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UP RIGHT! is a web-based resource, which addresses the safety issues connected with aerial, boom, and scissor lifts. It is a website targeted towards high schools, colleges, and universities, especially those filming football or band practices or games.

Concept

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UP RIGHT! was founded after the death of Notre Dame student, Declan Sullivan on October 27, 2010. The program addresses the fact that nearly 30 people die each year from aerial lift accidents and hopes to minimize these deaths. The web page offers information and guidleines to assist universities and programs that may be putting themselves at risk by using aerial lifts.

Available Resources

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The website offers many other resources and avenues to complement the guidelines set out by the UP RIGHT! organization such as:

  • Links and resources
  • Anemometers (Wind Gauges)
  • Downloadable signage

Creating a Safe Environment

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Guidelines set out by the UP RIGHT! organization outline four easy steps to creating a safe environment.


Right Setup

There are three components to setting up an aerial lift correctly, which each contain their own steps:

  • Thoroughly inspect the lift prior to every use
  • Set the lift in the correct location
  • Operate the lift sensibly


Right Training


This involves annual retraining, as well as, group and individual, machine, specific training.

Training must be done by a qualified trainer. Either written exams or proficiency tests may be used to determine a user’s capability to operate a lift. It is recommended that certification identification being distributed to those allowed to operate the lifts and only those will proper identification be allowed to operate them.

All training must meet ANSI standards, as well as ISO wind speed limits. Safety manuals should always be consulted and readily available on the equipment.

Training should teach the operator procedures on electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards, as well as instructions on how to operate wind monitoring equipment.


Right Weather Information


The ISO has determined 28 mph to be the limit to using any sort of aerial lift. The limits should be set for each individual institution.

Access to up to date weather information is crucial to creating a safe environment. It is recommended that several sources, as well as, locations be used to determine weather conditions. Recommended sources include handheld anemometers, local radio/televisions, mobile apps, as well as any number of websites.


Right Safety Contact

Each group that uses an aerial lift should designate a single point of contact. This person will be in charge of determining when it is safe to operate any of the lifts, and will have complete authority over enforcement of policies. This person will also be in charge of keeping all employees up to date on training. They will also act as a liaison for safety concerns within the department.

Supporters

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UP RIGHT! is supported by the Indiana Department of Labor (IDL), the National Federation of State High School Associations(NFHS), the Collegiate Sports Video Association (CSVA), the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA), the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), and the National Association of the Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

Inspiration

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Declan Drumm Sullivan, a junior at Notre Dame University, was killed when the scissor lift he was filming from blew over in high wind conditions. Declan’s family, along with David Merrifield, Principal of Merrifield Safety Consultants and a lift-safety training expert, contributed to create the content of the website.

The Declan Drumm Sullivan Memorial Fund was founded by the Sullivan family to help commemorate Declan’s life.

References

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  1. ^ Report, Staff. "Notre Dame Launches "UpRight!" Campaign". Catholic Sports Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  2. ^ Hall, Ellie (27 October 2011). "Declan Sullivan, Notre Dame Student Killed in Video Tower Collapse, Tweeted Before His Fall". Huffington Post. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
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