CAN/CSA-Z271-10 (R2015)

Preface

This is the fourth edition of CSA Z271, Safety code for suspended platforms. It supersedes the previous editions published in 1998, 1984, and 1974.

The purpose of this Standard is to provide criteria for suspended platforms with regard to

• benefiting the health, safety, and welfare of workers and the public;

• supporting sustainable development;

• assisting and protecting consumers;

• advancing the national economy; and

• facilitating trade.

The major differences from the previous edition involve additional requirements for

• operation of platforms (by reference to CAN/CSA-Z91);

• multi-point suspended platforms (MPSP);

• determination of capacity and allowable loads;

• design considerations to avoid fatigue failures;

• design of anchors including the use of post-installed bolting;

• buildings including considerations for parapet walls; and

• inspection and testing.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Suspended Powered Platforms, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope

1.1

This Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of suspended platforms.

1.2

This Standard applies to suspended platforms that are

(a) designed for the purpose of gaining access to exterior and interior surfaces of buildings and other structures;

(b) hoisted by mechanical, electrical, or manual power; and

(c) suspended from one, two, or multiple points.

1.3

This Standard does not address the requirements for the safe operation of suspended platforms, which is covered in CAN/CSA-Z91.

1.4

This Standard does not apply to the following equipment:

(a) portable and self-propelled elevating work platforms, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B354.1, CAN/CSA-B354.2, and CAN/CSA-B354.4;

(b) mast climbing work platforms, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B354.5;

(c) vehicle-mounted aerial devices, which are covered in CSA C225, ANSI/SIA A92.7, and ANSI/SIA A92.8;

(d) personnel platforms that are pinned or suspended from a crane boom, which are covered in CAN/CSA-Z150;

(e) access scaffold, which are covered in CAN/CSA-S269.2 and CSA Z797;

(f) construction hoists, which are covered in CAN/CSA-Z185 and CAN/CSA-Z256;

(g) elevators, which are covered in ASME 17.1/CSA B44;

(h) manlifts, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B311; and

(i) passenger ropeways, which are covered in CSA Z98.

1.5

In CSA standards, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.

1.6

The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. Annex A provides approximate imperial equivalents to these values, which are given for information only.

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