Circular No. 48/2015/TT-BLDTBXH Issuing National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety for Personnel Elevating Platforms

CIRCULAR
Issuing National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety
for Elevating Platforms Used to Lift People

____________________________

Pursuant to Decree No. 106/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs;

Based on Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions

Pursuant to Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Product Quality Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate;

The Minister of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs promulgates this Circular prescribing the National Technical Regulation on Safe Work for Elevating Platforms Used to Lift People.

Article 1. This Circular promulgates the National Technical Regulation on Safe Work for Elevating Platforms Used to Lift People.

Symbol: QCVN 20 : 2015/BLDTBXH.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from January 25, 2016.

Article 3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, provincial People's Committees under the Central Government, and organizations and individuals related thereto shall be responsible for implementation./.

 

QCVN 20: 2015/BLDTBXH

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFE WORK

FOR ELEVATING PLATFORMS USED TO LIFT PEOPLE

National technical regulation on safe work of Elevating Platform for lifting people

Foreword

QCVN 20: 2015/BLDTBXH - National technical regulation on safe work for elevating platforms used to lift people compiled by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and promulgated by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs pursuant to Circular No. 48/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 8, 2015, following the review comments of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFE WORK

FOR ELEVATING PLATFORMS USED TO LIFT PEOPLE

National technical regulation on safe work of Elevating Platform for lifting people

1. General Provisions

1.1. Scope of Application

This regulation sets out requirements for safe work for elevating platforms used to lift people to working positions (hereinafter referred to as elevating platforms used to lift people).

This regulation does not apply to:

a) Equipment used to lift people to different heights that are installed permanently.

b) Firefighting equipment.

c) Unmanned work cages suspended from lifting equipment.

d) Passenger elevators or elevators carrying both passengers and materials.

e) Equipment to assist in lifting people.

g) Raising the operator's position on industrial pushcarts.

1.2. Applicability

1.2.1. Organizations and individuals designing, manufacturing, importing, circulating, installing, and using elevating platforms used to lift people (hereinafter referred to as enterprises);

1.2.2. Agencies and other organizations and individuals related thereto.

1.3. Definitions

In these regulations, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1.3.1. Authorized person

Persons assigned or approved to perform one or more tasks at one or more specific workstations.

1.3.2. Elevating platform manager

The organization or individual directly using the elevating platform, or owning it, or renting/borrowing or being authorized by the owner.

1.3.3. Maintenance

Maintenance activities such as inspection, lubrication, refueling, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of parts of the elevating platform.

1.3.4. Operation

Performing the functions of the elevating platform within its parameters and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the work rules of the manager, and current regulations.

1.3.5. Operator

The person controlling the operation of the elevating platform.

1.3.6. Stability

The condition where the elevating platform will not tip over. Technically, this is the condition where the total moment capable of tipping the elevating platform is less than the total moment resisting overturning.

1.3.7. Rated load

The maximum permissible load for the elevating platform to operate normally, including people, tools, and materials carried on the platform.

1.3.8. Working area

The space within which the elevating platform is designed to withstand specific forces and loads under normal working conditions.

2. Technical Provisions

An elevating platform used to lift people must include a work deck with a control panel and a support frame, and may have additional extended structures.

2.1. Requirements for elevating platforms

2.1.1. The height of the guardrail of the elevating platform must not be lower than 1100mm measured from the surface of the platform to the top of the guardrail. The distance between the middle rail of the guardrail and the upper edge of the anti-fall plate must not exceed 550mm. The anti-fall plate must have a height of no less than 100mm measured from the top surface of the platform.

2.1.2. The size of the work deck must be appropriate for the number of people allowed to work on the deck and the tools and materials carried. The width of the work deck must not be less than 500mm. The working area of the elevating platform must not be less than 0.25 m2/person.

2.1.3. The working surface of the work deck must be a non-slip surface securely attached to the floor and only removable when necessary.

2.1.4. Holes on the working surface must be small enough to prevent objects similar to spheres with a diameter of 15mm from passing through.

2.1.5. Suitable drainage points must be designed to prevent water accumulation on the surface.

2.1.6. High hanging work decks must be equipped with emergency escape devices for operators in case of power failure.

2.1.7. Doors of the work deck must be constructed to close and lock in a fixed position. Doors must only open when necessary by the operator's intention and must ensure safety.

2.1.8. Elevating platforms must be equipped with means to avoid collisions with surrounding objects and not pose danger to people or surrounding areas.

2.1.9. The system of elevating platforms must be equipped with devices to limit the speed of movement of the work deck, when the speed exceeds 1.4 times the speed, it must be immediately limited.

2.1.10. Electrical switches controlling the elevating platform must be placed in easily accessible locations, at a safe position to be disconnected using a key or equivalent device to prevent accidental operation or unauthorized persons. In addition, an emergency stop switch must be installed at the operator's position to allow easy stopping of the elevating platform in case of emergencies.

2.1.11. Parts above the work deck surface and areas where operators are present must not have sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury to people.

2.1.12. For elevating platforms used for electrical installation work, the deck must be insulated from the ground to prevent electric shock to people working on the deck.

2.1.13. Any changes or additions to the elevating platform must be approved by the competent authority.

2.2. Requirements for safety devices

2.2.1. Safety locks of the elevating platform must be securely fastened and ensure they do not accidentally come loose.

2.2.2. Platforms used to lift personnel must be equipped with safety devices to prevent the platform from operating out of permitted positions unless the balancing mechanism is set according to the operational instructions.

2.2.3. In cases where safety is compromised, the safety devices of the lifting platforms must interrupt movements in unsafe directions unless otherwise specified.

2.2.4. Safety devices must be arranged and protected against hazards that could damage or reduce their functionality. They must be adjustable with tools and easily accessible for inspection purposes.

2.2.5. Signal transmission cables must be installed and protected to avoid damage from environmental factors or external impacts.

2.3. Requirements for braking systems

2.3.1. Lifting platforms must be equipped with braking systems which must always be ready even when the drive system is not in operation.

2.3.2. The braking system must ensure that it can stop and hold the platform under overload conditions up to 1.5 times the rated load for manually operated mechanical platforms and 1.25 times the rated load for other platforms. The braking system must be protected against unintended release.

2.4. Requirements for hydraulic systems

2.4.1. Hydraulic systems must be fitted with pressure-limiting devices (such as relief valves) before the first control valve. If different maximum pressures are used within the hydraulic system, additional pressure-limiting devices must be installed.

2.4.2. Piping and connections must withstand at least twice the maximum allowable pressure without excessive deformation.

2.4.3. Each hydraulic circuit must be fully equipped with measuring instruments to accurately monitor its operational parameters.

2.4.4. Each fluid reservoir of the hydraulic system must be equipped with devices to easily observe the fluid level.

2.4.5. Safety testing requirements for hydraulic systems

2.4.5.1. Prior to conducting hydraulic system tests, the technical specifications of the components within the hydraulic system, as well as the connections of the piping and pipe fittings, must be checked against the manufacturer's technical documentation.

2.4.5.2. Hydraulic system tests must be performed using the working fluid as indicated in the machine's technical documentation. The temperature of the working fluid must comply with the permissible operating temperature and must be measured either at the point of filling the fluid reservoir or at another location specified in the user manual. The condition and quantity of fluid in the reservoir must be inspected.

2.4.5.3. When testing the safe operation of special hydraulic equipment, the following must be checked:

2.4.5.3.1. The operation of the control unit;

2.4.5.3.2. The operation of all safety valves;

2.4.5.3.3. The prevention device for falling loads in case of pipe failure;

2.4.5.3.4. The operation of signaling devices and testing tools;

2.4.5.3.5. The adjustment of pressure-limiting devices;

2.4.5.3.6. Protection of pipes from mechanical damage;

2.4.5.3.7. Easy and safe access to adjustable or replaceable parts;

2.4.5.3.8. Protection of pressure-adjustment components of the hydraulic system against unauthorized intervention;

2.4.5.3.9. The lifting capability of the hydraulic system.

2.5. Requirements for inspection and testing of lifting platforms

2.5.1. Lifting platforms subject to the scope mentioned above must meet the minimum inspection requirements as stipulated in ISO 18893:2004 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Safety Principles, Inspection, Maintenance and Operation (ISO 18893:2004) and the minimum testing requirements as stipulated in ISO 16368:2010 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and Test Methods (ISO 16368).

The inspection and testing provisions set forth in ISO 18893:2004 and ISO 16368:2010 are not mandatory for the following standards:

2.5.1.1. ISO 18878 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Operator (Driver) Training (Sàn nâng di động - Huấn luyện vận hành sàn nâng).

2.5.1.2. ISO 4302 Cranes - Wind Load Assessment (Cần trục - Đánh giá tải trọng gió).

2.5.1.3. ISO 4305 Mobile Cranes - Determination of Stability (Cần trục di động - Xác định độ ổn định).

2.5.1.4. ISO 20381 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms - Symbols for Operator Controls and Other Displays (Sàn nâng di động - Biểu tượng cho việc điều khiển vận hành và các hiển thị khác).

2.5.1.5. IEC 60204-32:2008 Safety of Machinery - Electrical Equipment of Machines - Part 32: Requirements for Hoisting Machines (An toàn máy - Thiết bị điện - Phần 32: Các yêu cầu đối với máy nâng).

2.5.1.6. IEC 60947-5-1:2000 Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear - Part 5-1: Control Circuit Devices and Switching Elements - Electromechanical Control Circuit Devices (Bộ chuyển mạch và bộ điều khiển hạ thế - Phần 5-1: Điều khiển các thiết bị mạch và các bộ phận chuyển mạch - thiết bị mạch điều khiển điện cơ).

2.5.2. All inspection and testing results, the name and address of the inspector, and the signature of relevant persons must be retained.

2.5.3. Requirements for design inspection.

Design inspection must be conducted to verify that the lifting platforms are designed to ensure permissible safety. This process must include the following checks:

2.5.3.1. Drawings showing the main dimensions of the lifting platforms;

2.5.3.2. Description of the operational capabilities of the lifting platforms;

2.5.3.3. Information on materials used;

2.5.3.4. Diagrams of electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic circuits to be used;

2.5.3.5. User manuals;

2.5.3.6. Calculations.

These documents must provide all necessary information for inspection and calculation purposes.

2.5.4. Inspection of the production process.

The inspection of the production process must confirm that:

2.5.4.1. Documents serving the production process have ensured all safety regulations.

2.5.4.2. Components comply with drawings.

2.5.4.3. Cables, chains, and hydraulic mechanisms have quality certifications.

2.5.4.4. The quality of special welds in load-bearing components has been guaranteed.

2.5.4.5. Structures and installation of parts (especially safety equipment) conform to regulations.

2.6. Requirements for operators of elevating work platforms

2.6.1. Only individuals aged eighteen years or older, who are physically fit, professionally competent, trained, and certified with a safety certificate may operate elevating work platforms.

2.6.2. Operators must be trained on the following topics:

2.6.2.1. Selection of appropriate elevating work platforms.

2.6.2.2. Purpose and usage of operating manuals, warnings, operator instructions, and safety principles.

2.6.2.3. Pre-operation checks.

2.6.2.4. Factors affecting the stability of elevating work platforms.

2.6.2.5. Common hazards and preventive measures.

2.6.2.6. Workplace inspections.

2.6.2.7. General knowledge about the purpose and function of all types of elevating work platforms, including emergency situations.

2.6.2.8. Safe movement.

2.6.2.9. Practical operation of elevating work platforms.

2.6.2.10. Use of personal protective equipment suitable for the job.

2.6.3. Before being permitted to operate specific elevating work platforms, operators must familiarize themselves with:

2.6.3.1. Manufacturer's warnings and instructions.

2.6.3.2. Individual control functions of each type of elevating work platform.

2.6.3.3. Individual safety device functions of each elevating work platform.

2.7. Labeling requirements for elevating work platforms

2.7.1. All elevating work platforms upon leaving the factory, circulating in the market, or during use must be labeled according to regulations.

2.7.2. Labels attached to elevating work platforms must be placed in visible locations and must include the following basic information:

2.7.2.1. Name and address of the manufacturer/supplier or responsible entity.

2.7.2.2. Country of manufacture.

2.7.2.3. Serial number or production number.

2.7.2.4. Year of manufacture.

2.7.2.5. Unloaded weight in kilograms.

2.7.2.6. Rated load capacity in kilograms.

2.7.2.7. Rated load capacity as the number of people allowed and equipment weight in kilograms.

2.7.2.8. Maximum allowable tilt angle.

3. Safety management regulations for the manufacture, import, circulation, installation, and use of elevating work platforms.

3.1. Technical documentation of elevating work platforms includes:

3.1.1. A general description must reflect:

3.1.1.1. Name and address of the manufacturer.

3.1.1.2. Model, code, year of manufacture.

3.1.1.3. Load capacity and number of people allowed.

3.1.1.4. Type of drive and control.

3.1.2. Schematic diagrams of operation, overall drawings of the elevating work platform indicating dimensions and main parameters.

3.1.3. Main dimensions of the equipment and key technical characteristics of the system (control devices, safety devices, overload limiting mechanisms), applicable standards for elevating work platforms.

3.1.4. Inspection and load testing procedures, handling and troubleshooting procedures.

3.1.5. Operation, installation, and disassembly guidelines. The content of the guidelines must include the following information:

3.1.5.1. Detailed operational guidance for safe use of elevating work platforms.

3.1.5.2. Information on transportation and storage.

3.1.5.3. Information on inspection, repair, and regular maintenance.

3.1.5.4. Disassembly and assembly of system components of elevating work platforms.

3.1.6. Certifications regarding the quality and origin of components of elevating work platforms.

3.2. Safety assurance conditions for domestically manufactured elevating work platforms

3.2.1. Complete technical documentation as stipulated in Section 3.1 of this Standard.

3.2.2. Domestically manufactured elevating work platforms must be certified and publicly announced as compliant with the provisions of Section 4.1 of this Standard based on certification by a conformity assessment organization designated by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

3.2.3. The manufacturing unit must publicly announce compliance and register compliance for elevating work platforms after obtaining certification.

3.2.4. Affix the conformity mark before putting them on the market.

3.2.5. Be subject to supervision by product quality inspection agencies under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

3.3. Safety assurance conditions for imported elevating work platforms

3.3.1. Complete technical documentation as stipulated in Section 3.1 of this Standard.

3.3.2. Imported elevating work platforms or their accessories must be certified as compliant according to the provisions of Section 4.1.

3.3.3. In cases of importation where bilateral or multilateral agreements between the competent authorities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and exporting countries stipulate that quality checks are not required at the time of import, these elevating work platforms are exempt from import inspections.

3.3.4. For imported elevating work platforms that do not meet the requirements set out in Section 3.1 above, when imported, they must undergo inspection by a conformity assessment organization designated by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs or recognized under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member or international agreements concluded by the competent authorities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.3.6. Imported elevating work platforms must be inspected for quality according to prescribed procedures and processes and dealt with if there are violations according to the law.

3.3.7. Elevating work platforms must be affixed with conformity marks and labeled before being put on the market.

3.4. Safety assurance conditions for elevating work platforms circulating in the market

Elevating work platforms circulating in the market, sellers must comply with the following requirements:

3.4.1. Ensure that elevating work platforms have been certified as compliant and affixed with conformity marks as prescribed.

3.4.2. Adhere to regulations during the storage and circulation of elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3.4.3. Undergo quality inspections according to prescribed contents, procedures, and processes and be dealt with if there are violations according to the law.

3.5. Requirements for the installation and maintenance of elevating work platforms

3.5.1. Elevating work platforms can only be installed when the following conditions are met:

3.5.1.1. Possess complete technical documentation as specified in Section 3.1 of this standard.

3.5.1.2. Domestic production lift platforms must be certified and announced as compliant according to regulations. Disassembled imported lift platforms must be certified and complete customs procedures after installation.

3.5.1.3. Accompanying machine parts must be compatible or manufactured in modular form by multiple manufacturers from different countries, ensuring technical characteristics as required by the lift platform manufacturer.

3.5.1.4. During lift platform installation, warning signs must be placed to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the installation and maintenance area.

3.5.2. Requirements for installation and maintenance units of lift platforms:

3.5.2.1. Must have business registration to operate in this field according to the law.

3.5.2.2. Must have sufficient technical staff trained in specialized fields. Must have skilled technical workers trained in occupational safety and provided with occupational safety certificates according to regulations.

3.5.2.3. Must have adequate technical equipment to serve installation, maintenance, and repair work on lift platforms.

3.5.2.4. Shall be responsible for installation and maintenance according to contracts signed with using entities.

3.5.2.5. Shall guide operation, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, regular inspection regimes, and emergency measures for using entities.

3.5.2.6. Shall establish safety measures for installation and maintenance processes, while complying fully with national technical standards and guidelines for installation and maintenance provided by the manufacturer.

3.6. Management and safe use of lift platforms

3.6.1. Lift platforms must be used, maintained, and serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3.6.2. Technical management personnel, operational management personnel, and lift platform operators must undergo initial safety training before being assigned tasks, annual safety refresher training, and obtain occupational safety certificates according to regulations.

3.6.3. Safety requirements when using lift platforms:

3.6.3.1. Only use lift platforms in good technical condition that have not exceeded their technical safety inspection period. If during use, it is found that the lift platform does not meet safety requirements, the using entity may request an early inspection.

3.6.3.2. The following documents must be kept by the manager:

3.6.3.2.1. Technical documentation as stipulated in Section 3.1 and the lift platform history record (including the name, address of the buyer, place of use, start-up date) must be retained until the lift platform is no longer in use.

3.6.3.2.2. Inspection and annual testing records for lift platforms must include inspection results, deficiencies identified, proposed repair solutions, and confirmation by the inspector. These records must be retained for at least ten years.

3.6.3.2.3. Records of repairs, inspections, and replacement of components during operation must be kept, including the date and person responsible for the work. These records must be retained until the lift platform is no longer in use.

4. Certification and technical safety inspection for lift platforms

4.1. Certification for compliance with standards for lift platforms

4.1.1. Certification for compliance with standards for domestic-produced lift platforms used to lift people or lift platform accessories is carried out through method 5: typical sample testing and production process evaluation; monitoring through sampling tests conducted at the production site or on the market combined with production process evaluation if they are mass-produced; for single-piece produced lift platforms, certification for compliance is carried out through method 8: full product testing or inspection (Annex II of Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the announcement of conformity and compliance certification and methods for assessing conformity with technical standards and regulations attached).

4.1.2. Certification for compliance with standards for imported lift platforms or lift platform accessories is carried out through method 7: batch testing and evaluation if they are mass-imported; for single-piece imports, certification for compliance is carried out through method 8: full product testing or inspection (Annex II of Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the announcement of conformity and compliance certification and methods for assessing conformity with technical standards and regulations attached).

4.1.3. Certification for compliance must be conducted by organizations designated by the Department of Labor Safety under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

4.2. Technical safety inspection for lift platforms

4.2.1. Fixed lift platforms before being put into use must undergo initial inspection, periodic inspection, or unscheduled inspection during use.

The technical safety inspection of lift platforms must be conducted by organizations designated by the Department of Labor Safety under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

4.2.2. The periodic inspection cycle for lift platforms shall not exceed once every three years.

4.2.3. Lift platforms that pass inspection requirements must be affixed with labels according to regulations of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

5. Supervision, inspection, and handling of violations

5.1. Supervision and handling of violations in implementing this Standard shall be carried out by state labor inspectors.

5.2. Quality control of production, importation, circulation, and use of suspended lift platforms shall be carried out in accordance with the Law on Product and Goods Quality.

6. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals

6.1. Organizations and individuals responsible for manufacturing, importing, circulating, repairing, installing, managing, and using lift platforms shall comply with the provisions of this Standard.

6.2. This Standard serves as a basis for inspection agencies to conduct inspections and also as a basis for conformity assessment organizations to issue compliance certifications.

7. Implementation

7.1. The Department of Labor Safety under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall be responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of the provisions of this Standard.

7.2. The local state administrative bodies for labor shall be responsible for guiding, inspecting, and supervising the implementation of the provisions of this Standard.

7.3. This Standard shall take effect six months from the date of issuance of Circular No. 48/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 8, 2015.

7.4. During the course of implementation, if there are any difficulties, the relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly report to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for consideration and resolution./.