Suspended Work Platform Systems and Boatswain's Chair - Responsibilities

Construction Projects
O. Reg. 213/91

Part I GENERAL

Section 7.1

7.1 (1) This section applies with respect to a project at which a suspended work platform system is to be used.

(2) At least 48 hours before a suspended work platform system is used for the first time at a project, the constructor shall complete an approved notification form and provide it to the Ministry by faxing it or delivering it in person to the Ministry office located nearest to the project or submitting it electronically on a website of the government of Ontario.

(3) Despite subsection (2), the constructor may put a suspended work platform system into use before providing the approved notification form if the following conditions are met:

1. It is necessary to use the suspended work platform system immediately to prevent injury to people or damage to property.

2. Before using the suspended work platform system, the constructor gives an inspector at the Ministry office located nearest to the project oral notice, by telephone or in person, that the system will be used.

(4) If a constructor uses a suspended work platform system under subsection (3), the constructor shall, within 24 hours of beginning to use the suspended work platform system, provide a completed approved notification form to the Ministry in a manner described in subsection (2).

(5) The constructor shall keep a copy of the completed notification form in a conspicuous location at the project.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 4]

Accident Notices and Reports under Sections 51 - 53 of the Act

Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Section 137.3

137.3 (1) A work platform shall not be used unless the requirements of this section have been satisfied.

(2) In the case of a work platform designed before January 1, 2017, a professional engineer shall prepare a report that confirms that the structural integrity of the work platform is at least equal to the structural integrity of a work platform designed in accordance with sections 137 and 137.1.

(3) In the case of a work platform designed on or after January 1, 2017, a professional engineer shall prepare a report that,

(a) confirms that the work platform meets the requirements of sections 137 and 137.1;

(b) confirms that the suspended work platform’s design and configuration have been tested to and meet the performance requirements set out in sections 7 to 11 of the ANSI/UL 1322-2004 Standard, "Fabricated Scaffold Planks and Stages", for the rated platform capacity and worst-case configurations;

(c) provides the results of the tests described in clause (b);

(d) subject to subsection (4), provides proof that the manufacturer of a suspended work platform or suspended work platform module has been certified to International Standard ISO 9001, Quality management systems - Requirements; and

(e) includes, if required under subsection (4), the quality assurance report described in clause (4) (c).

(4) If there is no proof available that the manufacturer has been certified to ISO 9001, a professional engineer shall,

(a) ensure that every critical weld of the work platform is subjected to a non-destructive test;

(b) examine all components of the work platform to ensure they are manufactured in accordance with the design drawings referred to in section 137.2;

(c) prepare a written quality assurance report that,

(i) confirms that every critical weld and every structural component referred to in subsection 139.1 (2) is correctly manufactured and has no defects, and

(ii) includes the results of non-destructive tests described in clause (a) and the examination described in clause (b).

(5) The work platform shall be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly.

(6) While a work platform is in use at a project, the employer shall,

(a) make available to an inspector on request, the design drawings for the work platform; and

(b) keep at the project and make available to an inspector on request, the report prepared under subsection (2) or (3) and the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly of the work platform.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

General Requirements: Worker Training

Section 138

138. (1) An employer shall ensure that a worker successfully completes a training program that meets the requirements set out in subsection (2) at the following times:

1. Before the worker uses a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair for the first time.

2. As often as is necessary, but at least every three years, after the worker uses a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair for the first time.

(2) The training program referred to in subsection (1) shall,

(a) consist of adequate oral and written instruction for using a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, including instruction on,

(i) the regulations under the Act that apply to the work,

(ii) fall hazards related to the use of the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair,

(iii) selecting, putting on, using and inspecting personal protective equipment, and its components, that the worker is required to wear,

(iv) identifying and using fixed supports for a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair and for the worker’s fall arrest system,

(v) the components, functions and limitations of a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, tiebacks and operational controls,

(vi) reading and using roof plans and work plans,

(vii) the load limitations of the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, and

(viii) elements of emergency rescue from a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair; and

(b) require the worker to demonstrate proficiency in,

(i) selecting, putting on, using and inspecting the personal protective equipment the worker is required to use,

(ii) rigging procedures and tying adequate knots,

(iii) locating fixed supports that are identified in a roof plan,

(iv) safely operating the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, and

(v) operating the controls of the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

(3) The employer shall ensure that the person who provides the training program referred to in subsection (1) prepares and signs a written record for every worker who successfully completes the program and shall provide such written proof to the worker.

(4) A worker shall have the written proof described in subsection (3) readily available at a project.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 138.1

138.1 (1) An employer shall designate a competent worker to be responsible for the installation and inspection of a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair before it is put into service for the first time.

(2) The employer shall ensure that the competent worker successfully completes a training program that meets the requirements set out in subsection (3) at the following times:

1. Before the competent worker installs or inspects the installation of a suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair for the first time.

2. As often as is necessary, but at least every three years, after the worker installs or inspects the installation of a suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair for the first time.

(3) The training program referred to in subsection (2) shall,

(a) consist of adequate oral and written instruction on,

(i) rigging,

(ii) methods to secure beams and equipment,

(iii) fixed supports,

(iv) principles of suspension lines, hoisting devices and load limits,

(v) manufacturers’ instructions for assembling, installing and disassembling suspended work platform systems or boatswain’s chairs,

(vi) reading and using roof plans and work plans,

(vii) securing suspended work platform systems or boatswain’s chairs to the face of a building, and

(viii) electrical systems; and

(b) require the competent worker to demonstrate proficiency in,

(i) installing and torqueing rigging hardware in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,

(ii) inspecting cable and terminations in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,

(iii) tying of adequate numbers of different knots,

(iv) properly setting up a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair in accordance with roof plans, work plans and the manufacturer’s instructions, including,

(A) selection and use of fixed supports,

(B) set up of equipment,

(C) use of hoists, including reeving cables,

(D) use of descent controls and emergency controls,

(E) impact of different work plans on set up of equipment, and

(F) protection of public ways.

(4) The employer shall ensure that the person who provides the training program referred to in subsection (2) prepares and signs a written record for every competent worker who successfully completes the program and shall provide such written proof to the competent worker.

(5) A competent worker shall have the written proof described in subsection (4) readily available at a project.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11; 142/17, s. 16]

General Requirements: Testing

Section 139

139. (1) An employer shall ensure that, prior to the first use of a suspended work platform system at a project, the entire system, including its suspension lines, has been inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with this Regulation, the manufacturer’s instructions, and clause 11 (Inspection and Testing) and Clause 12 (Maintenance) of CSA Standard Z271-10 .

(2) The employer shall ensure that the inspection, testing and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) is completed by,

(a) a competent worker; or

(b) if the CSA Standard Z271-10 requires the inspection or test be performed by a person with specific qualifications, such person.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 14; 242/16, s. 11]

Section 139.1

139.1 (1) Every supplier of and every employer who owns or uses a work platform shall ensure that the testing requirements in this section are met.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the types of structural components of a work platform are categorized in the following groups:

1. Group 1, which is composed of trusses, corner or angled sections and platform modules.

2. Group 2, which is composed of stirrups, module connectors and end frames.

(3) At least annually, a representative sample of each type of structural component shall be randomly selected and subjected to non-destructive testing in accordance with the following:

1. For each type of Group 1 structural component, the representative sample shall be composed of the number set out in Column 2 of the Table to this subsection opposite the total number of that type of component, set out in Column 1, in the supplier’s or employer’s entire inventory or fleet of suspended work platforms.

2. For each type of Group 2 structural component, the representative sample shall be composed of the number set out in Column 3 of the Table to this subsection opposite the total number of that type of component, set out in Column 1, in the supplier’s or employer’s entire inventory or fleet of suspended work platforms.

3. Every critical weld on each structural component as selected as part of the representative sample shall be subjected to non-destructive testing.

Table

Item	Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
	Total number of the type of structural component in a supplier or employer’s entire inventory or fleet of suspended work platforms	Group 1: number of representative samples of the type of structural component to be tested	Group 2: number of representative samples of the type of structural component to be tested
1.	2-15	2	2
2.	16-50	3	5
3.	51-150	5	8
4.	151-500	8	13
5.	500 or greater	13	20

(4) If any defect is found as a result of the testing conducted under subsection (3), a professional engineer shall review the interpretation of the test results to determine,

(a) whether the defect affects the structural integrity of the structural component; and

(b) if the defect does affect the structural integrity of the structural component, whether the defective component is to be rejected from further use permanently or pending its repair.

(5) The professional engineer shall prepare a written report of the review and determination made under subsection (4).

(6) If a defective structural component is rejected from further use, either permanently or pending repair, a representative sample that is composed of four times the number of each type of structural component that composed the original representative sample under subsection (3) shall be subjected to testing described in paragraph 3 of subsection (3).

(7) If any defect is found as a result of the testing conducted under subsection (6), subsections (4) to (6) apply, with necessary modifications.

(8) All other parts of a suspended work platform not listed in subsection (2) shall be inspected for damage at least once within the 12-month period preceding its use on a project and at least once annually while in use on a project.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11; 142/17, s. 17]

General Requirements: Equipment

Section 140

140. (1) An employer who uses a suspended work platform system shall ensure that there are permanent equipment logs respecting components of the suspended work platform system and that the logs,

(a) comply with clause 13 (Equipment Log) of CSA Standard Z271-10; and

(b) include a record of the inspections, tests, repairs, modifications and maintenance performed on the components.

(2) The employer shall make the permanent equipment logs available to an inspector on request.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Pre-Use Requirements: Fixed Supports, Roof Plans, Work Plans and Installation

Section 141

141. (1) The supplier of or employer who owns a suspended work platform system shall ensure that all of its components are marked or labelled in accordance with clause 10.2 (Markings) of CSA Standard Z271-10 .

(2) The supplier of or employer who owns a suspended work platform system shall ensure that each of the following structural components of every work platform is marked with a unique identifier:

1. A truss.

2. An end frame.

3. A stirrup.

4. A module connector.

5. A corner or angled section.

(3) Despite subsection (2), if a work platform module is manufactured as a single unit, it may be marked with a single unique identifier.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.2

141.2 (1) Every owner of a building or structure where a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair is to be used shall ensure that there is a roof plan for the building or structure and ensure that the plan,

(a) contains drawings and layout diagrams that show the positions of all fixed supports on the building or structure;

(b) indicates whether the fixed supports are adequate for the purposes of attaching work platforms, boatswain’s chairs and lifelines;

(c) meets the requirements of clause 10.1.2 (Roof Plan) of CSA Standard Z271-10; and

(d) has been approved in writing by a professional engineer.

(2) The owner shall post a legible copy of the roof plan near every entrance to the roof or top level of the building or structure where the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair is to be used.

(3) The owner shall provide a copy of the roof plan to the constructor for a project at the building or structure.

(4) The constructor shall ensure that every employer whose workers are to use the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair at the building or structure has received a copy of the roof plan.

(5) No employer or constructor shall permit a worker to use a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair on a building or structure unless the employer or constructor has received a copy of the roof plan and, if required, the design drawings and written procedures prepared under subsection 141.3 (2).

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.3

141.3 (1) If the roof plan required under section 141.2 indicates that the fixed supports on the building or structure are not adequate for the purposes of attaching a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair and lifelines, if any, the owner shall provide the constructor for a project at the building or structure with any structural drawings for the building or structure that the owner has control over.

(2) The constructor shall ensure that a professional engineer prepares, using any structural drawings provided by the owner under subsection (1), design drawings and written procedures that indicate the manner in which the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair and lifelines, if any, must be supported from the building or structure during the relevant project.

(3) The constructor shall ensure that every employer whose workers are to use the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair and lifelines, if any, at the building or structure has received a copy of the design drawings and written procedures.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.4

141.4 (1) The owner of a building or structure shall ensure that all fixed supports identified in the roof plan are inspected, maintained and tested in accordance with clause 11 (Inspection and Testing) of CSA Standard Z271-10 and the manufacturer’s instructions.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the owner shall ensure that a fixed support identified in the roof plan is inspected by a professional engineer,

(a) before being used for the first time after it is installed and after every time that it is repaired or modified;

(b) as often as necessary and at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer of the fixed support;

(c) at least once within the 12-month period preceding its use; and

(d) if a professional engineer, an employer, a supervisor or a worker advises the owner that there are reasonable grounds to believe the fixed support is defective or not adequate to support the suspended work platform, boatswain’s chair or lifeline.

(3) An owner who has been advised under clause (2) (d) shall ensure that the fixed support in question is not used until the requirements in subsections (4) and (5) are met, as applicable.

(4) The professional engineer who performs an inspection under subsection (2) shall prepare a written report that,

(a) indicates whether the fixed support meets the requirements of section 141.1 and is adequate for the purposes of attaching a suspended work platform, boatswain’s chair or lifeline; and

(b) if the fixed support is not adequate, indicates the defects and hazardous conditions of the fixed support.

(5) A fixed support that has been identified in the report of the professional engineer as having a defect or hazardous condition shall not be used until the owner of the building or structure ensures that,

(a) the defect or hazardous condition of the fixed support has been repaired, modified or corrected; and

(b) the fixed support has been inspected and tested by a professional engineer in accordance with clause 11.3.3 (Anchorage connectors) of CSA Standard Z271-10 and the professional engineer has determined the fixed support to be adequate to support a suspended work platform, boatswain’s chair or lifeline.

(6) The owner of the building or structure shall, respecting a fixed support,

(a) keep a permanent record, in accordance with clause 13 (Equipment Log) of CSA Standard Z271-10 , of all inspections, tests, repairs, modifications and maintenance of the fixed support as long as the fixed support is used;

(b) make the record available, on request, to an inspector; and

(c) make the record available, on request, to a constructor of a project where workers are to use a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair and lifelines, if any.

(7) No employer or constructor shall permit a worker to use a fixed support unless the employer or constructor has ensured that the fixed support has been inspected, maintained and tested as required by this section and, if applicable, the requirements in subsections (4) and (5) are met.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.5

141.5 (1) Before a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair is put into service for the first time on a project, the employer shall ensure that a competent person,

(a) prepares written procedures for the rescue of workers from a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair in an emergency;

(b) conducts a risk assessment of the work to be undertaken to identify hazards that may arise from use of the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair with reference to the nature of the workplace, the type of work and the conditions of work; and

(c) prepares a written, site-specific work plan that complies with subsection (2) and, if it is a work plan respecting a suspended work platform system, also complies with subsection (3).

(2) A site-specific work plan for a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair shall include, at a minimum,

(a) measures and procedures to protect the health and safety of workers using the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair;

(b) procedures to install, move and dismantle the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair;

(c) an assessment as to whether the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair can be installed according to a generic installation drawing or whether it must be installed according to a site-specific installation drawing;

(d) the rated platform capacity of the suspended work platform, suspended work platform module or boatswain’s chair;

(e) the weight of all materials, tools and equipment allowed to be on the suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair;

(f) how all suspension lines and lifelines are to be attached to the fixed supports shown in any roof plan required under section 141.2;

(g) an identification of the hazards related to material hoisting, cutting, grinding and sandblasting associated with the work;

(h) an identification of all electrical hazards, including minimum distances when approaching electrical conductors;

(i) protection for the public and workers who may be below the suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair;

(j) overhead protection for workers on a suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair from any work being conducted above the suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair;

(k) measures to be taken to protect workers using a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair from weather and other conditions that may endanger them;

(l) a copy of the written procedures for the emergency rescue of workers from a suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair in an emergency established under clause (1) (a);

(m) the maximum number of workers allowed on a suspended work platform, suspended work platform module or boatswain’s chair;

(n) information about methods of fall protection, including installation, that may be used for the protection of workers using a suspended work platform or boatswain’s chair; and

(o) information about ready access to a two-way communication system, such as radio, telephone or other similar means, to be provided to a worker using a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair.

(3) In addition to the elements described in subsection (2), a site-specific plan for a suspended work platform system shall include, at a minimum,

(a) how the work platform is to be arranged in any location at which the platform is to be used on the project;

(b) a weight distribution plan to ensure loading across the work platform or suspended work platform module surface does not exceed the design capacity;

(c) the maximum amount or weight of debris, grit and other materials allowed to accumulate on the suspended work platform, and their permissible locations on the work platform; and

(d) an assessment as to whether a device may be used to transfer material to and from the work platform and, if it may, directions on how it is to be used.

(4) The employer shall keep at the project, and make available to an inspector on request, the site-specific work plan.

(5) The employer shall,

(a) ensure that the site-specific work plan is implemented at the project; and

(b) before a worker begins installing or using a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair at the project, provide the worker with a copy of the site-specific work plan and review it with the worker.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.6

141.6 (1) Only a designated competent worker who has successfully completed the training program under section 138.1 shall install, alter or dismantle a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair.

(2) A suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, including all components and connections of the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, shall be erected, installed, used and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and,

(a) a generic installation drawing; or

(b) in the case of a suspended work platform system, a site-specific drawing if not all of the requirements in the generic installation drawing can be satisfied or if one of the circumstances set out in subsection (3) applies.

(3) The following are circumstances for the purposes of clause (2) (b):

1. There will be stacked or tiered work platforms.

2. There will be a work platform that, including its components, weighs more than 525 kilograms.

3. There will be a work platform that has a span greater than 12 metres between adjacent points of suspension.

4. There will be a work platform that has more than two primary suspension lines.

5. More than two hoisting devices will be used to move a work platform.

6. There will be a work platform that has any shielding, tarpaulin, enclosure, sign or banner on it that may increase the wind loads on the components of the suspended work platform system.

7. The vertical distance between the top of a suspension line and the lowest point on the street, ground or other horizontal surface under a work platform will exceed 150 metres.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.7

141.7 (1) This section applies if a generic installation drawing is used under clause 141.6 (2) (a).

(2) A designated competent worker who has successfully completed the training program under section 138.1 shall inspect a suspended work platform system or powered boatswain’s chair to determine whether the installed suspended work platform system or installed powered boatswain’s chair complies with the drawing,

(a) before it is put into service after it has been installed for the first time on a project; and

(b) if it is relocated at the project, at the new location before it is put into service.

(3) The designated competent worker shall provide a written report of the inspection indicating whether the installed suspended work platform system or installed powered boatswain’s chair complies with the drawing.

(4) The suspended work platform system or powered boatswain’s chair shall not be put into service unless the designated competent worker’s report indicates that the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair has been installed in accordance with the drawing.

(5) While the suspended work platform system or powered boatswain’s chair is at the project, the employer shall keep at the project, and make available to an inspector on request, the generic installation drawing and every report prepared by a designated competent worker under subsection (3).

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 141.8

141.8 (1) This section applies if a site-specific installation drawing is used under clause 141.6 (2) (b).

(2) The site-specific installation drawing shall be prepared by a professional engineer.

(3) A professional engineer shall inspect a suspended work platform after it has been installed for the first time at a project and before it is put into service and shall prepare a written report indicating whether the suspended work platform complies with the drawing.

(4) A suspended work platform shall not be put into service unless the professional engineer’s report indicates it has been installed in accordance with the drawing.

(5) If a suspended work platform system is relocated at a project, a deviation from the site-specific drawing is permitted if the deviation is approved by a professional engineer.

(6) A suspended work platform system shall not be put into service at the new location unless,

(a) the suspended work platform system was inspected,

(i) if the installation at the new location was in accordance with the site-specific drawing, by either a professional engineer or by a designated competent worker who has successfully completed the training program under section 138.1, or

(ii) if the installation at the new location was in accordance with the site-specific installation drawing and a deviation from it was approved by a professional engineer, by a professional engineer; and

(b) a report prepared under subsection (7) or (8) indicates that the suspended work platform system has been installed in accordance with the drawing and approved deviations, if any.

(7) In the case of an inspection under subclause 6 (a) (i), the professional engineer or designated competent worker shall provide a written report of the inspection indicating whether the installed suspended work platform system complies with the drawing.

(8) In the case of an inspection under subclause 6 (a) (ii), the professional engineer shall provide a written report of the inspection indicating whether the installed suspended work platform system complies with the drawing and approved deviations.

(9) While the suspended work platform system is at the project, the employer shall keep at the project, and make available to an inspector on request, the site-specific installation drawing, any approved deviations and every report prepared under this section.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Project-Specific Use Requirements

Section 142

142. The employer shall ensure that the rated platform capacity of a suspended work platform, work platform module or boatswain’s chair is posted conspicuously on the suspended work platform, work platform module or boatswain’s chair, as the case may be.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 142.02

142.02 (1) All wire rope terminations of the suspension line of a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair, including swaged socket and poured socket terminations, spliced eye terminations and turnback eye terminations shall, after installation onto the wire rope and prior to being used for the first time, be tested,

(a) in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the wire rope or termination; and

(b) to no more than 50 per cent of the wire rope’s nominal or minimum rated breaking strength.

(2) While the suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair is at the project and the termination remains in service, an employer shall keep at the project, and make available to an inspector on request, a record of the tests described in subsection (1).

(3) The wire rope termination of a suspension line shall be protected from contact with the line’s hoisting device.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 142.04

142.04 (1) Before a suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair is used for the first time each day, a competent worker shall identify any defects or hazardous conditions and document them in writing.

(2) The suspended work platform system or boatswain’s chair shall not be used until the defects or hazardous conditions have been corrected or removed.

(3) The employer shall keep a copy of each document prepared by a competent worker under subsection (1) and make it available to an inspector on request.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 142.05

142.05 (1) An employer shall ensure that a competent worker performs a functional test of a work platform or powered boatswain’s chair to ensure that it is operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,

(a) before it is used for the first time after it is installed at the project;

(b) if it is relocated at the project, at the new location before it is put into service; and

(c) before it is used for the first time each day.

(2) If a functional test performed under subsection (1) reveals defects or hazardous conditions, the work platform or powered boatswain’s chair shall not be used until the defects or hazardous conditions have been corrected or removed.

(3) The work platform or powered boatswain’s chair shall not be raised more than 30 centimetres during the functional test unless it has a hoisting device equipped with a remote operating device.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]