Sunday, November 1, 2020 Preventing EWP Ejection What restraint system should you use when working on elevating work platforms? Newsletters BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Ontario Construction Saskatchewan Local 151 Sectors Construction 3M delivered a very interesting presentation on fall protection for elevating work platforms (EWPs) to CLAC’s Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee. The CSA updates to Z259.2.2-17 (effective August 2019) changed the classification of self-retracting devices/lanyards and clarified which should be used in EWPs. There are four new classes of self-retracting lanyards (SRL): SRL, SRL-LE (leading edge), SRL-R (rescue), and SRL-LE-R. All new lanyards must be classified as one of these. For more information on the new classifications, please visit safetytownsquare.3mcanada.ca. In EWPs (or on scaffolding), when anchoring below the level of the dorsal D-ring, the lanyard must now be leading edge (SRL-LE or SRL-LE-R). 4 Common Hazards When Using EWPs* Falling over or off the guardrail Falling while entering or exiting the basket Tipping the EWP over Being ejected from the basket while moving and dropped objects Because of these hazards, 3M has developed some best practices for the safe use of EWPs. *Note: These are not the only hazards associates with EWP equipment. Training on how to mitigate the four hazards listed above and other dangers are addressed in programs offered by CLAC and others. Before use of any equipment, workers must be trained in recognizing the hazards to self, coworker, and public and how to eliminate them. 4 EWP Safety Best Practices Workers should be in a full-body harness and be attached to an anchor point by a lanyard short enough to eliminate the possibility of ejection from the basket while moving (to meet the requirements of Ontario Regulation 213/91, Construction Projects, section 148). Connecting to an SRL (while maintaining 100 percent tie-off) can be used for travel restraint if the maximum length of SRL is less than or equal distance to the fall hazard point. As per above, the proper selection of SRL classification is a must. A safe amount of slack in the lanyard is enough for workers to complete their work, not get beyond the railing, and not be ejected from the basket. Tool anchors prevent dropped objects falling from the elevated platform. Review these best practices with your supervisor/employer and joint health and safety committee/health and safety representative. In addition, you should review your equipment manufacturer’s operating manual prior to use as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor/employer or a member of your joint health and safety committee. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026