SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Tallescope
(Giraffe Ladder)
Page 1 of 5
Location of Equipment
Written By:
Approved By:
Date Created
School: Facilities & Operations
Room: n/a
Brent Vandenbosch
Barry Hamilton
Gordon Howe
October 14, 2009
HAZARDS PRESENT
 Overhead hazards eg. basket
ball nets, climbing ropes, etc.
 Electrical connections
 Tipping / overbalancing
 Structural failure
 Falls from basket / ladder
 Falling objects
 Unexpected movement of unit
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
 Hard hat
 Safety glasses
 Pylons
 2-way radio
 Fire extinguisher
 Fall protection
(harness, shock absorbing
lanyard, anchor sling)
Last Revision
new
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
 Tallescope training
 Fall protection training
Safe Work Procedure
Working Practices
1. Under no circumstance must the Tallescope be moved while in the elevated position
if a worker is in the basket.
2. All tools or equipment must be raised or lowered using the rope provided and suitable
containers.
3. Always a wear hard hat and Personal Protective Equipment suitable for the work being
done (safety glasses, gloves, dust mask/ventilator, ext.)
4. Never exceed the unit’s 250 lb weight limitations (combined weight of operator, tools, parts,
and other items)
5. Ensure fire extinguisher is charged and in place on work platform.
6. If working outdoors, do not use when winds exceed 50 km/h or 28.95 mph.
7. Never lend lift to other persons, especially non-divisional parties, even if certified/trained.
8. At no time must the safety rails be used to gain extra height.
9. Do not lean over the platform safety rail or attempt to reach beyond your arms length.
10. Keep both feet on the platform base at all times.
11. Do not attempt under any circumstance to move the Tallescope while someone is in the
platform. The unit must be taken down, relocated, and set-up for each work location on site.
12. Heavy items must be secured to the platform to prevent them falling on those below.
13. There shall be a second person assisting at ground level when using the equipment.
14. The platform must not be used within 2 metres of any un-insulated electrical services
15. Where access cannot be controlled, a suitable barrier and warning signs shall be
maintained.
16. Proof of training certificate must be available in the caretaker’s office.
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Tallescope
(Giraffe Ladder)
Page 2 of 5
Before Raising Platform
1. Move access equipment to required location ready for use.
2. Check there is adequate clearance both around and above the platform.
3. Establish a 10 foot safety zone around the platform base and exclude others with
appropriate barriers and warning signs.
4. Visually inspect the unit, checking off all items on the attached list. The unit must be in
good repair with all parts in place.
5. Lock all wheels by setting the brakes on all four wheels. Adjust as necessary to the level
base.
6. Adjust and secure outriggers by swinging out the outriggers to the side. Adjust the outrigger
feet to maximum reach and secure in place with the locking pin. Adjust the outriggers to
floor level and lock into place.
Note: in order to ensure stability of the unit the outrigger feet must be deployed to maximum
reach.
7. If the work platform is in the collapsed position, lift the platform into position against the top
of the ladder. Secure the platform into place with the locking pins.
8. Attach a lifting rope to the platform upper rail and secure. Ensure the rope is long enough to
reach from the top of the platform to the ground once the tallescope has been fully
extended.
9. Ensure all those within the safety zone are wearing head protection.
Raising the working platform
1. Stand facing the ladder base rail.
2. With both hands on the ladder base rail and with a continuous and smooth movement move
the ladder section to the upright position ensuring that the base locking devices fully latch
before removing your grip. (you may need to push the latches down to confirm they have
locked fully)
Note: (While raising the ladder section or elevating the platform, keep an eye on the
platform end to ensure free movement)
Before Climbing
1.
2.
3.
4.
Ensure all the wheels are locked.
Check and if necessary re-adjust the wheel levelling devices to obtain a level base.
Check and if necessary re-adjust the outriggers.
Ensure ladder is locked in the raised position and elevate to the required height by pulling
on the elevation rope while watching the platform.
5. Before letting go of the elevating rope ensure the locking devices are fully engaged on the
rung.
6. Check lifting rope is free and still attached the elevated platform.
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Tallescope
(Giraffe Ladder)
Page 3 of 5
Climbing the ladder
1. Don fall protection equipment (harness and 6 ft. Shock-absorbing lanyard).
2. Ensure you have a communication device such as a cell phone or radio. Place the
communication device in an area (chest pocket) that can be accessible while wearing a
harness. DO NOT place your phone or radio into a front or back pants pocket.
3. Notify the secretary that you will be using the lift and the location you will be working in.
4. Check condition of shoes which should be secure, sound and free of contamination.
5. Stand on the base platform and using both hands move slowly up the ladder until the upper
raised platform is reached. Climb the ladder, maintaining 3 points of contact at all times.
6. Lift the safety bar and carefully enter the platform using the side and front safety bars as
hand holds .
7. Return safety bar to the locked position and stand up using the safety rail as support.
Note: platform capacity is only 250lbs. Do not overload the platform.
8. Pull up rope connected to the container holding your tools and anchor sling.
9. Connect the anchor sling to an overhead 5000lb anchor point. When used in a gym, the
anchor sling can be connected to one of the steel trusses in the ceiling. Loop the sling
around the truss and pass the small end through the nose of the larger end. Pull the sling
so until it rests snuggly against the truss. Connect the double locking snap hook on the
lanyard to the large end of the sling anchor.
10. Conduct all work from the basket. DO NOT stand on the guardrails of the basket.
11. Disconnect your lanyard from the anchor when work has been completed. Remove the
anchor from the truss and place in the tool pail.
Note: (Only one person should be either in the platform or on the ladder section at
any one time)
Descending the Ladder
1. Remove all tools and materials to ground level and clear the platform. Lower tools and
materials to ground level using the tool pail.
2. Lift safety rail and move backwards onto the ladder while using both hands as support.
Carefully climb down the ladder using 3 points of contact at all times.
3. Close safety rail and descend the ladder section slowly and carefully.
4. Step-off the base platform at ground level.
Lowering the Elevated Ladder
1. Ensure all tools and materials have been removed from the platform.
2. Lower upper section of ladder by pulling the elevating rope to release locking devices and
then slowly lowering the upper section. Ensure ladder is locked in the lowered position.
3. Before tilting ladder, clear area behind ladder base and ensure adequate clearance above
and in front of ladder base.
4. With one hand on the ladder base rail, carefully release both sets of locking devices,
transfer both hands to the ladder base rail and slowly with a continuous movement raise the
rear ladder section until level. Keep an eye on the platform end to ensure free movement.
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Tallescope
(Giraffe Ladder)
Page 4 of 5
Preparing for Storage/Movement
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Follow the instructions above for lowering the ladder.
Remove lowering rope from platform and store securely.
Release outriggers and stow against frame.
Release wheel locks and move to required new position.
If storing: weave the safety chain through the unit to prevent elevation of the ladder. Lock
both ends together with a key lock.
Emergency Rescue Plans:
1. Call for help. Call out to the worker assisting you and tell them you have fallen.
2. The assistant shall, using their radio, call for help.
3. State your name, which school you are in and your location within or outside the school.
Tell them a worker has fallen and to call 911. This may be your direct custodial supervisor
or it may be the secretarial staff of the school. If in-school two way radios have been used
the secretarial staff must call the custodial supervisor.
4. The custodial supervisor must respond to the call for help and verify who has called 911.
5. Notify the divisional safety and health officer of the fall.
Note: The custodial supervisor and any neighboring custodians should drive to the school
and offer help.
6. If the worker has fallen and is hanging from a fall protection system, but has not suffered an
injury, use an extension ladder and get them down quickly.
 Erect the ladder beneath the worker and have them step onto the ladder.
 Hold the ladder while the fallen worker accesses the ladder.
 Remind the worker to disconnect the lanyard from the back of their harness
 Have the worker rest on the floor until fire / paramedic services arrive.
 All workers involved in a fall MUST go to the hospital for treatment.
7. If the worker has fallen; is hanging from a fall protection system, and has suffered an injury
that makes a self-rescue impossible. Fire / paramedic services will be required to rescue
the worker.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS



Mb. Regulations 217/2006, Part 16, Sections 16.1 – 16.18
WS&H Act W210, Section 4, 5, 7, 7.1
Tallescope Operators Manual
SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Tallescope
(Giraffe Ladder)
Page 5 of 5
TALLESCOPE PRE-SHIFT INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Operator: ___________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________
Before the Tallescope is used and during use, the operator shall check the area in which the Tallescope is to be used for
possible hazards such as, but not limited to:
Hazard
Absent
Present
Location & Correction
Drop-offs or Holes
Slope(s)
Bumps and Floor Obstructions
Debris
Overhead Obstructions and Electrical Conductors
Hazardous Locations
Inadequate Surface & Support to Withstand all
Load Forces Imposed by the Aerial Platform in all
Operational Configurations
Wind and Weather Conditions
Other Possible Unsafe Conditions
Visual / Operational Checks
SATISFACTORY
UN-SATISFACTORY
Check all parts for damage, missing parts, loose bolts or
fixings
All four wheels turn freely and castors are not deformed
All four brakes work
Base platform is fitted on ladder side of the base
Work platform pins are in place and secure
One outrigger is secure and in good condition
Check outriggers for damage and adjustment and ensure
locking pins are in good condition
Both outriggers are complete with extensions and feet
Both outrigger telescopes have locking clips fitted and are
properly locked
Both pairs of mast upright hooks locate and lock (latches
and snap-hooks on the base of the ladder)
Both ladder extension latches locate on rungs and lock
Ladder extension hauling rope is in good order (in
particular checking for fraying) and runs smoothly through
correct pulleys
Tool pail is secure and undamaged. Rope for tool pail is in
good condition
Ladder extension moves up and down smoothly and locks
securely into position
Bubble level gauge is undamaged
Remarks (Explain all items needing attention or repair): ________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________