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Voluntary Code of Practice for

Health and Safety Issues in the New Zealand Lift Industry

Published byThe New Zealand Lift and Escalator Association

Issued December 1999

ISBN 0-473-06374-3

PREFACE

This guide has been produced in consultation withmember companies of the New Zealand Lift andEscalator Association as a voluntary code of practice.

Its purpose is to provide a practical source ofinformation relative to the vertical transportationindustry in relation to environmental health and safetyfor their employees, customers and the environment.

The New Zealand Lift and Escalator Associationrecommends the use of this guide for the verticaltransportation industry with the view to its beingaccepted as the approved code of practice for theindustry by the Occupational Safety and HealthService of the Department of Labour.

The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSEAct) places the responsibility for providing safe andhealthy workplaces on all employers and onemployees, that they should work in a safe andresponsible manner to avoid being harmed.

The New Zealand Lift and Escalator Association iscommitted to promoting a safe and healthy workenvironment for the general public, its members andstaff.

Contact details for the New Zealand Lift and EscalatorAssociation Secretary:

Mr Garth WylliePrivate Bag 92-066GraftonAUCKLAND

FOREWORD

I commend the New Zealand Lift and EscalatorAssociation for their initiative in producing this codeof practice. It is a comprehensive document thatprovides practical guidance on managing health andsafety in the vertical transportation industry. Adoptingthe safe work practices in this code will assistemployers to meet their obligations under the Healthand Safety in Employment Act 1992. The code willalso assist employees to be aware of the health andsafety hazards they may encounter at work and how totake the necessary precautions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Service of theDepartment of Labour encourages the adoption of thiscode of practice by all those working in the industry.

R.J.M. HillGeneral ManagerOccupational Safety and Health Service

CONTENTS

PREFACE 3

FOREWORD 4

1. SUMMARY OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY INEMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 8

1.1 Introduction 81.2 Objective 81.3 Regulations 81.4 Approved Codes of Practice 91.5 Employers’ Duties 91.6 Hazard Management 101.7 Information for Employees 111.8 Employee Involvement in Developing

Health and Safety Procedures 121.9 Training of Employees 121.10 Safety of People Who Are Not Employees 121.11 Employees and Self-Employed Persons’

Duties 131.12 Accident and Serious Harm 13

2. INTRODUCTION 15

3. SCOPE 16

4. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 17

4.1 Statement of Policy 174.2 Accountability 17

4.3 Hazard Identification and Control 174.4 Safety Education and Training 184.5 Communication 184.6 Health and Safety Rules 194.7 Enforcement Programmes and

Disciplinary Procedures 194.8 Maintenance of Safe Working Conditions 194.9 Measurement of Effectiveness 20

5. GENERAL SAFETY RULES 21

5.1 General 215.2 Electrical Safety 225.3 Fall Protection 245.4 Lockout/Tagout Procedures 255.5 Scaffolding 275.6 Machine/Equipment Guarding 295.7 Hoisting and Rigging 295.8 Modifications to Circuitry and Software 315.9 Defeating Safety Circuits 32

6. ELEVATORS 35

6.1 Working in the Hoistway 356.2 Working on the Car Top 366.3 Working in the Pit 406.4 Landings 426.5 Machine Rooms 436.6 Running Platforms and False Cars 44

7. ESCALATORS/MOVING WALKS 47

7.1 Securing the Job Site 47

7.2 Working in the Truss (Upper/LowerLanding and Inclined Section) 48

7.3 Working in the Pit (Lower Landing) 497.4 Working in the Machine Room 50

8. VEHICLE SAFETY 54

8.1 Policy Statement 548.2 Employee Training 548.3 Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance 548.4 Communication Programme 558.5 Accident Reporting and Investigation 558.6 Driver Qualification 55

9. APPENDICES 56

9.1a Risk Score = Likelihood x Exposure xConsequences 56

9.1b Example of Hazard/Risk AssessmentChecklist 58

9.2 Definitions 609.3 How to Contact OSH 629.4 Terminology 63

8 Health and Safety Issues in the New Zealand Lift Industry

1. SUMMARY OF THE HEALTH AND

SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992

1.1 Introduction

During 1991 and 1992, the Government introducedvarious legislation in the labour market area which hadthe common theme of moving responsibility andaccountability away from central government into theindividual workplace.

Employers are now required to manage their ownworkplaces in line with legislation which is basicallyself-regulatory. The style can be seen in the EmploymentContracts Act, the Accident Rehabilitation andCompensation Insurance Act, the Industry Training Actand the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

1.2 Objective

The principal objective of the HSE Act is to preventharm to employees at work. To achieve this, it imposesduties and responsibilities on employers, employees,principals and others, and promotes excellent health andsafety management by employers.

1.3 Regulations

Regulations impose duties and responsibilities onemployers, employees, designers, manufacturers andothers relating to health and safety. These regulationsapply to places of work, plant, processes or substancesand may be made to deal with specific problems thathave arisen.

Health and Safety Issues in the New Zealand Lift Industry 9

1.4 Approved Codes of Practice

The HSE Act provides for the use of approved codes ofpractice. They are statements of preferred workpractices, and may include other procedures that couldbe taken into account when deciding on practical stepsto be taken. Compliance with codes is not mandatory,however it may be used as evidence of “good practice”in court.

1.5 Employers’ Duties

Employers are required to take all practicable steps toensure that the safety of employees at work is notcompromised, they are required to take all practicablesteps to:

• Provide and maintain a safe work environment;

• Provide and maintain facilities for the health andsafety of employees at work;

• Ensure that machinery and equipment is safe for allemployees;

• Ensure that working arrangements are nothazardous to employees; and

• Provide procedures to deal with emergencies thatmay arise while employees are at work.

Taking “all practicable steps” means doing what isreasonable and able to be done in the circumstances,taking into account:

• The severity of any injury or harm to health thatmay occur;


• The degree of risk or probability of that injury orharm occurring;

• How much is known about the hazard and ways ofeliminating, reducing or controlling it; and

• The availability, effectiveness and cost of possiblesafeguards.

1.6 Hazard Management

Employers must identify and regularly review hazardsin the workplace, this includes existing, new andpotential hazards, to determine whether they aresignificant and require further action. If an accident orharm occurs that requires particulars to be recorded,employers are required to investigate and determinewhether it was caused by, or arose from, a significanthazard.

“Significant hazard” means a hazard that is an actual orpotential cause or source of:

• Serious harm; or

• Harm (being more than trivial) where the severityof the effects on any person depends (entirely oramong other things) on the extent or frequency ofthe persons exposure to the hazard; or

• Harm that does not usually occur, or is not usuallyeasily detectable, until a significant time after theexposure to the hazard.

Where the hazard is significant, the HSE Act sets outthe steps employers must take:


• Where practicable, the hazard must be eliminated.

• If elimination is not possible, the hazard must beisolated.

• If it is impractical to eliminate or isolatecompletely, then employers must minimise thehazard to employees.

• Where the hazard has not been eliminated orisolated, the employer must, where appropriate:

- ensure protective clothing and equipment isprovided, accessible and used;

- monitor employees’ exposure to the hazard;

- seek the consent of employees to monitor theirhealth; and

- with their consent, monitor employees’ health.

1.7 Information for Employees

Employers are required to inform employees of anyhealth and safety monitoring. In doing so, the privacyof each employee must be protected.

Before employees begin work, they must be informedby their employer of:

• Hazards employees may be exposed to while atwork;

• Hazards employees may create which could harmthemselves or other people;

• Ways to minimise the possibility of becoming asource of harm to themselves or others;


• The location of safety equipment; and

• Emergency procedures.

1.8 Employee Involvement in Developing

Health and Safety Procedures

Employees shall be given the opportunity to be fullyinvolved in the development of procedures for thepurpose of identifying hazards and dealing withsignificant hazards, or dealing with or reacting to,emergencies and imminent dangers.

1.9 Training of Employees

Employers must ensure employees are eithersufficiently experienced to do their work safely, or aresupervised by experienced people. In addition,employees must be adequately trained in the safe useof equipment in the place of work, including the use ofprotective equipment and clothing.

1.10 Safety of People Who Are Not

Employees

Employers are responsible for the health and safety ofpeople who are not employees. Employers must takeall practicable steps to ensure that employees do notharm any other person while at work, includingmembers of the public or visitors to the workplace.


1.11 Employees and Self-Employed Persons’

Duties

Employees and self-employed persons are responsiblefor their own health and safety while at work. Theymust ensure that their actions do not harm anyone else.These responsibilities do not detract from employers’or principals’ duties and responsibilities.

1.12 Accident and Serious Harm

The HSE Act requires employers to keep a register ofwork-related accidents and serious harm. This shallinclude every accident that harmed or might haveharmed:

• Any employee while at work; and

• Any person in a place of work under the employer’scontrol.

Employers are also required to investigate allaccidents, harm or near-misses to determine whetherthey were caused by a significant hazard.

Employers must notify all cases of serious harm toemployees while at work to the Secretary of Labour (inpractice the nearest OSH office), as soon as possible.In addition, the accident must be reported on theprescribed form within 7 (seven) days. (Forms areincluded in the Workplace Accident Register availablefrom OSH offices and selected stationers.)

If a person suffers serious harm, the scene of theaccident must not be disturbed unless to:

• Save life or suffering;


• Maintain public access for essential services, e.g.electricity, gas; or

• Prevent serious damage or loss of property.

The OSH office will advise whether it wishes toinvestigate the accident and what action may be takenin the meantime.


2. INTRODUCTION

The requirements specified in this code are intended toserve as the basis upon which elevator businessesthroughout the country can build comprehensive jobsite safety programmes that reflect individual operatingneeds. These minimum standards of performanceprovide a mandatory framework for each company tofulfil its obligation to provide its employees with aworkplace free from recognised occupational hazards.

This procedure is focused on establishing andmaintaining effective safety management systems andspecifying key mandatory work rules designed tomitigate the possibility of injury or illness fromhazards common to our industry.

Some clauses in this code make provision foralternative methods that can be used.

If a company wishes to use alternative methods, thenthe company must have a documented procedure forreviewing, approving and recording the alternativesolutions. No alternative method shall be used unless ithas undergone this procedure.


3. SCOPE

The standards apply to all job sites, and describemandatory safe working provisions and practices(supported by training) for all companies responsiblefor and involved in the installation, examination,inspection, testing, manufacturing, service,maintenance, repair and dismantling (includingcomplete demolition) of elevators, escalators andassociated equipment.

The safe practices specified herein apply to all aspectsof the work environment and reflect collectiveexperience in the elevator, escalator and people-moving equipment business and the constructionindustry.


4. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Each company must develop and implement a formalsafety management system that includes, at aminimum, the following elements:

4.1 Statement of Policy

A policy statement that clearly communicates thecompany’s commitment to the prevention of accidentsmust be written. The policy must be reviewed annuallyand updated as required.

4.2 Accountability

Each operating/line manager and/or supervisor will beheld accountable for all aspects of the safetyprogramme. Written safety objectives are to bedeveloped, clearly communicated and used as a basisfor performance evaluations and “pay-for-performance” programmes.

4.3 Hazard Identification and Control

Each company shall conduct a systematic analysis ofworkplace and job site risks and then develop andimplement controls for the identified hazards. Thisprocess shall be accomplished at least once a year.

Prior to the signature of any new contractualagreement (including maintenance, new equipment,modernisation, and open order work), a riskassessment must be made of the work to be done andconditions of the job site. Based on the results of this


assessment, prevention and/or control measuresnecessary to safeguard identified hazards and risksmust be established. For new construction sites, whereaccess to the site or location is not possible, theassessment process must anticipate probable risks/hazards.

Control measures that are not the direct responsibilityof the company must be specifically identified and putforth as requirements to the building owner, generalcontractor and/or sub-contractor as applicable.

4.4 Safety Education and Training

Specific employee training and education initiativesmust be developed to address inherent risks present atall workplaces and job sites. All operating/linemanagers, supervisors and sales and marketingpersonnel must participate in training programmes toimplement and enforce safety programmerequirements.

4.5 Communication

Mechanisms must be established to facilitatecommunication among all employees in effectivelyconveying management’s commitment to theprevention of accidents and to ensure receipt ofinformation necessary to perform functions andenhance awareness of safety issues. Communicationvehicles such as employee meetings, companynewspapers, bulletin boards, and supervisor dialogueswith workers are examples of the many channels that


can be used to meet these objectives.

4.6 Health and Safety Rules

Health and safety rules must be developed,documented and consistently applied to all aspects ofthe job. These rules must be reviewed with allpersonnel and are an important part of training newemployees. Once established, health and safety rulesmust be enforced by line management.

4.7 Enforcement Programmes and

Disciplinary Procedures

Enforcement programmes and disciplinary proceduresmust be formally documented and consistently appliedat all levels of the organisation. Disciplinary actionshould be based on the seriousness of the violation andrange from a verbal warning to job termination.

4.8 Maintenance of Safe Working

Conditions

Routine job site safety inspections must be made by alllevels of line supervision. These inspections will bedesigned to evaluate the effectiveness of the safetyprocedures. All inspection deficiencies must bedocumented and a corrective action plan developedwhich assigns responsibility and establishes atimetable for completion.

4.9 Measurement of Effectiveness

A comprehensive evaluation of the safety system must


be accomplished at least once a year to determine itseffectiveness in achieving established goals. Thisevaluation must include a review of all accidents andtheir causes.


5. GENERAL SAFETY RULES

In order to maintain a safe work environment it isnecessary to understand and follow all safetyinstructions. Therefore, safety instructions must bepublished and distributed. Supervision is required toensure that employees are familiar with and followthese rules. At a minimum, general safety rules willinclude:

5.1 General

5.1.1. All employees will be trained byknowledgeable personnel on safety proceduresand methods of eliminating or minimisinghazardous conditions before performing ordirecting others to perform work. For each jobsite, management will designate an individualresponsible for assuring implementation of acompany safety policy and these standards.

5.1.2. Personal protective equipment, includingequipment for eyes, face, head and extremities,protective clothing, hearing protection andrespiratory devices shall be provided, used andmaintained in a sanitary and reliable conditionto protect against job site hazards.

5.1.3. Adequate lighting must be provided to ensuresafe entry, exit and working conditions. Controlswitches should be located close to each accesspoint to the area.


5.1.4. All lighting must be protected againstmechanical damage and all lighting circuitsmust be properly fused and grounded or doubleinsulated. Protection is required any time thereis a potential for inadvertent or accidentalcontact.

5.1.5. No work shall be performed on metal ladderswhere the possibility exists of dangerouscontact with live electrical conductors.

5.1.6. Clear warning signs must be installed in anyplace that a potential hazard exists in the workarea.

5.1.7. The generation of excessive noise or harmfuldusts and fumes should be avoided. If this is notpossible, personnel shall wear appropriatepersonal protective equipment and take suitableprecautions to protect others in the vicinity ofthe work from these environmental hazards.

5.2 Electrical Safety

The following requirements are applicable to all workactivities and practices involving electrical circuits andequipment:

5.2.1 General Protection

a) No employee shall be permitted to work inclose proximity to any part of any electricalpower circuit unless the employee isprotected against electric shock byde-energising the circuit; by guarding it; by


effective insulation or by using safeelectrical working practices.

b) Proper warning signs shall be posted andmaintained so as to eliminate the possibilityof contact with any exposed or concealedelectrical power circuit.

c) Suitable barriers or other means ofprotection shall be provided to preventinadvertent contact with exposed circuits onenergised electrical equipment.

d) All extension cords must have plugs and athird conductor which shall be used forequipment grounding purposes only. Allextension cords must have the properamperage rating and be suitable for theconditions of use and location. Altered, wornor frayed electric cords shall not be used.

e) Fuses of the correct size, type and capacitymust always be used. Never substitute wirefor cartridge or one-shot fuses.

5.2.2 Lock and Tagging of Circuits

a) Equipment or circuits that are de-energisedshall be rendered inoperative and have locksapplied and tags attached at all points wheresuch equipment or circuits can be energised.

b) Lockout/tagout procedures delineated insection 5.4.3 are to be adhered to at alltimes.

c) Equipment that may have energised circuits


after the main line disconnect has beenlocked out and tagged must be labelled toindicate this situation.

5.2.3 Residual Current Detectors or Earth LeakageBreakers (ELCBs)

Residual current detectors (RCDs) shall be usedwith all portable tools and other electricaldevices. All RCDs used for the protection ofpersonnel must be rated nominally at 30 ma orless.

5.2.4 Grounding

The non-current-carrying metal parts ofportable and fixed electrical equipment shall begrounded.

5.3 Fall Protection

Fall protection shall be provided for and used byemployees who work at an elevated level of three ormore metres or where other hazardous conditions suchas working over machinery or moving equipment maypresent an additional hazard if a fall were to occur.

A guardrail system must be used as primary protectionagainst falls. If the use of guardrails is not feasible,then an alternate means of protection must beprovided.

Acceptable alternate protection includes the use of afall-arrest system (safety harness with lanyard),covering all holes or openings, the installation of safetynets and/or other equivalent safeguards.


The use of a fall-arrest system requires the followingequipment minimums:

a) Full body harness;

b) Shock-absorbing lanyard; and

c) Lifeline secured above the work level to ananchorage or structural support or astructural attachment for use with bodyharness/lanyard.

5.4 Lockout/Tagout Procedures

5.4.1. When work is performed on equipment whereoperation is not required, the machinery mustbe bought to a zero energy state (completely de-energised) and locked and tagged out from itspower source(s).

5.4.2. Personnel must be trained to perform lockout/tagout procedures and will have access tolockout tags and a lockout device. Only one keyor combination shall be available to personnelfor each lock in use. A master key, duplicatekeys or combinations shall be available to onedesignated person on each shift, to be used inemergency situations.

5.4.3. Sequence of Lockout and Tagout Procedures

a) All affected employees must be notified thata lockout and tagout system is going to beutilised and the reason for it.

b) Equipment that is operating shall be shutdown prior to locking and tagging.


c) Valves or other emergency disconnectingmeans shall be operated so that the energysource or sources are isolated from themachinery. Where the potential for injuryexists, stored energy in capacitor, andhydraulic, spring or pneumatic pressuremust also be dissipated or blocked prior toperforming work in their vicinity.

d) The energy source shall be locked out withan assigned lock and a signed tag on thelock. Note the date and the time the lock wasput in place. If more than one individual isrequired to work on the equipment, theneach person must place their individual lockand tag on the energy isolating device.

e) The employee shall ensure that no personnelare exposed and check the machine to verifyall energy sources are isolated or dissipatedby operating start buttons, switches, and/orcontrols.

f) Return to Service

After all work is completed, the followingprocedure shall be used to restore theequipment to service:

i. Only the employee who performed thelockout may remove the lock and tag. Ifmore than one individual placed a lockon the equipment, then each person mustpersonally remove their own lock.


ii. When the work is complete and theequipment is ready for testing, check thearea for personnel, tools and otherequipment before removing the lock andtag.

iii. Before leaving the area, notify all otheraffected personnel that the work iscomplete.

5.5 Scaffolding

5.5.1. All scaffold materials shall be recognisedscaffold grade by approved grading standards inNew Zealand.

5.5.2. Prior to use, all scaffolds shall be erected inaccordance with the manufacturer’srecommendations. The designated job sitesafety officer must inspect the scaffolding forproper erection and apparent material defects.Any noted problems must be rectified prior touse.

5.5.3 The following design elements must beconsidered:

a) Head protection (roof or screen) must beprovided if there is any potential for fallingobjects.

b) Firm footing must be provided for eachscaffold upright. The poles, legs, or uprightsof scaffolds shall be plumb, and they shall besecurely and rigidly braced to preventswaying and displacement.


c) Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards shall beinstalled on all open sides and ends ofplatforms more than 1830 mm above thefloor or working surface.

d) Bracing must be provided to assure uprightsare maintained in a plumb (90 degreevertical) position. In addition, the entirescaffold must be secured to the buildingstructure.

e) All planking of platforms shall beoverlapped a minimum of 300 mm orsecured from moving. Scaffold planks shallextend over their end supports not less than155 mm and not more than 300 mm and becleated.

f) Wire, synthetic or fibre rope used withscaffolds must be capable of supporting atleast six times the rated load and should beinspected before each use.

g) A safe and convenient means of access, suchas a fixed ladder or stairway, must beprovided to gain access to the workingplatform where it is greater than 900 mmabove or below the point of access.

5.6 Machine/Equipment Guarding

All potentially hazardous parts are required to beeffectively guarded from accidental or incidentalcontact. The following items, for example, areconsidered potentially hazardous:


a) Sheaves;

b) Gear wheels, chain/sprocket and tape drives;

c) Belt and pulley drives; and

d) Commutators.

5.7 Hoisting and Rigging

Rigging practices shall conform to the standardsapproved in New Zealand. If no rigging practices exist,they should be developed with the assistance of alicenced professional engineer. Safe practices shallinclude, but are not limited to, the following:

5.7.1. Machines and hoisting devices (e.g. gasolinepowered, electric winches, chain falls, etc.) mustbe used and maintained in accordance withmanufacturer’s recommendations.

5.7.2 Ropes and slings (e.g. wire, manila, syntheticfibre) must have a safety factor of at least six (6)when hoisting any equipment/materials.

5.7.3. Manufacturer’s recommended load capacities onrigging hardware (e.g. turnbuckles, shackles,hooks, eyebolts, wire rope clips and clamps)shall not be exceeded. Application of thesedevices must be in accordance with themanufacturer’s recommendations (e.g. wire ropeclips — the “U’’ bolt portion shall only be placedon the dead end of the rope; thimbles must beused in the eyes of all rope; slings shall not beshortened with knots or other devices; slingsshall be padded or protected from sharp edges).


5.7.4. Reeving must be done so that the hoisting straincomes on the centre of the blocks and they areprevented from toppling, twisting and causinginjury to the rope by cutting across the edges ofthe reeve block.

5.7.5. General

a) Responsible personnel (i.e. mechanic incharge, lead person, foreman, etc.) will beinstructed regarding safety standards andproper application of all rigging and liftingequipment.

b) A system of communication (e.g. handsignals) must be established and used for allhoisting/lifting operations.

c) All rigging and lifting equipment shall bevisually inspected initially before theequipment is placed in service and at leastonce a year thereafter. Inspections shall onlybe made by responsible personnel who aretrained and competent to perform suchinspections. Written records of initial andperiodic inspections must be maintained andthe equipment must be marked to indicatethe last inspection date.

d) All rigging and lifting equipment shall bevisually inspected before each use fordefects and deformation. Defective devicesshall be immediately removed from service.

e) All personnel shall be kept clear ofsuspended loads.


f) Tag lines or guides shall be used when loadsare likely to swing or pass through arestricted area.

5.7.6. All new equipment must be designed toincorporate proper hoisting provisions, toolsand instructions.

5.8 Modifications to Circuitry and

Software

Each company must establish a control procedure formodifying all circuitry and software. The managingdirector or company owner must personally approvethis procedure. At a minimum, these procedures mustprovide for:

5.8.1. Formal designation of personnel authorised toapprove any circuitry or software modification.

5.8.2. Accommodations for making both temporarychanges and permanent modifications. Atemporary change is defined as any fieldexpedient modification, approved by thedesignated authority, to serve an immediateneed. All temporary changes are consideredshort term and must also be processed as apermanent modification.

5.8.3. Establishing an interface with engineering orthe supplying vendor to assure that appropriatedesign authorities are apprised of the reasonthat changes are required and to update theofficial drawings.


5.8.4. A means of communicating changes toequipment circuitry both within the companyand to the design engineering entity forsubsequent global distribution as appropriate.

5.9 Defeating Safety Circuits

The use of jumpers, bridges or shunts (genericallyreferred to as ‘jumpers’) to short out or defeat a safetycircuit shall only be allowed if there is no other way toaccomplish the task. This requirement applies to allaspects of the work to include troubleshootingactivities.

The managing director or company owner mustpersonally approve this procedure. At a minimum,these procedures must provide for those activities orjobs that can only be performed by defeating a safetycircuit.

The following requirements must be adhered to:

5.9.1. Personnel must be specifically trained in the useof jumpers and must have demonstrated theirability to effectively and safely use jumpers.Personnel who have met these prerequisites foruse of jumpers must sign a formalacknowledgement form attesting to this trainingand be included on a company register.

5.9.2. Jumpers shall be designed such that they arereadily visible and identifiable through the useof serial numbers or other equivalent system ofidentification.


5.9.3. A policy must be developed and implementedso as to limit the number and assignment ofjumpers. The number of jumpers assigned toeach person must be based on the work to bedone and must be controlled by each supervisor.A signed record of receipt must be maintained.

5.9.4. Procedures must be established to control allaspects of the work. At a minimum, thefollowing precautions are required:

a) The affected elevator/equipment must betaken out of service for public use.

b) Before placing jumpers on door locks andsafety circuits, ensure that the car can onlyoperate on slow/inspection speed.

c) To alert other employees as to the use ofjumpers, a warning tag shall be attached toeach jumper in use. In addition, a warningsign shall be placed on the cover of thecontroller which indicates that a jumper(s) isin use. This warning shall identify theemployee placing the jumper, date placedand the serial number of the jumper in use.Verbally notify other affected personnel ofthe circuit and the location where jumpersare being used. Upon removal, jumpers shallbe matched to the serial numbers to ensureremoval of all jumpers.

d) A personal reminder control (e.g. key bag,tag on tool box, badge clipped to shirt, etc.)


shall be used by each employee placing ajumper such that it will require the employeeto return to the machine room to remove thejumper.

e) If working in a hoistway, an emergency stopmechanism shall remain in effect. Forexample, never jump out the hoistway doorlocks and the car door locks at the sametime.

f) For maintenance and repair operations,jumpers shall be removed whenever themechanic relinquishes the job task toanother employee. For all operations, alljumpers must be removed before placing theelevator into service or back into service tothe public.

5.9.5. It is preferable that new elevators be designedsuch that an elevator must automatically beplaced on inspection mode before it can bemoved with a jumper on the door contacts.


6. ELEVATORS

6.1 Working in the Hoistway

6.1.1. To gain access to the hoistway via landingdoors, with the car situated at some convenientdistance away from its normal position at alanding, an approved unlocking device oraccess key switch shall be used to unlock alanding door.

Before the door is opened for access, it must bedecided if the work to be done will require theelectrical power supply. If not, the main lineswitch must be in the “off” position (or thefuses must be withdrawn and retained in asecure place) and an appropriate lockout/tagoutdevice shall be attached to the main line switch.

6.1.2. Before entering the hoistway a safe means ofentry and exit from the hoistway must beclearly established.

6.1.3. Landing doors must not remain open longerthan absolutely necessary.

6.1.4. Simultaneous work must not be conducted inthe hoistway by employees or others, whereindividuals or groups would be workingindependently of each other and/or where theworkers are stacked in the hoistway (i.e. above/below each other.)

CAUTION: No more than two persons will bepermitted to work in each individual hoistway


at the same time. Any exception to this willrequire personal review and writtenauthorisation from the installation or servicemanager.

6.1.5. After completion of work, an elevator must notbe returned to normal operation until it has beenconfirmed that all workers, tools and equipmentare clear or have been removed from thehoistway.

6.2 Working on the Car Top

Before attempting to gain access to the hoistway, itshould be decided if the work to be done will requirethe electrical power supply. If not, the main line switchmust be tagged and locked in the “off” position (or thefuses must be withdrawn and retained in a secureplace) and an appropriate lockout/tagout device shallbe attached to the main line switch.

6.2.1. If it is necessary for the electrical power supplyto the car to be maintained for the work to beperformed, use the following procedures:

a) The elevator must always be run in theinspection mode. Any deviation from thisprocedure will require written authorisationfrom the managing director or companyowner.

b) Safe procedures must be established foraccessing and exiting the car. Theseprocedures must include a safe method forcapturing the car, taking and verifying


control prior to getting on top of the car andmaintaining control until safe egress hasbeen achieved.

6.2.2. Fall protection must be provided at all timeswhen a fall hazard exists when working on topof the car.

6.2.3. All elevators under maintenance contract willbe provided with a car top inspection station.All such fixtures shall be provided with acommon button and direction buttons wired sothat both the common and a direction buttonmust be depressed to operate the car.

When it is necessary for personnel to travel ontop of a car, this inspection station must befixed in place and checked for proper operationbefore proceeding with the work. (Down travelis safer than up travel.)

6.2.4. When work is being performed on top of the carin a common hoistway, a protective device mustbe installed to cover the height and width of theexposed work area to protect employees fromadjacent moving equipment.

6.2.5. Additional precautions include:

a) Never wear anything that could catch ortangle while on top of a moving car. Nevercarry tools in pockets. Guardrails shall beused wherever possible where a fall hazardexists. As a general rule, harnesses andlanyards should not be worn while moving a


car on inspection. However, if unusualconditions require the use of this form of fallprotection, then the following precautionsmust be followed:

i. When the elevator is placed on inspectiondrive from the car roof top controlstation, it may only be returned to normalservice by the operation of that sameswitch.

ii. A hazard analysis must be conducted andsteps taken to ensure that the harness orlanyard can not become entangled orsnagged. (Lanyards must be disconnectedfrom harness during travel.)

b) Ensure provision of a clean flat surface tostand on that will support the weight ofpersonnel and equipment. Incorporate theuse of special care when car tops are curvedor domed.

c) To eliminate the possibility of falling whileriding a moving car, always take a positionnear the centre of the car and maintain a firmhandhold on the crosshead away frommoving parts.

d) Tools and other equipment required for thejob are to be temporarily place on the cartop, safely positioned away from the edge ofthe car.

e) Do not store material of any nature on top ofthe car.


f) Never hang an electric extension light fromthe hoist ropes.

g) Keep your body within the limits of theelevator hoistway being inspected. Accidentsfrom adjacent moving elevators can occur.Be aware of the counterweights position atall times, including adjacent lifts.

6.2.6. The headroom above the car must be displayedin a prominent position, preferably near the cartop control station to visually indicate theminimum overhead clearance.

6.2.7. All persons working in the hoistway must beaware of when and how the car is to be moved.It is also essential that only one person be incontrol. Each company must develop acommunications procedure to be used bypersonnel working together in the hoistway.(See Appendix 9.4 for industry-recommendedcommunication terms.)

6.3 Working in the Pit

Entry into the pit will only be permitted when twoindependent means of shutting off the elevator areavailable and used. For example, the use of anemergency stop switch and opening the door lock.

Where a redundant means of protection is notavailable, the main line switch must be tagged andlocked in the off position (or the fuses should bewithdrawn and retained in a secure place).


6.3.1. All pits must be equipped with at least oneemergency stop switch which is easilyaccessible from the pit access and the pit floor.If more than one switch is present, they must bewired in series.

The lighting level in the pit must be adequatefor the work being performed.

Where the lighting switch is co-located in thepit with the emergency stop switch, theseswitches must be clearly identified andseparately positioned so that they cannot beconfused.

All lighting must be protected againstmechanical damage and all lighting circuitsmust be properly fused and grounded.

6.3.2. Safe procedures must be established foraccessing and exiting the pit. These proceduresmust include a safe method for moving the caraway from the pit, verifying control prior togetting into the pit and maintaining control untilsafe egress has been achieved.

6.3.3. When entering a pit from the lowest landing, aladder must be used in all cases where the pitfloor is greater than 1.0 metre below the landingsill (ref. BIA document D1). Suitable handholdsat an appropriate height above the sill arerequired.

6.3.4. When working under a hydraulic elevator forlonger than 15 minutes, the elevator must be


landed on a support capable of preventingaccidental downward motion.

A safety sign visible from all access placesmust be displayed to advise personnel enteringthe pit to position the support prior to startingwork.

6.3.5. A physical means of protection must beprovided in the pit to prevent accidental contactwith the counterweight.

6.3.6. An appropriate warning sign must be displayedon pit access doors to indicate movingequipment is contained within.

6.3.7. Entry into a wet pit must never be allowedwhen there is any source of electrical powerpresent. The water must be removed and the pitdried out prior to the inspection or performanceof any work.

6.3.8. An electrical receptacle should be readilyavailable to accommodate the use of portabletools, lights and cleaning equipment. Groundfault circuit protection is required.

6.4 Landings

It should be decided if the work to be done will requirethe electrical power supply. If not, the main switchmust be tagged and locked in the “off” position (or thefuses withdrawn and retained in a secure place).

Effective precautions shall be provided to protect anopen landing entrance. This may take the form of any


of the following:

6.4.1. A barrier, capable of being fixed at the entrance,and which comprises a guardrail at least 1067mm high with a midrail and toeboard, or a solidenclosure.

6.4.2. A portable device, fixed in place from withinthe hoistway, which will restrain a slidinglanding door from opening or closing within75 mm of the closed position.

These devices should be stored at strategiclocations so they are readily available topersonnel when required.

CAUTION: In an occupied building when thelanding needs to be protected for longer thanone work shift, a barrier must be provided thatextends to the full height and width of theentrance.

6.5 Machine Rooms

Hazards in machine rooms relating to rotatingmachinery and electrical equipment are similar tothose encountered at other locations on the job site andrequire the same type of protection.

At a minimum, the following safeguards must beimplemented:

6.5.1 A safe means of access to equipment areas mustbe provided.

6.5.2. When access to the machine room is through atrap door, the opening shall be protected by a


guardrail system.

6.5.3. All electrical contacts, buss and wiringconnections must be guarded to protect againstelectric shock.

6.5.4. The dimensions of holes in the slab and thefloor shall be reduced to a minimum. To preventobjects falling through openings situated abovethe hoistway, including openings for electriccables, raised guards must be provided whichproject at least 50 mm above the slab orfinished floor.

6.5.5. The floor must be free of oil and debris.

6.5.6. Accurate electrical schematic diagrams for allinstallations must be available at the job site.Any subsequent modifications to any part of theelectrical power and safety circuits must berecorded on those diagrams by the personsmaking the modifications.

6.6 Running Platforms and False Cars

Running platforms (permanent equipment whichincludes car platform being used for this purpose priorto erection of the permanent car enclosure) and falsecars are used to accomplish work in the hoistwayduring construction and on some modernisation jobs.Considering the variety of such devices that are foundthroughout the world, each company must developprocedures and standards of performance for eachmodel of this type of equipment. At a minimum,company procedures must include the following:


6.6.1. Construction and operation of these devicesshall be restricted to those personnel who havebeen specifically authorised to accomplish thiswork. The authorisation process must involvean evaluation of the person’s training and workexperience and incorporate a formal or writtenapproval to use this equipment.

6.6.2. Fall protection must be in use at all times inaccordance with Section 5.3.

6.6.3. The effective working capacity of thisequipment must be clearly understood by allinvolved personnel and marked at prominentlocations on all such devices and in theprocedures or instructions for use.

6.6.4. Assembly of running platforms, false cars, orother such equipment will require:

a) That assembly and disassembly beaccomplished at the lowest floor available,and incorporate the use of safety harnessesand lifelines during this operation.

b) The installation and use of standardguardrails and toeboards.

c) That adequate overhead protection beinstalled and maintained in place at alltimes.

A warning system consisting of both an audiblealarm and light must be affixed to the bottom ofthe platform and wired into the controlmechanism so that any movement of the car


will activate the alarm. All such warningsystems will incorporate a five second delayfeature to permit reaction prior to carmovement.

6.6.5. All control mechanisms are to require the use ofpositive pressure buttons which preventaccidental operation.

6.6.6. All running platforms must have the governorcable installed with the permanent safetiesoperational.

6.6.7. All false cars must be equipped with redundantsafeties or fall-arresting devices that arefunctioning properly at all times duringoperation. These safety mechanisms must betested before each day’s work. Examples ofacceptable safeties include:

a) An independently-suspended safetybloc-stop.

b) The safety in the machine or liftingmechanism.

c) Mechanisms that apply rapidly increasingpressure to the guide rails in the event of anoverspeed.


7. ESCALATORS/MOVING WALKS

7.1 Securing the Job Site

7.1.1. The method of removing an escalator/movingwalk from service is as follows:

a) Ensure that there are no persons on theescalator/moving walk.

b) Stop the escalator/moving walk.

c) Before work is begun, effective barriers shallbe positioned at the entry and exit points ofthe escalator which will warn and guardagainst unauthorised persons from gainingaccess to the work area. The work area isdefined to include the escalator/moving walkentry and exit floor plates and shall extendonto the floor space area sufficient toperform the work and accommodatenecessary tools and equipment.

Appropriate safety signs shall beprominently displayed on barriers. Thebarriers shall be readily identifiable and shallbe secured to guard against unauthoriseddisplacement. The recommended barrierheight is approximately 1 metre.

7.1.2. Prior to beginning work, turn off the main lineswitch and other power sources to the escalator,lock the main line switch in the “off” position(or otherwise secure to prevent any energyactivation) and attach an appropriate lockout/


tagout device to the main line switch. Test andverify functionality of the lockout.

For each work activity which requires thatpower be maintained on the escalator, eachcompany must establish written procedures toenable safe working conditions with power onincluding safe access procedures.

7.2 Working in the Truss (Upper/Lower

Landing and Inclined Section)

Never wear anything that could catch or tangle. Nevercarry tools in pockets.

If the balustrade is not in place and a fall hazard exists,fall protection must be used.

Ensure proper safe footing. Be observant for grease oroil that may present a slipping hazard.

7.2.1. Newly designed and currently manufacturedescalators are often provided with anemergency stop button and inspection controls.All such controls shall be provided withdirection and common buttons wired so thatboth the common and direction buttons must bedepressed to operate the escalator/moving walk.

7.2.2. The escalator/moving walk must be operatedonly by inspection controls, unless a riskassessment has been formally documented andapproved in accordance with company policyapproved by the managing director or companyowner.


7.2.3. If steps are removed:

a) Riding the escalator is not allowed, unless arisk assessment has been formallydocumented and approved in accordancewith company policy approved by themanaging director or company owner.

b) Walking on step-axles is not allowed. Entryand exit from the truss frame must beachieved by safe means such as a temporarywalkway or temporary work platform.

7.2.4. For manual operation of the escalator, directionindication must be marked on the machine.

7.2.5. The step chain must be physically preventedfrom movement by two independent means(e.g. machine brake and auxiliary brake) if workis being performed in the truss.

7.2.6. If the effort required to lift a removable floorplate exceeds the weight of 16 kg or exceeds20 kg for a hinged floor plate, then an approvedlifting tool must be used.

7.3 Working in the Pit (Lower Landing)

7.3.1. All pits must be equipped with an emergencystop switch which is easily accessible from thepit access and the pit floor. If more than oneswitch is present, they must be wired in series.

7.3.2. Adequate lighting must be provided to ensuresafe entry/exit and safe working conditions.Control switches should be located close to


each access point.

7.3.3. Entry into a wet pit is not allowed when there isany source of electrical power present. The fluidmust be removed and the pit dried prior to theinspection or performance of any work, lockout/tagout power prior to pit entry.

7.3.4. An electrical outlet should be readily availableto accommodate the use of portable tools, lightsand cleaning equipment. Ground fault circuitprotection is required. All newly designedescalators shall incorporate ground fault circuitprotection in all electrical outlets.

7.4 Working in the Machine Room

Accurate electrical schematic diagrams for allinstallations must be available at the site. Anysubsequent approved modifications to any part of theelectrical power and safety circuits must be recordedon those diagrams by the person making themodifications.

A permanent means for emergency stopping must beprovided.

When access to the machine room presents a fallhazard of 3 metres, the access opening must beprotected by a guardrail system.

7.4.1. A safe means of access to equipment must beprovided. For newly designed and currentlymanufactured escalators, safe workingconditions shall be provided in the pit and


machine room areas to perform maintenanceand repair operations.

a) Controller

Before working on the controller, remove itfrom the truss using a mechanical liftingdevice and position at the floor level. If theeffort required to remove the controller andattached cables exceeds 11 kg, then a liftingdevice is required and this requirement shallbe clearly indicated on the controller.

A clear path must be provided in front of thecontroller. The controller cabinet must besecured to prevent it from tipping.

It is preferable that the controller bedesigned so that it can be serviced outsidethe truss.

Where the controller cannot be removed,each company must establish writtenprocedures to enable safe workingconditions.

b) Motor Heat

The motor/gearbox can reach hightemperatures. Precautions must be taken toavoid contact with this machinery underthese conditions. Warning signs or othervisual indications must be placed onmachinery that has the potential to reachhigh temperatures.


7.4.2. External Machine Room

a) Hazards in machine rooms relating torotating machinery and electrical equipmentare similar to those encountered at otherlocations on the job site and require thesame type of protection.

At a minimum, the following safeguardsmust be implemented:

i) A safe means of access to equipmentareas must be provided. If the main linedisconnect can not be operated from theaccess, an emergency stop switch mustbe provided.

ii) When access to the machine room isthrough a trap door, the opening shall beprotected by a guardrail system.

iii)All electric contacts, buss and wiringconnections must be guarded to protectagainst electric shock.

iv) The floor must be free of oil and debris.

b) On multiple installations, each machine andits related equipment must be clearlyidentified with the same markings.

c) Adequate lighting must be provided toassure safe entry/exit and safe workingconditions. Control switches should belocated close to each access point.

All lighting must be protected againstmechanical damage and all lighting circuits


must be properly fused and grounded ordouble insulated.

d) An electrical outlet should be readilyavailable to accommodate the use ofportable tools, lights and cleaningequipment. Ground fault circuit protection isrequired.

Newly designed escalators shall incorporateground fault circuit protection in allelectrical outlets.


8. VEHICLE SAFETY

A formal fleet safety programme is required to reducethe potential for accidents and lessen the severity ofinjury. This requirement applies to all vehicles used inperformance of work for the company unless otherwisenoted. These vehicles may be owned or leased by thecompany or they may be owned or leased by theindividual when used in performance of the job.

Each company must develop and implement a formalfleet safety programme that, at a minimum, includesthe following elements:

8.1 Policy Statement

A fleet policy statement must be developed andcommunicated to all employees, whether they operatea company or personally owned vehicle. This policystatement must, at a minimum, mandate the use ofrestraint systems and prohibit vehicle operation underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.

8.2 Employee Training

Formal training programmes in defensive drivingtechniques must be provided to all employees.

8.3 Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Minimum requirements for design, inspection,maintenance and use of company owned vehicles mustbe established to ensure safe vehicle operation.


8.4 Communication Programme

An ongoing communication programme must bedeveloped to strengthen and/or reinforce theimportance of safe driving practices, awareness andattitudes among drivers through periodic written andverbal communications.

8.5 Accident Reporting and Investigation

An accident reporting and investigation system mustbe developed to identify immediate and basic causes ofvehicle accidents/incidents so that corrective measurescan be developed and implemented to preventrecurrence.

8.6 Driver Qualification

All drivers shall be qualified through the use of driverhiring standards, including verification for validlicence and acceptable driver history. For drivers ofcompany-owned vehicles, qualification may includemedical screening and initial validation of drivingskills. For all drivers, performance must be reassessedperiodically.


9. APPENDICES

9.1a Risk Score = Likelihood x Exposure x

Consequences

Likelihood*Value

Might well be expected (“happens often”) 10Quite possible 6Unusual but possible 3Only remotely possible (“has happened somewhere”) 1Conceivable but very unlikely (“hasn’t happened yet”) 0.5Practically impossible (“one in a million”) 0.2Virtually impossible (“approaches the impossible”) 0.1

* The probability of a loss when the hazardous event does occur

Exposure*Value

Continuous 10Frequent (daily) 6Occasional (weekly) 3Unusual (monthly) 2Rare (a few per year) 1Very rare (yearly) 0.5No exposure 0

* How frequently the hazardous event does occur

Consequences*Value

Disaster 40Very serious (one fatality) 15Serious (serious harm) 7Important (temporary disability) 3

Based on article by William Fine, US Navy


This risk score formula gives an indication of priority actions, i.e.:

RISK

Likelihood x Exposure x Consequence Risk Priority

6 2 7 84 B

0.1 0.5 3 0.15 C

10 6 15 900 A

PriorityIf the risk score is: 199+ = A

67 - 198 = B0.15 - 66 = C


9.1b Example of Hazard/Risk Assessment

Checklist

EH and S Hazard Identification

Process: Cleaning rails Date: 26 Jan 99

Location: Any jobsite

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To create an effective set of hazard identification data,the steps or activities from the process should beentered in the Step/Activity column at left of chart.Each step is matched in the second column with theActions of People and Equipment necessary toaccomplish it. The Inputs, being chemicals, materials,labour, energy and equipment that go into each specificprocess step, are listed in the third column. If it isappropriate, quantities should be listed, such asnumber of litres of a solvent, frequency of repetitivemotions, the weight of materials being handled, theairborne concentrations in the work environment, etc.In the fourth column Outputs, the outputs and/orby-products from the same process steps should belisted again with quantities that are relevant to theprocess steps. In the last column, Hazards, any hazardsassociated with the inputs or outputs should be listed inas much detail as necessary to adequately determinethe risk.


9.2 Definitions

Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS): this termhas officially replaced that of repetitive strain injury(RSI) in New Zealand.

Definitions as described in the Health and Safety InEmployment Act 1992:

“Accident” means an event that—

(a) causes any person to be harmed; or

(b) in different circumstances might have caused anyperson to be harmed.

“Employer” means a person who or that employs anyother person to do any work for hire or reward: and, inrelation to any employee, means an employer of theemployee. This means anyone who supervises others iseffectively an employer.

“Employee”, subject to subsection 2(3) of the Act,means a person employed by any other person to doany work (other than residential work) for hire orreward; and, in relation to any employer, means anemployee of the employer.

“Harm” means illness, injury or both; and “to harm”,“harmed” and “unharmed” have correspondingmeanings.

“Serious harm”, subject to subsection (4) of the HSEAct section, means death, or harm of a kind ordescription declared by the Governor-General byOrder in Council to be serious for the purposes of thisAct; and “seriously harmed” has a correspondingmeaning.


“At work”, in relation to any person, means present,for gain or reward, in the person’s place of work.

“Hazard” means an activity, arrangement,circumstance, event, occurrence, phenomenon,process, situation or substance (whether arising orcaused within or outside a place of work) that is anactual or potential cause or source of harm; and“hazardous” has a corresponding meaning.

“All practicable steps”, in relation to achieving anyresult in any circumstances, means all steps to achievethe result that it is reasonably practicable to take in thecircumstances, having regard to—

(a) the nature and severity of the harm that may besuffered if the result is not achieved; and

(b) the current state of knowledge about thelikelihood that harm of that nature and severity will besuffered if the result is not achieved; and

(c) the current state of knowledge about harm ofthat nature; and

(d) the current state of knowledge about the meansavailable to achieve the result, and about the likelyefficacy of each; and

(e) the availability and cost of each of those means.


9.3 How to Contact OSH

OSH has branch offices in the following centres, andyou can contact any office for more information oradvice.

Manukau

Whangarei

West Auckland

Penrose

North Harbour

Hamilton

Rotorua

Tauranga

Palmerston North

New Plymouth

Napier

Wellington

Lower Hutt

Christchurch North

Christchurch South

Nelson

Dunedin

Invercargill

For information on OSH products and services, visitthe OSH website at:

http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz


9.4 Terminology

Clear, concise, correct communication is VITAL TOTHE SAFETY OF ALL CONCERNED.

Words that fit this category are:

• GO UP

• COME DOWN

• STOP

• ARE YOU CLEAR?

• OK

• YES

• NO

Be specific about how far the lift car is to be moved.Vague instructions create problems.

Prior to starting, go over instructions to be used withthe people involved.

A team member, regardless of their position, must notfeel inhibited about querying an instruction oracknowledgement if it is not fully understood or seemswrong.

Anybody who is unsure of what they are about to do ordoes not feel safe carrying out that instruction, eitherbecause they have misinterpreted what is required orthey do not know how to do what is required, shouldask. It may be, in fact, a poor or bad instruction.

Either way it is liable to end up being dangerous orworse still, a disaster.


If you mean, for example, that you only want theequipment to move up, say so.

e.g. GO UP 25 mm,GO UP 300 mm,COME DOWN 150 mm.

The terminology used in the issued instruction shouldbe used in the repeat of that instruction.Acknowledgement shall be when the issued instructionis considered to have been fully understood.

BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU MEAN!!

The person moving the lift car must ask the question:

“ARE YOU CLEAR?”

and wait for a “YES” or “OK” answer before movingthe equipment. The driver must remain ALERT and beprepared to stop immediately on the slightestindication that all is not well.

There can be NO EXCEPTION TO THE RULESregarding the 4 Cs.

• CLEAR

• CONCISE

• CORRECT

• COMMUNICATION

The importance of the 4 Cs cannot be overstated,particularly when we are an industry of multinationalpeople.

When a lift car has been correctly positioned, addedsafety can be achieved by tripping any ‘knock off’ type


safety switch so that accidental movement of the liftcar is prevented. Switches that can be tripped and usedfor this purpose are:

• Overspeed grips switch (safetiesoperated switch) if accessible;

• Broken tape switch (when used);

• Compensation sheave switch (whenused);

• Pit stop/run switch; and

• Main switch — locked and tagged out.

e.g. On completion of the work in the lift shaft gettingout or exiting the lift shaft is every bit as important inrespect to safe practices as for getting into the shaft inthe first place.

NOTE: The lift car must always be operated oninspection mode when working in a lift shaft:

- Tell the assistant you are going to get out.

- Advise the assistant that you will stop them byyour operation of the Pit Stop/Run Switch.

- Advise assistant to reset the tripped switches, ifapplicable.

- Instruct assistant to take lift car up “x” numberof floors. Do not come down until instructed todo so.

- Communicate as above, e.g. “Are you clear?”,etc.

i.e. When the lift car has been taken up a suitable


distance set the stop/run switch to stop — the car muststop at the same time.

- Advise your assistant, that you are opening thelanding doors.

- Remove the tools, etc. on to the landing.

- When clear of the lift pit reset the pit switch torun.

- Instruct assistant to bring car down so that theunder car light can be turned off.

- Close the landing doors.

- Open hoistway doors when lift car has beenpositioned halfway down entrance to turn offthe under car lights.

Arrange to meet your assistant on the next floor so thatthe job can be completed.

Remove any circuit jumpers. Record as necessary.

- Re-test that all safety circuits are operational.

- Turn off the hoistway lights.

- When satisfied, return the lift car to full service.

Remember this:

It is as much your responsibility to maintain yoursafety as it is your supervisor’s to ensure that youknow how to go about your duties in complete safety.

If you have any doubts, it is your responsibility to say:

“I don’t understand”. “I’m not sure how to go aboutit”.


There is no room for guess work and “she’ll be right”has no place in our industry.

While we have discussed the pit situation here,demanding ‘clear, concise, constant communication’,the same is required for:

- Hoistway/inside car;

- Machine room/sub floor;

- Machine room/pit (basement layout); and

- Escalator/moving walkway work.

You have all been, or should have been issued with thered and green Lift Industry Accident PreventionHandbook. This book is full of useful tips and goodinformation about safety. It is designed to fit in yourpocket for ready reference when needed. Pages 8through to 16 cover safety:

- In the machine room;

- In the pit;

- In the lift well;

- With hydraulics;

- With escalators and moving walkways; and

- Electricity.

If you do not have a copy, ask your supervisor for one,it was compiled for the industry.

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