The ANSI/ASSE A10.4-2007 Standard Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators on Construction and Demolition Sites historically plays a significant role in the prevention of injuries and fatalities on construction and demolition sites, according to ASSE, as safety, health and environmental professionals have used the A10.4 standard since the early 1960's.
“The standards package is important, especially on the state level as some states still use the older versions,” said John Quackenbush, A10.4 subgroup chair, of Sunset Beach, NC. “The latest A10.4 standard is important because it addresses new technology.”
Quackenbush also emphasized that creating a standard that addresses all safety standards was difficult However, staying abreast of new technology as well as reviewing accidents on an ongoing basis will will only help to improve the A10. 4 standard.
Approved by ANSI in early May, the revised standard applies to:
- The design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alterations and repair of hoists and elevators that are not a vital part of buildings;
- Hoists and elevators that are installed inside or outside buildings or structures during construction, alteration, demolition or operations; and
- Hoists and elevators that are used to raise and lower workers and other personnel connected with or related to the structure.
These personnel hoists and employee elevators also may be used for transporting materials under specific circumstances defined in this standard. It is part of a series of standards that focus on construction and demolition operations.
ASSE serves as the secretariat for the A10 Accredited Standards Committee on construction and demolition operations. The A10 standards serve as a guide to contractors, labor and equipment manufacturers in the construction and demolition industry.
The ANSI/ASSE A10.4-2007 Standards Package, which includes all historical versions of A10.4, is available in electronic format. For more information, visit ASSE's Web site at http://www.asse.org.