether the platform stays within the tipping lines (most scissor lifts are Group A; most boom lifts are Group B)
- •Type 1, 2, and 3: whether the machine can travel only when stowed, travels from the chassis, or travels from the platform
- •Required worksite risk assessment and a written safe-use plan before MEWP operation
- •Supervisor responsibility for monitoring operators and occupant (passenger) responsibilities
- •SAE J1307 hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00; only an approved signaler may direct the operator
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: Which ANSI/SAIA A92 standard covers the training of MEWP operators, supervisors, and occupants?
- A. A92.20
- B. A92.22
- C. A92.24(correct)
- D. A92.2
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A92.24 is the training standard. A92.20 is the design/build standard and A92.22 is the safe use standard — remember the order: design, use, train.
Question 2: Under the A92 classification system, what distinguishes a Group A MEWP from a Group B MEWP?
- A. Group A machines are electric; Group B machines are diesel
- B. On a Group A machine the platform stays within the tipping lines; on a Group B machine it can extend beyond them(correct)
- C. Group A machines are indoor-only; Group B machines are outdoor-only
- D. Group A machines have guardrails; Group B machines do not
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Group A platforms remain inside the tipping lines in all positions (typical scissor lift). Group B platforms can move beyond the tipping lines (typical boom lift), which is why boom lifts have stricter stability and fall-protection demands.
Question 3: What does the term "MEWP" stand for?
- A. Mechanical Elevated Work Procedure
- B. Mobile Elevating Work Platform(correct)
- C. Manual Extension Work Platform
- D. Motorized Elevated Work Personnel-carrier
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. The A92 standards adopted this term to replace the older "aerial work platform" (AWP) terminology.
Question 4: Which SAE standard specifies the hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. SAE J1307(correct)
- B. SAE J386
- C. SAE J765
- D. SAE J1040
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 requires SAE J1307 hand signals. On a job site, only an approved signaler may use these signals to direct the operator.
Question 5: Under the ANSI/SAIA A92.22 safe use standard, what must be completed before MEWP operation begins on a site?
- A. A worksite risk assessment and a written safe-use plan(correct)
- B. A load test of the platform to 150% of rated capacity
- C. A notarized statement from the equipment owner
- D. An OSHA inspection of the machine
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A92.22 requires a site risk assessment and a safe-use plan that addresses the specific hazards of the job — ground conditions, overhead obstructions, traffic, and rescue.
Question 6: Under the A92 standards, who is responsible for monitoring the operator and confirming the safe-use plan is followed?
- A. The equipment manufacturer
- B. A trained supervisor(correct)
- C. The platform occupant
- D. The crane inspector
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The A92 standards create a distinct supervisor role. The supervisor must be trained, select the right MEWP for the task, and monitor that operators follow the safe-use plan.
Question 7: A "Type 3" MEWP under the A92 standards is one that:
- A. Can only be moved when the platform is fully lowered
- B. Can be traveled using controls on the chassis only
- C. Can be traveled using controls in the elevated platform(correct)
- D. Cannot travel under its own power at all
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Type 3 MEWPs can be driven from the elevated platform. Most self-propelled boom and scissor lifts are Type 3 — which is exactly why travel-with-platform-raised hazards matter so much.