The adoption of the new ANSI A92 suite of mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) standards in December 2019 marked a turning point for the powered access industry. These standards replaced older, fragmented regulations with a unified framework covering design, safe use, and training. For contractors, rental houses, and facility managers, understanding these changes is essential for compliance and operational safety. Just as Ansi Approves New Wood Construction Standards Nds Sdpws reshaped material specifications in the building sector, the A92 standards introduced a new baseline for how aerial work platforms must be designed, maintained, and operated across North America.
The Restructured ANSI A92 Standards Suite
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Scaffold Industry Association (now part of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, SAIA) oversaw a comprehensive rewrite of the A92 standards. The previous system relied on equipment-type-specific documents such as A92.2 (boom-supported elevating work platforms), A92.5 (aerial platforms), A92.6 (self-propelled elevating work platforms), and A92.9 (mast-climbing work platforms). These have been consolidated into a topic-focused suite that separates design responsibilities from user responsibilities.
The new structure consists of the following key documents:
- ANSI A92.20 – Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements, and Test Methods for MEWPs. This standard applies to manufacturers and covers structural design, stability, braking systems, control systems, and testing protocols.
- ANSI A92.22 – Safe Use of MEWPs. This standard applies to owners, employers, and operators. It defines responsibilities for site risk assessments, safe operating procedures, fall protection, and rescue planning.
- ANSI A92.24 – Training Requirements for MEWPs. This standard sets minimum criteria for operator training, retraining intervals, trainer qualifications, and documentation requirements.
Why the Restructuring Was Necessary
Before the 2019 update, the standards were organized by machine type, which created inconsistencies. A boom lift and a scissor lift of similar platform height fell under different standards despite posing comparable risks. The topic-based structure eliminates this redundancy and makes it easier for stakeholders to find the regulations that apply to their role. Manufacturers look to A92.20, end users to A92.22, and training providers to A92.24.
Key Changes in Safe Use Requirements Under A92.22
ANSI A92.22 introduced several significant changes that affect how MEWPs are deployed on construction sites, in industrial facilities, and during maintenance operations.
Risk Assessment Requirements
The standard mandates a formal risk assessment before any MEWP is used. This assessment must address:
- Ground conditions and surface stability
- Overhead obstacles including power lines and structural beams
- Weather conditions such as wind speed and lightning risk
- Proximity to traffic, pedestrians, and other equipment
- Fall hazards at the platform entry and exit points
- Rescue procedures in case of equipment malfunction or medical emergency
Supervisor Responsibility
A92.22 places explicit responsibility on the employer to designate a competent person who supervises MEWP operation. This supervisor must ensure that operators are trained, that the equipment is inspected before use, and that the work site is evaluated for hazards. The supervisor also holds authority to halt operations if conditions become unsafe.
Fall Protection and Personal Protective Equipment
The standard requires occupants to use a fall protection system that connects to designated anchor points inside the platform. Body belts are no longer acceptable; full-body harnesses with a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline are mandatory. The anchorage must meet a minimum strength of 5,000 pounds per attached worker. How Ipaf Membership Elevates Safety and Business Performance in Powered Access Operations offers additional insight into how organizations can build robust safety cultures around these requirements.
Rescue Planning
For the first time, the standard requires a written rescue plan before work begins. The plan must account for several scenarios:
- Malfunction that leaves the platform elevated
- Operator incapacitation while at height
- Entrapment between the platform and surrounding structures
- Power failure affecting electric or hybrid MEWPs
Training Standards Under A92.24
ANSI A92.24 standardizes training requirements across all MEWP types. It replaces the patchwork of manufacturer-specific and employer-specific programs with a consistent national benchmark. Why Ipaf Membership Matters for Powered Access Professionals examines how industry bodies help align training programs with these regulatory benchmarks.
Training Content Requirements
Operator training under A92.24 must include both theoretical and practical components. The topics required include:
- Understanding of the specific MEWP type being operated
- Pre-start inspection procedures and daily checks
- Controls familiarization including emergency descent systems
- Site-specific hazard recognition
- Load capacity limitations and platform occupancy limits
- Proper use of fall protection equipment
- Emergency procedures and rescue protocols
Trainer Qualifications
The standard requires that trainers themselves meet defined qualifications. A trainer must have documented experience with MEWP operation, formal training in instructional techniques, and a thorough understanding of the A92 standards. Third-party certification programs from organizations such as IPAF provide a verifiable path to meeting these requirements.
Retraining and Refresher Intervals
A92.24 specifies that operators must receive retraining when any of the following conditions occur:
- The operator is assigned to a different type of MEWP
- Workplace conditions change significantly
- An incident or near miss indicates a training gap
- The operator has not used a MEWP within a period that compromises their proficiency
- An evaluation reveals unsafe operation
Compliance Timeline and Industry Impact
The effective date of December 2019 set a firm deadline for compliance, but the transition required coordination across manufacturers, rental companies, contractors, and training providers.
Equipment Labeling and Documentation
Manufacturers had to update machine labeling, operator manuals, and annual inspection checklists to align with A92.20. New MEWPs produced after the effective date carry labels that reference the new standards. Existing machines already in service may continue operating under the previous standards, but the responsible entity must ensure that the equipment is maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rental Industry Adaptations
Rental companies faced particular challenges under the new standards because they serve as both the equipment provider and a training resource for customers. Many rental houses expanded their training offerings to include A92.24-compliant operator courses. The table below summarizes the key compliance responsibilities by stakeholder group:
| Stakeholder | Applicable Standard | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | A92.20 | Structural design, stability testing, labeling, control system verification, pre-delivery inspection requirements |
| Dealer or Rental House | A92.22, A92.24 | Provide safe equipment, deliver operator manuals, facilitate training access, maintain inspection records |
| Employer or Contractor | A92.22 | Risk assessments, supervisor designation, fall protection enforcement, rescue plan development, operator authorization |
| Operator | A92.24 | Complete training, pre-start inspection, safe operation, incident reporting, follow rescue plan procedures |
| Training Provider | A92.24 | Qualified trainers, documented curriculum, practical evaluation, certification records, retraining interval tracking |
Enforcement and Liability Considerations
While ANSI standards are voluntary consensus documents, they carry significant legal weight. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations frequently reference ANSI standards as evidence of industry-recognized safe practice. In the event of an incident, failure to comply with A92.22 or A92.24 can be used as evidence of negligence. The standard provides a clear benchmark that courts and regulators use to evaluate whether an employer exercised reasonable care.
Integration with Broader Construction Standards
The A92 suite does not exist in isolation. It intersects with OSHA 1926 Subpart L (scaffolds), Subpart M (fall protection), and Subpart CC (cranes and derricks). Site safety plans must reconcile the requirements of all applicable regulations. Asces New Tornado Resistant Design Standards illustrates how structural design standards similarly interact with construction safety practices to create comprehensive job site protection frameworks.
Practical Steps for Compliance
For Employers and Site Supervisors
- Review your existing MEWP safety program against A92.22 requirements. Identify gaps in risk assessment documentation, rescue planning, and supervisor training.
- Verify that all MEWP operators hold current training credentials that meet A92.24 standards. If your training program is proprietary, compare its content against the minimum topics listed in the standard.
- Update your written safety program to include the new standard references. Ensure that your fall protection policy specifies full-body harnesses and 5,000-pound-rated anchor points.
- Designate a competent person to serve as the MEWP supervisor for each project. Document this designation and ensure the supervisor has authority to stop unsafe operations.
For Rental Companies
- Confirm that your fleet labeling and operator manuals comply with A92.20 requirements. Replace outdated labels on machines that are being refurbished or re-rented.
- Offer or partner with an A92.24-compliant training provider. Many rental customers depend on their equipment supplier for training access.
- Maintain inspection and maintenance records in a format that satisfies the standard’s documentation requirements. Digital record-keeping systems simplify audit trails.
For Operators
- Complete a formal training program that covers both classroom theory and hands-on operation. Ensure your certification explicitly references A92.24 compliance.
- Perform a pre-start inspection every time you use a MEWP. Do not rely on the previous operator’s check. Report any defects immediately.
- Use your fall protection equipment correctly. Connect to the designated anchor point inside the platform. Do not clip to adjacent structures or guardrails.
- Know the rescue plan for your site before you raise the platform. If no rescue plan exists, stop work until one is established.
Documentation and Records Management
Both A92.22 and A92.24 place heavy emphasis on documentation. The following records should be maintained and readily available for inspection:
- Operator training certificates with expiration dates
- Daily pre-start inspection logs
- Site-specific risk assessments
- Written rescue plans
- Annual MEWP inspection records
- Supervisor designation letters
- Incident and near-miss reports
The December 2019 effective date for the new ANSI A92 standards has already passed, but compliance remains an ongoing process. Organizations that invest in proper training, risk assessment procedures, and documentation systems will not only meet regulatory expectations but also reduce the likelihood of costly incidents. The standards represent a significant improvement over the fragmented system they replaced, providing clarity that benefits everyone from the design engineer to the machine operator on site.