August 6, 2007 — To prevent injury and fatalities in construction and demolition sites, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently released a historical construction and demolition standards package that includes the newly revised American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) A10.4-2007 Standard and all previous ANSI A10.4 standards available for the past 40 plus years.
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. Safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals have used the A10.4 Standard since the early 1960s. It is widely used and recognized in both the private and public sectors.
“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. It is difficult to create a standard that addresses all safety hazards, but by reviewing accidents on an ongoing basis and staying abreast of new technology, we will continue to improve the A10.4 standard, which makes the construction and demolition industry safer.”
Approved by ANSI in early May, ANSI/ASSE A10.7-2007 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; are installed inside or outside buildings or structures during construction, alteration, demolition or operations; and are used to raise and lower workers and other personnel connected with or related to the structure. These personnel hoists and employee elevators may also 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.
Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. For more information, see the Web site.
