Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Mechanical Energy Policy
Otis Safety Handbook 2012

7.0 MECHANICAL ENERGY
Cardinal Rule:
Always control rotating and adjacent equipment when working within close proximity (5ft) of thehazard.
Always mechanically secure the escalator from movement by two independent means, prior toworking in the truss.
Always be aware of other mechanical energy hazards, such as bi-parting doors, gang box lids, roof
hatches, escalator floor plates, etc.
7.1

Hydraulic Elevators

When working on the hydraulic or suspension system of a hydraulic elevator, roped hydraulic or
dumbwaiter, or while performing any work that could damage the integrity of the piping or hydraulicsystem, in addition to lockout and tag, the elevator must be "landed" on pipe stands or similar supports toprevent incidental motion.
To perform a brief inspection (maximum 15 minutes) mechanical blocking is not required unlessconditions indicate the need. (Refer to Pit Access Procedure)
When working in the pit of a single-bottom cylinder hydraulic elevator pipe stands must be in place at all
times.
When working in pits of 20 in. or less, mechanical blocking is required in addition to a label instructing of
this requirement.
NOTE: Precautions must be taken to lockout/guard mechanical systems to eliminate various forms ofstored energy and/or moving equipment (e.g., working in multiple hoistways within close proximity
20 in. [500 mm] of adjacent moving equipment). If you observe any of these conditions, always
conduct a Job Hazard Analysis with your supervisor.
Hydraulic elevators must be supported/blocked with approved pipe stands under the following
circumstances. The intent is to prevent movement of the car should there be a loss of pressure anywherein the system.
 Prior to working on the hydraulic pressure system If any task exceeds 15 minutes
 If a known or perceived single bottom cylinder If the pit refuge space is 20” or less
 Repair or construction
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
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ALL hydraulic elevators MUST have unit record logs present in the machine room.
The unit record must be completed whenever the machine room is visited by the mechanics. The
log is designed to document oil checks and whether or not oil is added.
ALL hydraulic elevator tanks MUST have a magnet indicating the oil level.
Oil may only be added if the oil loss has been identified in the machine room or pit.
If at any time oil loss is unexplained, the following procedure is to be followed: Under nocircumstances shall oil be added when the cause of oil loss is not identified and observed (e.g.,on the pit floor or in the machine room). Refer to SPG 113 for further information.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety
7.2

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Residential Elevators / Dumbwaiters

Residential Elevators
Residential elevators have similar hazards to dumbwaiters. Field associates may not work on these units
very often and therefore extra caution should be exercised.
Working on the Car Top:
Residential elevators are not normally designed for personnel to work on the top of them. If you ride the
top of a residential elevator, it must be equipped with top of car inspection or you must follow the rules
stated in Section 8.0. At a minimum working on the car top would require the following assessment:
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Does the residence elevator have top of car inspection operation? If not, Lock and Tag Out themain line switch.
Is the car top strong enough to support a person, tools and equipment? If not, take steps toreinforce the car top.
Can you get in and out of the hoistway safely? Use ladders properly and make sure the hoistway
is large enough for you to enter, exit, and work safely.
Be aware that overhead space is usually very small. Do not take chances by having an operator
run the car unless you have taken steps to ensure that a safe refuge space is available.
Always wear fall protection and tie off if a fall hazard exists.

Working in the Pit:
1. Lock and tag out the mainline switch before entering the pit.
2. Mechanically block the residence elevator to prevent incidental motion.
3. For pit depth of 20 in. or less, mechanical blocking is required at all times during any pit activity.
General Safety Rules:Some residence elevators have drum machines. Always be aware that slack cable can cause theelevator to fall. Even a few inches of slack can cause serious injury and illness when reachinginside or underneath the car.
Controllers are often in remote locations. Do not take chances in moving the car without proper
communication. Be careful, drum machines can create slack cable.
If more than one elevator shares a common hoistway, always shut down the adjacent car(s) andlock it out when you need to work inside the hoistway. If you are working within 20 in. (500 mm) of
adjacent car, a barrier between hoistways could also afford proper protection.

Dumbwaiters
Because dumbwaiters are small, many field associates have been injured because they did not take them
seriously. Often, dumbwaiters can be more hazardous than most elevators.
Working on the Car Top:
Dumbwaiters are not normally designed for personnel to work on the top of them. Never ride the top of adumbwaiter unless it is designed for top of car operation. If working off the top of the car is required,assess the situation and carefully plan your work as follows:Does the dumbwaiter have top of car inspection operation? If not, lock and tag out the main line
switch.
Does the dumbwaiter have safety devices? If not mechanically block the car and wear fall
protection and tie off to a solid structure or lifeline.
Is the car top strong enough to support a person, tools and equipment? If not take steps toreinforce the car top. What is the rated capacity of the car?
Can you get in and out of the hoistway safely? Use ladders properly and make sure the hoistway
is large enough for you to enter, exit, and work safely.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Working in the Pit:
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Lock and tag out the main line switch before entering the pit.
Mechanically block the dumbwaiter to prevent incidental motion.
For pit depth of 20 in. or less, mechanical blocking is required at all times during any pit activity.

General Safety Rules:
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7.3

Most dumbwaiters have drum machines. Always be aware that slack cable can cause thedumbwaiter to fall. Even a few inches of slack can cause serious injury and illness when reachinginside or underneath the car. Use a mechanical blocking device (e.g., brackets, beams, pipes,
slings) to safeguard against incidental downward motion of the dumbwaiter.
If more than one dumbwaiter shares a common hoistway, always shut down the adjacent car(s)and lock it out when you need to work inside the hoistway. If you are within 20 in. (500 mm) of
adjacent car, a barrier between hoistways must be installed for protection.
Many dumbwaiters have locks and contacts instead of interlocks. Ensure that the dumbwaiter
cannot run with the doors open.
Material Storage

Materials on all jobsites and warehouses must be secured from inadvertent or unexpected movement bytying material back or laying material flat.
While loading or unloading vehicles at a dock wheels must be chalked to prevent movement of thevehicle.
Always use proper lifting techniques while lifting and moving objects. Never lift with your back and nevertwist while lifting to prevent back strains.
7.4

Hanging Elevators & Counterweights

Elevators must be supported by a minimum of 2 means (hoists) each with the capacity to support theelevator on their own (see ORM 11.1-A). CWTs must be landed on approved steel pipe stands.
7.5

Escalator Truss

When work is being performed in the truss of the escalator, movement of the steps/axle must be
controlled by 2 independent means in both directions using a combination of the following:

Lockout/Tagout (with machine brake set)
Lock bar around machine/drive
Ratchet straps or synthetic slings (padding) around step axle and truss securing movement inboth directions
Procedures requiring access to the truss must utilize escalator walking or step boards.
Barricades must be positively secured to the escalator to prevent public from accessing the area.
7.6

Bi-Parting Doors

For major repairs where chains must be changed or repaired, Bi-Parting doors must be secured by 2
independent means (see OSC approved tools).
7.7

Use of Chemicals

Only use approved chemicals. Highly flammable propellant products are prohibited (i.e., WD40).
Chemicals must be properly labeled and stored. MSDS chemical information can be found by calling 3E
MSDS solutions 1 (800) 451-8346.
7.8

Pipe Stands

Pipe stands must be readily available for all hydraulic elevators pits, and on site for all single bottom
cylinders and pits with 20” or less of refuge space.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety
7.9

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Two-Person Pit Procedures

During 2 person pit and car top procedures, the unit cannot be returned to normal operation unless the
person in the pit has egressed and made visual contact with the person on the car top.
7.10

Overhead Protection

Overhead Protection
Never work at staggered elevations in the same hoistway or common hoistways without
overhead protection and / or hoistway screening as described in this section.
Overhead protection must be provided in the hoistway and in any other work area where there is
exposure to falling objects. This protection must prevent all parts of the body from being struck by falling
tools, debris, small parts, etc.
NOTE: A job hazard analysis must be written, SWPs referenced, and a site plan developed to establish
overhead protection requirements.
Effective overhead protection in most hoistways shall consist of two-inch planking with 3/4 in. plywood
decking. The NAA Tool Facility will design and supply overhead protection for false cars.
On sites where elevators are running on either side, adequate protection (partitions) must be used
between hoistways. This may involve the installation of barricades and screening on top of the car on
which the work is being performed or the installation of hoistway screening.
Service
Overhead protection can be achieved by one or a combination of the following examples:

Keeping all hoistway doors closed
Guarding all holes in the machine room and secondary levels
Prohibiting simultaneous work in hoistway and machine room with unguarded holes
Prohibiting simultaneous work in common hoistways where no hoistway screening exists between
hoistways

Modernization and Repair
Always follow Standard Work Processes supplied by Field Support. In general, overhead protection canbe achieved in addition to the above examples by one or a combination of the following examples:Installation of an overhead barrier which covers all areas where employees may have to stand orreach to install hoistway components.
Installation of a false floor, extending from wall to wall, directly above the work area.
Protection of all hoistway openings above the work area (e.g., installation of hoistway doors or
entrance screening/barricades that cover the full length and width of all hoistway openings,
guarding all openings in the machine room floor and hoistway wall through which material could
enter the hoistway).

Construction
Always follow Standard Work Procedures. Overhead Protection must meet the following requirements:
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Installation of an approved canopy system for all false cars and running platforms of installationsof 60’ or greater vertical rise.
Protection of all hoistway openings above the work area (e.g., installation of hoistway doors or
entrance screening/barricades that cover the full length and width of all hoistway openings and if
available secure the lobby areas to prevent other trades from working, accessing hoistway areas,or storing materials.
Guarding all openings in the machine room floor and hoistway wall through which material could
enter the hoistway.
All work on false cars and running platforms must remain at same level unless the following
conditions are met:

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & SafetyooPolicy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Full front to back hoistway screening or
Full enclosure of the platform using screening only if work activity does not require extension
outside the platform.

Secured Lobby Areas must follow the specific requirements such as signage, barricades andscreening. See SWP N-0.1.5-9 for details

Barricades
Wooden barricades meeting regulatory requirements and Otis job site standards should be installed atelevator hoistway openings by the general contractor after either rough or finished floors are in place oron modernization jobs where entrances have been removed.
NOTE: Wire rope barricades are not recommended for the following reasons:Wire rope usually cannot be maintained to Otis/OSHA standards.
Wire rope has been found to require extensive maintenance to eliminate snag hazards.
Toe boards are typically omitted with wire rope barricade systems.
Top rails and mid rails typically sag more than 2 in., allowing for inadequate protection.
Exception: Given no choice regarding the use of wire rope barricades, a written JHA must be
conducted and a process (which includes daily inspections) must be implemented.

Barricades for open hoistways must consist of a top rail at 42 in., mid rail at 21 in., toe board at 4 in., andbe capable of withstanding a 200 lb. (90 kg) of lateral force or be comprised of a solid enclosure (e.g.,
plywood). Horizontal spans must not exceed 8 feet without additional vertical support.
In occupied buildings where the removal of hoistway doors is necessary, a barricade covering the fullheight and width of the opening is required.
If it is necessary to remove hoistway barricades, be sure to replace them before leaving the area.
Remember if you remove a barricade you may be exposed to a fall if the elevator is not at that floor.
Other fall protection must be used in these circumstances.
The methods included in this text are recommended to offer maximum protection and flexibility during
construction. Other methods of equal strength may be acceptable. Contact your supervisor if you haveany questions.
NOTE: Refer to Section 5.4 Barricades for additional information.

7.11

Entrance and Hoistway Screening

Screening is required when working in new construction on each landing and including the first floor withpits 6 feet or greater. Open holes in machine room must be covered.
Screening must cover the full height and width of the entrance (opening) and must not be removed until
the hoistway is enclosed.
Mod: Adjacent equipment must be locked out or full hoistway screening installed (back to front) or
screening of the exposed side and car top being worked on, as long as work does not extend beyond thescreening.
7.12

Compressed Gasses

Propane Cylinder Storage Location
Cylinders awaiting use should be stored in a well ventilated area away from heavy traffic. Propane
cylinders stored upright should be placed on a flat surface such as concrete or other non-flammablematerial that will not collect water. Cylinders stored in places such as damp grass or mud subject thecylinder to rust and/or pitting that may render the cylinder useless. Storing propane containers insidebuildings is not advisable. It is recommended that propane be stored outside on a firm surface and awayfrom any source of ignition.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Position of LP Gas Cylinders In Storage
Propane cylinders should always be positioned so that their relief valve is in direct communication withthe vapor space of the container. Cylinders that are stored vertically upright will have the relief valve
communicating with vapor space. Regarding the cylinder relief valve, it is important to keep the safety
relief valve pointed away from anything that escaping propane could come in contact with possibly
causing a fire or incident. If cylinders are stored improperly, such as on their side with the relief valve incontact with propane liquid and the safety relief valve opens for any reason, liquid will escape instead ofvapor posing a much greater danger. All consumer propane cylinders should be stored vertically uprightin all circumstances.
7.13

Oxygen and Acetylene Use

All employees shall:
1. Maintain and operate oxygen-acetylene equipment in a safe manner as directed by supervisionand in compliance with this procedure.
2. Utilize all required personal protective equipment.
3. Report all defective equipment and hazardous conditions to supervision.
4. Comply with instruction given by supervision.
5. Welders including 220VAC are required to have a GFCI which can be obtained from the tool
facility.
Marking the CylindersOxygen and acetylene cylinders are to be legibly marked as to the contents. Color coding is nota positive means of identifying the contents of a cylinder.
Cylinders, where the contents are not positively identified, are not to be used.
Empty cylinders are identified as such by the words “Empty” or “MT”.

Handling of CylindersAll oxygen and acetylene cylinders are to be handled carefully.
Cylinders are not to be dropped, struck or allowed to strike other objects.
Cylinders are not to be rolled or used as a support to roll other cylinders or equipment.
Cylinders are to be transported, stored, and used only when secured in an upright position.
Racks, chains or straps must be used to secure cylinders in the upright position.

Storage and Use of Cylinders
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Cylinders are to be stored and used in locations that are:o Well ventilated and away from corrosive chemicals and fumes.
o Materials (including cylinders) are not to be stored within 6 ft. of any elevator shaft or stairs.
o Away from sources of heat.
o Where they cannot form part of an electric circuit.
o Far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operations so that sparks, hot slag or
flame will not reach them.
Cylinders are to be stored at least twenty feet (6 meters) from highly combustible materials suchas oil.
Oxygen and acetylene cylinders must be stored at least twenty feet (6 meters) apart or separated
by a noncombustible barrier not less than 5 ft. (1.5 meters) high having a fire resistance rating ofat least thirty (30) minutes.
When cylinders are stored outside, they are to be protected against accumulations of ice andsnow during winter months, and away from the direct sunlight during summer months.
Cylinder valves are to be closed whenever the cylinder is not being used. Empty cylinders are to
be stored with cylinder valves closed and valve protection caps in place.
Valve protection caps are to be kept in place whenever cylinders are being stored and handled.
When storing cylinders, the hose and regulator assembly must be disconnected.
If a leak is found in a cylinder, move the cylinder outdoors, away from any source of ignition, andnotify the supplier.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Acetylene Cylinders
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Acetylene cylinders are placed with the valve end up whenever they are stored, transported or
used.
When acetylene cylinders are in use, nothing is to be placed on top of the cylinder which may
damage the safety plug or interfere with the quick closing of the valve.
Valves on acetylene cylinders are not to be opened greater than three quarters of a turn.
If the acetylene cylinder is fitted with a valve operated by a wrench, the wrench is to be left on thecylinder while the cylinder is in use.
Acetylene is never to be used at pressures above fifteen pounds per square inch (103 kpa)
gauge.

Oxygen CylindersOxygen cylinders are to be kept free from oily or greasy substances. A jet of oxygen is never tobe permitted to strike an oily surface, greasy clothes or gloves, or to enter a fuel oil tank or othercompartment that has contained a flammable or combustible substance.
Oxygen cylinders are never to be stored near any flammable or combustible materials. Stored
oxygen cylinders are to be separated from acetylene cylinders by a noncombustible barrier or a
distance of 20 ft. (6 m).
Oxygen is never to be used in place of compressed air. A serious incident may result if oxygen isused in place of compressed air.
Never use standard pipe fitting compounds or thread lubricants with oxygen cylinders, valves, orconnections. Use only materials approved for use on oxygen systems.

Valves and Regulators
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Cylinders (oxygen and acetylene) are only to be used with pressure reducing regulators.
Before connecting the regulator to the cylinder valve, the valve is to be quickly opened andclosed. This action is called “cracking” and is used to clear the valves of dust and dirt. Whenopening the valve, stand to one side of the outlet, never in front of it. Acetylene cylinders arenever to be opened near other welding work or sparks, flames, or sources of ignition.
After the regulator has been attached to the valve, the cylinder valves are to be opened slowly.
On oxygen cylinders, the valve can be opened to its full limit. Valves on acetylene cylinders are
not to be opened any more than three quarters of a turn.
The threads on oxygen connections are different than those on an acetylene connection(regulator outlets, hose couplings and torch valve inlets). If threads do not fit easily, theconnections are mixed. Never force a connection.
Regulators that are not operating properly should be replaced.
Oxygen equipment including valves, regulators, and hoses are not to be used with other gases.
Equipment used for other compressed gases cannot be used with oxygen.

Hoses
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Only approved type hoses are to be used for oxygen and acetylene operations. The hose is of arubber reinforced fabric construction. Copper or plastic tubing is not approved for acetylene use.
Care should be taken to protect the hose against damage such as flying sparks, hot slag, or hot
objects. The hose should not be dragged across the floor.
Red colored hose is used for acetylene; green colored hose is used for oxygen. NOTE: Acetylene
has left-hand thread connections at hookup.
Hoses may be taped together, however no more than 4 in. (100 mm) of tape for each 12 in. (300mm) of hose is permitted.
Hoses are to be frequently inspected for leaks, burns, worn places, loose connections, or otherdefects which may render the hose unsafe for service.
Hoses that have been damaged or are worn out should be replaced. Tape is never to be used to
repair damaged welding hose.
New hose and hose suspected of leaking should be leak tested.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Install flash arrestors on both ends of the hoses. One before connecting to the torch and one
before connecting to the regulator.

The TorchTorches are to be lit using friction lighters, stationary pilot flames, or other suitable sources ofignition.
When extinguishing the torch, close the acetylene valve first, then close the oxygen valve.
When welding or cutting is to be stopped for extended periods of time, or when the operator
leaves the scene for any period of time, the equipment is to be secured as follows:
1. Extinguish the torch.
2. Close both acetylene and oxygen cylinder valves.
3. Torch valves should then be opened to vent pressure from the line and shut again.
4. Close both regulators. The regulator pressure adjusting screws should then be released.
Torches that are damaged or are not functioning properly should be repaired or replaced.

Ventilation
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Oxyacetylene operations are to be done in well ventilated areas. If there is any question
concerning the adequacy of ventilation in a particular area, the supervisor or Safety Manager
should be notified.
Approved mechanical ventilation is required when welding or cutting is done in a confined area
(e.g., exhaust fans).
Special ventilation and respirators may be required when the welding or cutting involves:o Fluorine (flux)
o Zinc (base metal or filler)o Lead (base metal and metals painted with a lead based paint)o Beryllium (base or filler metal)o Cadmium (coated or cadmium bearing)o Mercury (metals coated with mercury bearing materials)
o Galvanized Metal

Hot Work Permit
Prior to performing any hot work that involves the use of equipment such as torches or welding
equipment, a hot work permit must be completed. A hot work permit must be used to ensure thatappropriate precautions have been taken to prevent and address fire. The Hot Work Permit can be foundin the Partnering Handbook and can be order from the Technical Publications Group - form number 4368.
Precautions Against Fire (see Precautions Against Fire, Section 2.21 for additional information)
Protective clothing must be worn (e.g., leather gloves, aprons, leggings, vests, etc.) during any burning or
welding operations. All clothing should be clean and free from flammable contaminants.
Before starting to burn or weld, floors must be swept clean. Wooden floors must be wet down, or covered
with sheet metal or fire retardant material. Avoid letting sparks fall where they may start a fire or burnother workers.
Move combustible material to a safe distance away from the work (e.g., 35 ft.) if possible. If combustible
material cannot be moved, cover it carefully and completely with a fire retarding blanket or sheet metal.
Do not burn or weld in old hoistways where rails may be constructed of wood or in circumstances where
equipment is covered with oil or lint.
Where sparks cannot be controlled, make sure fires do not start; provide a fire watch (a person assigned
to monitor the activity). At the same time, have fire extinguishers at the location where the work is being
performed.
Fire extinguishers should be of the dry chemical (ABC) or CO2 type and must be readily available whereburning or welding work is being performed. These must have been inspected and tagged before use.
Never burn or weld over other workers without providing protection to prevent injury.

Otis Elevator Company
NSAA Environmental Health & Safety

Policy: MS – Rules & Procedures
Revision Date: 01/25/12

Always hold onto lighted torches and extinguish them before laying them down.
Before starting any electric welding operation, always ensure that you have a prepared non-flammable,
non-conducting, and clear area for resting the live electrode holder.
After completing a burning or welding operation, frequently (half-hour intervals) check the scene of work
area for smoldering fires. Also inspect adjoining rooms and floors above and below.
Do not use flame cutting or welding equipment near flammable liquids or on closed tanks that have held
flammable liquids or other combustibles.
Keep cutting and welding equipment in good operating condition at all times. Equipment found to be
defective must be tagged immediately and returned to the shop for repair.