Purpose: The purpose of this Regulation is to make the work environment safe, to protect the country's human resources and material resources, and to prevent occupational accidents in all workplaces in which work-at-height operations and related processes are carried out.
Scope of application: The provisions of this Regulation have been drawn up pursuant to Article 85 of the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran and are mandatory for all workplaces covered by that Code.
Work at height: any work or activity carried out at a position higher than 1.2 metres above the base level.
Base level: the first surface beneath the workstation or work platform at height that has been safely extended (laid out).
Competent training authorities: centres that have obtained the necessary licence from the country's Technical and Vocational Training Organization or from other recognised international centres.
Competent contractor: a natural or legal person possessing the competence, experience and skill to perform the work in a scientific and technical manner, and who, using capable personnel and a competent person, may carry out the erection, modification and dismantling of work-at-height system equipment.
Competent person: a specialist with the technical knowledge and skill required under this Regulation who, having completed training courses provided by competent training authorities, has the ability to supervise and oversee work at height. This person may also act as the representative of the competent contractor or of the employer.
Worker at height: a person who has completed the training appropriate to the type of work at height, as required by the circumstances, has obtained the relevant certificate from a competent training authority, and is capable of performing the work safely.
Fall protection: the set of measures and actions taken to prevent a fall or to reduce the injuries and harm resulting from it.
Safe methods of performing work at height:
(a) Restraint system: a system that prevents a person from reaching a position in which a fall could occur, and is used in two forms: a collective form, such as guardrails, and a personal form, comprising an anchor point, a lanyard and a full body harness.
(b) Fall-arrest system: a system that, through the use of suitable equipment, reduces the severity of injuries to the worker at height in the event of a fall by absorbing the energy generated by the fall. It is used in a personal form, comprising a full body harness, a safety line and similar equipment, and in a collective form, such as a safety net.
(c) Rope access: a method comprising two separate safe systems, one acting as the access (working) line and the other as the backup (safety) line, which includes a full body harness together with other equipment for ascending to and descending from the workstation, or from it, as well as the use of a suitable positioning device.
Safe clearance distance: the minimum distance required to prevent a person from striking the base level while falling.
Lanyard: a rope or strap used to connect the worker at height to an anchor point, anchor line or fixed structure, with the least possible interference.
Safety belt: a device made of natural or synthetic fibre with polymer components that covers the waist area.
Full body harness: a covering made of resistant fibre with polymer components that generally extends from the top of the thigh to over the shoulder area and, by means of attachment rings fitted to it, connects the person to other equipment of the work-at-height systems.
Locking karabiner: a ring-shaped device used to connect the components of work-at-height systems to one another, secured by either a screw-gate or an automatic locking mechanism.
Shock absorber: a device used in the safe methods of performing work at height to reduce the effect of the impact force generated by a fall.
Types of rope: anchor line, working line, safety line, dynamic rope, semi-static rope, backup line.
Anchor line: a flexible rope, one end of which is attached to a safe anchor point, used to protect and restrain a person against a fall.
Working line: a rope of the anchor-line type used for suspension, positioning and restraining a person during ascent and descent operations.
Safety line: a rope of the anchor-line type that, in the event the worker at height slips or loses their initial position, acts to stop the person during a fall.
Dynamic rope: a rope with elastic properties used to absorb the shock generated by a fall and to minimise the impact force.
Types of ladder: single-sided portable, double-sided (step), fixed, rail-mounted, fixed roof-mounted (chicken ladder), extension, rope.
Scaffold: a temporary structure used to create one or more workstations for the purpose of supporting and accommodating workers and materials at height and providing workers with access to a higher level; scaffolds are divided into the following types: fixed, mobile, bracket (wall-mounted), suspended, and ladder (trestle).
Components of a scaffold: standard, sole plate, ledger, tie, couplers or fittings, access way, platform decking, toe board, mid guardrail, top guardrail, sole board, base plate.
Sole board: a board made of wood, metal or concrete used to spread the load transmitted from the standard tube or sole plate to the ground.
Access way: used to provide the worker at height with safe access to the relevant level.
Tie: a member installed diagonally or horizontally at various levels on a scaffold, which acts as a load-bearing element.
Bracing: a member installed along the length, width or height (vertically or diagonally) of a scaffold to prevent lateral movement.
Mobile elevating work platform: a mobile machine used to transport persons for work at height by means of a platform (a safe enclosure), designed so that persons may board or leave the platform at a specific access position; it is divided into the following two main groups:
Group A: a mobile elevating work platform in which the vertical projection of the centre of gravity of the load always remains within the tipping line.
Group B: a mobile elevating work platform in which the vertical projection of the centre of gravity of the load may fall outside the tipping line.
and, based on the type of movement, they are divided into the following three types:
Type 1: a mobile elevating work platform whose movement is permitted only in the travel (stowed) position.
Type 2: a mobile elevating work platform that may move while the platform is elevated, with the platform controlled from a position on the chassis.
Type 3: a mobile elevating work platform that may move while the platform is elevated, with the platform controlled from within the platform itself.
Safety factor: the ratio obtained by dividing the maximum force that a structure can withstand before failure or collapse by the force actually applied to the same member during operation. This factor shall never be less than 2.4 (in accordance with ANSI A92 and BS EN 280).
Working Load Limit (WLL): the maximum load that a piece of equipment, in the condition specified by the manufacturer, is permitted to bear during its use and operation.
Safe Working Load (SWL): the maximum load that may be carried under safe conditions by a piece of equipment, under specified conditions.
Note 1: Illustrations of some of the articles of this Regulation are provided in the annex.
Note 2: All units used in this Regulation are based on the metric system.
General Requirements
The employer shall identify and assess hazards and make the work environment safe.
The employer shall, by using safe systems for performing work at height appropriate to the type of work, ensure the safety of persons working at a height of more than 1.2 metres above the base level.
The employer shall provide standard equipment and tools appropriate to the type of work at height, bearing an identification plate containing technical information and fitted in a suitable, clearly visible location on the equipment, and shall place them at the disposal of the workers.
The employer shall prevent workers engaged in work at height from carrying on their activity in adverse weather conditions, or where the structure and equipment are defective or incomplete, or where the safe methods of working at height are deficient.
Pursuant to Article 88 of the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, all importers, manufacturers, sellers, suppliers and users of tools, machinery and equipment related to work-at-height operations shall comply with the manufacturing standards and the safety and protection requirements referred to above.
Ladders, scaffold components, rope-access equipment and other equipment and devices for work at height shall be inspected by the worker at height before each use, and if found worn or defective, the matter shall be reported to the employer or the employer's representative.
On being informed that any tools or equipment for work at height are worn or defective, the employer shall, by affixing a label reading “Danger – Do Not Use”, remove them from the workers' access, and after repair and confirmation by a competent person, shall return them to the workplace. (Figure 9)
All installation, commissioning, operation, servicing, repair and maintenance of work-at-height equipment, devices and machinery shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
All accessories of scaffolds, ladders, equipment, tools and devices for work at height shall be inspected and checked by the workers before the start and after the completion of work, and at fixed periodic intervals, and a permit to commence work shall be issued.
All tools and equipment for work at height shall be subjected to periodic, thorough inspection by a competent person, and if any defect or wear is found, this shall be reported to the employer for the item to be withdrawn from service.
All competent contractors subject to this Regulation whose executive operations are carried out at height shall, when performing the work, employ only workers holding a skill certificate from the country's Technical and Vocational Training Organization or from other competent authorities.
The worker at height or the competent person shall hold the necessary technical skill certificate from competent centres and shall have the ability to perform the relevant work.
Employers, contractors and other executive parties shall, within the boundaries of their workplace and operations, prevent the entry of unauthorised persons. In addition, the installation of warning signs for workers and unauthorised persons, in accordance with the Regulation on Safety Signs in Workplaces, in a manner that is easily visible and does not obstruct the work, shall be mandatory.
The transport, installation, dismantling, storage and use of devices, machinery and equipment for work at height shall be carried out in such a manner as not to create a hazard for workers or unauthorised persons.
Throwing or dropping any object, tool, item, equipment or material during work is prohibited.
Ropes and cables shall be resistant to abrasion, corrosive substances, heat and direct flame.
Compliance with the regulations relating to live power lines is mandatory in any work-at-height operation in which persons and the related equipment enter the safety zone of live equipment and power lines.
Suitable and adequate equipment shall be provided at the edge of sloped roofs to prevent the worker or the work tools from slipping or falling. (Figure 34)
Workers working on sloped roofs with a slope of more than 20 degrees shall be equipped with a restraint system or a fall-arrest system, and, where practicable, protective (safety) nets shall be installed beneath their place of work. (Figures 3-1, 55)
The presence of a second person at the base level is mandatory when work is performed on suspended platforms, mobile elevating work platforms, or tower scaffolds.
The employer shall provide and make available a suitable means of communication with the second person during work-at-height operations.
The employer shall install a sign indicating “fit for use” or “not fit for use” on systems such as scaffolds, fall-arrest systems, mobile elevating work platforms, suspended platforms and other similar items.
When working at height, the person stationed at the workstation shall, in accordance with the type of work, be equipped with personal protective equipment such as work clothing, a harness, a safety helmet and safety footwear, and other items of personal protective equipment. (Figures 68, 78)
The use of a safety belt for work-at-height operations is prohibited; it is permitted only where it is used as part of a restraint system and the person is not thereby placed in a position where a fall could occur. (Figures 54-1, 54-2 and 55)
Ladders
Safety in Ladders. The type, material, dimensions, load capacity of each rung, and the method of installation and maintenance of the ladder shall be appropriate to the weather and environmental conditions and to the type of operation.
The use of a ladder is prohibited in the following cases: (a) on a scaffold or workstation at height (Figure 28-1); (b) as a plank or footboard to create a workstation (Figure 33); (c) placing the feet of the ladder on an unstable surface such as a drum, bricks, a box, a bag, manhole covers, or similar items (Figure 39); (d) where the various surfaces of the ladder are contaminated with grease, oil or other slippery substances; (e) as a passage or connecting bridge between two workstations at height; (f) using a defective, broken, rotten or unsound ladder; (g) where the upper resting point is unsafe, loose or slippery (Figure 8).
The length of a portable ladder shall not exceed 10 metres. (Figure 1)
The feet of the ladder shall rest on a level, even surface that is stable and non-slip.
When climbing and using a ladder, the worker shall always face the ladder and maintain three points of contact, and the position of the worker's body shall not extend beyond the ladder's axis of symmetry. (Figure 5)
The spacing between the rungs of a ladder shall be equal and shall be between 25 and 35 centimetres.
Two workers climbing or standing on a ladder at the same time is prohibited, except in the case of a fixed ladder. (Figure 12)
Except for a rope ladder, the use of other ladders as a workstation is permitted only where the workstation is not located higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder. (Figures 10 and 13)
A single-sided portable ladder shall be positioned so that the angle formed between the ladder and the base level is approximately 75 degrees, or its slope shall be chosen so that the distance between the foot of the ladder and the base of the structure equals one quarter of the distance from the ladder's upper resting point on the structure to the base level. (Figure 28)
Where it is necessary to position a single-sided portable ladder at an angle between 75 and 90 degrees, formed at its lower support point with the base level, the ladder shall be safely and securely fastened to the structure or wall by means of suitable connections. (Figure 8)
For single-sided ladders used as a means of passage, the top end of the ladder shall extend at least 1 metre above the upper resting point and shall be safely secured. (Figures 6 and 15)
Joining two single-sided ladders together to increase their length is prohibited.
Levelling the feet of a single-sided portable ladder on surfaces with a slope of more than 16 degrees is prohibited; for slopes less than this, a suitable wedge shall be used. (Figure 27)
Positioning a single-sided portable ladder along a sloped surface with a slope exceeding 6 degrees is prohibited. (Figure 27)
A fixed ladder longer than 3 metres shall be equipped with a fall-arrest system, and a landing shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 9 metres; each section of the ladder between two landings shall be installed so that it is not in line with the previous section. (Figures 69 and 71)
For a fixed vertical ladder with a height of more than 2.2 metres, circular or square guard cages shall be installed at intervals not exceeding 0.9 metres, secured along the length of the enclosure by fasteners, so that there is no possibility of the worker falling through the guard cage. (Figures 19 and 20)
On fixed ladders that are equipped with side rails and where it is not possible to install circular or square guard cages, the worker shall be equipped with a full body harness and a safety line with a self-retracting device. (Figure 56)
The length of a rope ladder shall not exceed 30 metres.
The use of a rope ladder is permitted only where the use of other types of ladder is not possible.
The use of a ladder with rope rungs is prohibited.
The rungs of a rope ladder shall be made of resistant material, free of cracking and rot.
The retaining fixtures of a rope ladder shall be firmly and safely fastened above each rung.
When a fixed roof ladder (chicken ladder) is used on sloped roofs, it shall extend from the ridge of the slope to its lower edge and shall be safely secured. (Figure 3-1)
Manhole steps shall have the following specifications: (Figure 22) (a) they shall be completely enclosed by the surrounding walls; (b) the width of each step shall be between 40 and 50 centimetres; (c) the distance of the first step from the floor shall not exceed 20 centimetres; (d) the cross-sectional area of a circular step shall be at least 3.14 square centimetres; (e) at the highest point, after the last upper step, a space shall be provided for the temporary placement of two 1-metre handles to facilitate entry and exit.
Workstations
Making Height Safe. All workstations at height shall have a standing area, a toe board, a protective guardrail and a safe access way, in accordance with recognised standards. (Figure 32)
The perimeter of the workstation shall have safe guarding appropriate to the type of work, and the workstation and the workers concerned shall also be equipped with a fall-arrest system. (Figure 45)
The width of the workstation shall be selected in accordance with the type of work and shall in no case be less than 60 centimetres.
Decking used for a workstation shall be supported on at least three bearers, unless the spacing between bearers is proportioned to the thickness of the boards in such a way that there is no risk of excessive sagging or of the board lifting, and the decking has sufficient strength and rigidity. (Figure 36)
Except for a bracket (wall-mounted) or ladder-type workstation, the gap between a wall and the workstation shall be such that a worker cannot fall from the workstation under any circumstances, and where work on the workstation is performed in a seated position, this gap shall not exceed 45 centimetres.
To prevent possible accidents, the workstation area shall be free of any holes, bumps, projections or other similar hazards.
Note – The point at which persons enter the workstation from the access way shall have a suitable and safe guard or hinged cover.
The installation of a protective cover at the outer edge of the workstation is mandatory.
The outrigger beams of a suspended platform shall have sufficient strength, rigidity and stability and shall be connected and secured, by means of suitable fittings, to a safe anchor point. (Figure 120)
The end of each load-bearing outrigger beam of a suspended platform shall be fitted with a stop device. (Figures 122 and 123)
The rope of a suspended platform shall meet the following conditions: (a) a safety factor of 10 for fibre rope, and a safety factor of 6 for steel wire rope; (b) at least two turns of the rope shall remain on the drum or pulley; (c) the maximum spacing between ropes shall be 3.5 metres.
The distance of the suspended platform from the structure shall be such that there is no possibility whatsoever of the platform contacting or striking the structure.
When a suspended platform is not in use, it shall be taken down or securely tied to the structure.
The power winches or lifting equipment of a suspended platform shall be suitably connected to, and secured on, the support and shall be fit for operation. (Figures 123 and 121)
More than two persons occupying a suspended platform fitted with a manual hoist is prohibited.
The on/off switches of a suspended platform shall be such that, once hand pressure is released, the motor stops immediately and holds the platform safely in place. (Figure 122)
The ropes of a suspended platform shall be attached to the centre of the outrigger beams, and the forces resulting from this attachment shall be transmitted directly to the pulley.
A wall-mounted (bracket) workstation shall be made of resistant metal, with a maximum width of 75 centimetres, and shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 175 kilograms applied to its front edge.
Where a workstation is located above water or in an area presenting a risk of drowning, the employer shall provide a life jacket for the worker at height and shall provide a rescue team equipped with suitable equipment.
The workstation shall be kept completely clean and free of any slippery substances, and shall prevent objects from falling and persons from losing their balance on it.
Scaffolds
Scaffold Safety Instructions. The employer shall ensure the installation, by the competent contractor, of a signboard on the scaffold bearing the following information: (a) the company name; (b) the first and last name of the responsible manager; (c) the first and last name of the technical officer; (d) the company's contact telephone number; (e) the company's address.
The erection, dismantling, maintenance and any modification of the scaffold structure shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person.
The competent person shall verify the adequate strength of the scaffold structure before work begins, when components are replaced, after a prolonged period out of use, or after exposure to adverse weather conditions, and documentation confirming the strength of the structure shall be kept at the workplace and at the contractor company.
A scaffold shall be erected on a suitable, flat, level, non-sloping surface and shall be fitted with a sole plate (base support) to prevent swaying, displacement and slipping; positioning the standards on bricks, drums, boxes, manhole covers or similar items as a support for the scaffold base is prohibited.
Except for ladder (trestle) scaffolds, scaffolds shall be provided with all of the following components: (a) a base plate or sole plate (except for bracket, suspended and hanging scaffolds); (b) standards; (c) load-bearing ledgers; (d) horizontal ledgers; (e) connecting rods; (f) top rail; (g) mid rail; (h) toe boards; (i) suitable guarding between the mid rail and the toe board; (j) a suitable and safe access way; (k) decking for the worker's standing area, and materials of adequate strength, suitable for the type of work and in sufficient quantity; (l) tie tubes; (m) vertical, horizontal, transverse, longitudinal and diagonal bracing; (n) sole boards (except for bracket scaffolds); (o) couplers and fittings. (Figure 45)
The bay of the scaffold, or the distance between two vertical standards, shall not exceed 2.4 metres.
Where any equipment needs to be installed on a scaffold, the competent person shall check and verify the strength, rigidity and securing of its components, and shall issue a permit for the installation to be carried out on the scaffold.
In erecting, using and dismantling a scaffold, compliance with the following is mandatory: (a) removing equipment and materials from the scaffold at the end of each day's work; (b) removing all nails from dismantled timber components; (c) distributing loads evenly on the scaffold; (d) providing a suitable sole board beneath a scaffold cable or rope, owing to the risk of cutting or abrasion; (e) not working on a defective or incomplete scaffold; (f) suspending work on the scaffold in adverse weather conditions; (g) not loading the scaffold beyond the permissible design load.
A scaffold shall be capable of withstanding at least four times the applied load (materials and the weight of the worker).
Scaffolds shall be sound and free of any defect such as cracking, rusting, crushing, rot or other visible defects, and shall be reliably secured and connected together so that there is no possibility of displacement or slipping during work.
Where, during the raising or lowering of a load, there is a possibility of the load striking the scaffold, the entire path shall be enclosed with vertical protective guardrails.
Except for ladder (trestle) scaffolds, scaffolds shall be provided with tie tubes and suitable bracing (diagonal, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal and transverse) to prevent lateral movement. (Figures 45 and 50)
The use of tie tubes and wall ties to connect the scaffold to the structure, for the purpose of achieving its complete stability and firmness, is mandatory.
The length of wall ties embedded in a wall, used to connect the scaffold to the structure as a tie or to bridge the gap between the scaffold and the surface of the structure, shall not exceed 150 centimetres.
The workstation on a scaffold shall be located at least one metre below the top ends of the vertical standards.
Each scaffold standard shall have a sole plate that is either circular, with an area of at least 150 square centimetres, or square, with an area of at least 175 square centimetres, with a minimum thickness of 5 millimetres, and made of resistant material.
In places where persons are working beneath a scaffold, the passageway or access way of the scaffold shall be made safe by the use of suitable guards.
Note – Where metal mesh is used as a guard, the openings (mesh apertures) of that mesh shall not exceed 2 square centimetres.
For access to a higher level, on all scaffolds except ladder (trestle) scaffolds, a fixed ladder with a safe, guarded landing shall be used. (Figure 38)
Where a stairway is used as the access way on a scaffold, that stairway shall meet the following conditions: (a) a step height of 15 centimetres; (b) a tread with a maximum length of 30 centimetres; (c) a stair handrail with a maximum height of 110 centimetres, and, on sloped surfaces, a minimum height of 75 centimetres.
Moving or relocating a wheeled mobile scaffold while a person is standing on it is prohibited.
All scaffolds, except mobile scaffolds, shall be firmly tied to the structure in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
The maximum permissible height for a mobile tower scaffold is 9.6 metres; for a height greater than this, the scaffold shall be tied to the structure. (Figures 47 and 50)
For a mobile tower scaffold, the ratio of height to width shall not exceed 3 to 1. (Figure 50)
All wheels of a mobile scaffold shall be fitted with a suitable lock, and the outer diameter of the wheels shall not be less than 12.5 centimetres. (Figure 48)
For a fixed tower scaffold, the ratio of height to width shall not exceed 4 to 1.
The maximum height of a free-standing fixed tower scaffold shall not exceed 12 metres. (Figure 45)
Rope Access Method
Workstation at Height. The competent person shall establish safe anchor points and shall install and remove the working and backup lines for the worker at height.
Before the start of each work shift, the competent person shall communicate the operational instructions for commencing the work of the worker at height and shall issue that worker's permit to commence work.
The presence of a rescue team or rescuer is mandatory during rope access operations.
The worker at height shall at all times maintain at least two points of support or contact, and each point of support shall be independently connected to a safe anchor point. (Figures 88 and 112)
The simultaneous use of a single rope by more than one person is prohibited.
Fall-Arrest and Fall-Restraint Systems
A fall-arrest system shall have the minimum safe clearance distance and shall consist of the following components: (Figures 65 to 78) (a) a horizontal and vertical safety line; (b) a retaining lanyard; (c) a locking device (connector); (d) a full body harness; (e) a shock absorber.
A fall-arrest system shall be prepared and made ready, and provided to the user, in accordance with the following conditions: (a) it shall be safely connected to the anchor point and shall be capable of withstanding a force of 2000 kilograms; (b) the horizontal safety line shall be securely fastened; (c) the static rope shall be capable of withstanding an applied load of up to 2000 kilograms. (Figure 106)
The competent person shall inspect and check the fall-arrest system before each work shift and shall verify that it is safe.
At a height of more than 1.2 metres, if the fall-arrest system is not fitted with a shock absorber, the system shall reduce the level of shock applied in the event of a fall to less than 400 kilograms.
At a height of more than 1.2 metres, the free-fall distance and the fall distance resulting from the shock absorber shall not exceed the distance between the workstation and the base level.
After a fall has occurred and the shock absorber has been deployed, that device shall be withdrawn from service, and its repair is prohibited.
A fall-arrest system shall meet the following conditions: (a) it shall comply with recognised standards concerning vertical safety lines and rails; (b) the ropes shall not be twisted together at the lower section; (c) it shall be safely connected to the anchor point; (d) it shall be free of knots and shall not be slippery or oily; (e) ropes shall not be knotted together to increase their length; (f) it shall be protected from sharp and cutting edges by means of suitable covers (105); (g) the safety line shall be identified by a colour code; (h) it shall be connected to a safe surface below the worker's work area.
The simultaneous use of a single vertical safety line in a fall-arrest system by more than one person is prohibited.
When installing a safety line, the minimum safe clearance distance to the base level shall be taken into account (1.2 metres + the length of the retaining lanyard + the maximum elongation of the shock absorber + 2.5 metres).
The sag of the horizontal safety line between two anchor points shall not exceed 1.2 metres.
The safety line shall be attached to suitable anchor points on the structure that are capable of withstanding a force of at least 2200 kilograms.
A semi-static rope used in a fall-arrest system shall meet the following conditions: (a) the diameter of the rope shall be at least 13 millimetres; (b) it shall be fitted with a vertical backup line for at least every 9 metres (Figures 89 and 88); (c) the maximum elongation under tension shall not exceed 40 millimetres for every 9 metres of length; (d) it shall be fitted with a suitable protective cover to protect the rope from cutting and abrasion; (e) it shall comply with recognised standards.
The full body harness used in fall-arrest systems shall have a chest attachment ring, and the fall-arrest device shall be connected to this chest or dorsal (back) attachment ring. (Figure 95)
The full body harness used in restraint systems shall have a ventral (waist) attachment ring. (Figures 57 and 58)
Safety Nets
Safety Net. When the employer installs a safety net over the work area, the employer shall ensure that: (Figure 115) (a) the safety net is installed at least 2.4 metres and at most 4.6 metres below the work area or work level; (b) the safety net extends at least 2.4 metres beyond each side of the work area; (c) where a safety net is formed of several nets joined together, they are safely connected to one another so that they are able to absorb a force equal to or greater than that of a single net.
Where persons have access to the level below the work area and there is a risk of materials falling on them, the employer shall install a debris net beneath the work area. (Figure 113)
The safety net shall be installed so that there is no obstruction between the worker and the net. (Figure 115)
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Safety in Elevating Platforms. Mobile elevating work platforms shall have at least four wheels and a levelling mechanism, and shall be equipped with a locking mechanism and a device limiting the radius of movement of the boom. (Figures 116, 117 and 118)
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with active load-weight and moment sensors so that, if the load weight increases and the work platform becomes unbalanced, the sensors prevent the machine from continuing to operate and prevent it from overturning.
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with a safe stairway or step for the person to reach the work platform.
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with height-limiting sensors so that, if the height of the work platform increases beyond the permitted limit, the sensors prevent the machine from continuing to operate.
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with active ground-movement sensors so that, if the machine is positioned on a slope exceeding the permitted limit, the sensors activate and prevent the machine from continuing to operate.
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with emergency stop buttons located at two points: on the work platform and beside the power source.
To prevent mobile elevating work platforms from overturning, all hydraulic cylinders shall be fitted with protective locking valves.
Mobile elevating work platforms shall be equipped with an emergency control system so that, in the event of a power failure, engine failure, or both, the system safely retracts (stows) the machine.
The control system for the outrigger jacks of mobile elevating work platforms shall be fitted with a sensor so that, while the platform is in the raised position, the jacks cannot be retracted.
The employer shall obtain the manufacturer's instructions for implementing the safety requirements during work and shall make them available to the worker at height.
The operator of the mobile elevating work platform shall prevent unauthorised persons from entering the safety zone around the machine.
When working inside the platform of a mobile elevating work platform, the use of any ladder, step, or similar item to increase the height is prohibited.
While a mobile elevating work platform is being relocated, no person shall be stationed on the platform.
For the use of self-propelled mobile elevating work platforms in high-traffic locations, the employer shall deploy three persons as follows: (a) the machine operator; (b) the person stationed at the work platform; (c) a flagger, or a person who shall be positioned 150 metres in front of the vehicle and who shall, by means of suitable signals, warn other persons of the stopped vehicle or the work platform.
An identification plate, safety instructions and warning signs, in accordance with the standard, shall be affixed to the body of mobile elevating work platforms in a manner that is clear and legible.
When setting up a mobile elevating work platform, the worker at height shall use the levelling (stabiliser) jacks, the brake and wheel chocks to balance the machine.
Climbing up or down the ties, columns, booms or joints of the work platform of a mobile elevating work platform is prohibited.
The setting up of a mobile elevating work platform is permitted only where the ground beneath the outrigger jacks has adequate strength and the permitted slope of the base level is observed.
The use of a mobile elevating work platform as a crane is prohibited.
Pursuant to Articles 91 and 95 of the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this Regulation rests with the employer of the workplace, and in the event of any accident occurring due to the employer's failure to observe the legal requirements, the employer shall be obligated to compensate the damages caused.
This Regulation comprises 8 chapters, 135 articles and 3 notes; it was prepared, pursuant to Articles 85 and 91 of the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at the session of the Supreme Council for Technical Protection held on 1389/8/10 (2010), and was approved by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs on 1389/11/17 (2011).