Wow, awesome knowledge and info!

The initial post was in reference to Pro-Tech Model # WB08D, which is not on the website.

That is correct, a Telehandler is not an aerial work platform. The Pro-Tech Work Box # WB08D was designed as a trash box, but we found guys using it for men, so we redesigned it so that it meets the same standards as say JLG's Work Platform Attachment that they make. This was to cover guys butts in the field and to add more versatility to the telehandler.

We did not envison our Work Box being used a primary work platform.

I would love to learn more about the state of MI's take on the B56.6 standards...Give me a call at the office sometime, my name is Chris.

rnlmcswma:

If the "work box" you are referring to is the Pro-Tech Material Handling Box (MH08T), it would not be acceptable as a rough terrain work platform in Michigan, an OSHA state plan state. Under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA), which is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), Michigan promulgates its own health and safety regulations. Very few of these regulations are identical to federal OSHA regulations. Copies of the MIOSHA Health and Safety Standards can be downloaded free of charge. Google: DLEG Standards and Legislation (or) Michigan.gov/MIOSHA standards. I also recommend you Google: MIOSHA Construction Fact Sheets - Rough Terrain Fork Trucks. This publication will outline the Michigan construction safety standards pertinent to rough terrain fork truck platforms. (You did not specify what type of activity your company performs. I am assuming that it is some type of "construction activity").

You did not define what you mean by "lifting". It could mean elevating personnel in a work platform to perform work from within the work platform, or it could mean transporting personnel to a height where they would disembark to perform work outside of the basket. MIOSHA, Construction Safety Standard, Part 12, Rule 1243(19) (Rough terrain forklift truck scaffolds; equipment requirements; employee safety requirements) requires employees to enter and exit the work platform only when it has been lowered to ground level. An exception allows employees to exit the work platform at an elevated height but only if the work area is otherwise inaccessible or hazardous to reach by other elevating means (ladder. scaffold, etc.). (Note: the exception cannot be used just for "convenience").

The exception also requires that the employer has knowledge that employees will be leaving the basket and that the employer consents to such activity. It also requires that the employer provide and enforce the use of additional fall protection when employee's exit or enter the work platform at height.

Rule 1243(5) requires the work platform to have a continuous guardrail system (all sides) with top rail capable of 200 pound force in all directions; with mid rail capable of 200 pound side force, and toeboard with a nominal 4 inch height.

Rule 1243(9) requires all employees elevated on a variable reach forklift work platform to wear approved fall protection safety devices (full body harness and safety lanyard). (This requirement is in addition to the guardrail requirements).

Do not use the ANSI/ASME/ITSDF manufacturer's requirements for work platforms as the sole source for specifications. OSHA (federal or state) occupational safety standards go beyond these minimum specifications.

Michigan has a general duty clause that allows MIOSHA to enforce consensus safety standards or a body of safety knowledge even if it has not adopted such information by reference or referred to it in the occupational health and safety standards. The General Duty Clause addresses recognized hazards. (MIOSHA, Administrative Rules, Part 13, Inspections and Investigation; Citations and Proposed Penalties. Rule 1303 (1), Scope: "The act requires that every employer covered under the act furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. The act also requires that employers comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the act, and that employees comply with standards, rules, regulations, and orders issued under the act which are applicable to their own actions and conduct."

Under the MIOSHA General Duty Clause, the following ANSI/ITSDF rules could be enforceable: ANSI/ITSDF B56.6 (2005), Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks, 5.15 Elevating Personnel (all). Special attention should be given to the first part of 5.15 (1): "A ro

I'm sure that we want a machine that will be as versitile as possible, so people and materials would probably be required. While I don't know the exact intended usage, much of the area we work in is not paved, so that may be relevant.

I believe that the use of a telehandler to raise personnel may not be based upon the truck itself, but the uneven terrain the truck is resting upon. When I teach, I strongly deter my students from raising personnel unless the truck is situated on a solid concrete level surface

I will preface this by saying I work for Pro-Tech.

I am not trying to advertise against board rules, but I will say the Pro-Tech Work Box meets ANSI/ITSDF B56.6-2005, Section 8.24

Section 8.24 explains the requirements for using a work platform on a telehandler. A lot of guys say OSHA doesn't approve using a work platform on a Telehandler. That is absolutely false! There is a whole standard written which governs such use. OSHA will have no problem with a work platform on a telehandler provided it meets ANSI/ITSDF B56.6-2005, Section 8.24.

The other thing you need to make sure is that your operator is familiar with and follows B56.6, Section 5.15, "Elevating Personnel".

I think the standard you are looking for is b56.1 either asme (American Socity of Mechanical Engineers, or the much more current (and in my opinion, friendly, but I am prejudiced) ITSDF (Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation) go to ITSDF.org to download the standards for free.
it may also be that you are really considering an aerial lift, such as a boom lift or scissor lift, and those standards are somewhat different, and covered under ANSI A92.6 and SIA (Scaffold industry Association). the dividing line is; does the machine also have to "move goods and material", or -just- personnel?