General Aerial Lift Use

February 10, 2010


• On ladder trucks and tower trucks, secure aerial ladders in the lower traveling position by locking the device on top of the truck cab and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder prior to moving the truck. Insure outrigger devices are properly stored prior to moving.
• Set the brakes and position the outrigger devices on pads or similar solid surfaces and install the wheel chocks before using aerial lift equipment.
• Do not move aerial lift trucks with employees located in the elevated work boom position, except for equipment specifically designed or certified as “field modified” for this type of operation.
• Insure that aerial lift devices equipped with working elevated platforms contain both elevated platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls are located in or beside the elevated platform, within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls are designed to override the upper controls.
• Do not position the aerial lift device against another object to steady the elevated platform.
• Do not use aerial lift devices as a crane or other lifting device.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices from trucks, scaffolds, or similar equipment unless approved in writing by the manufacturer.



• Limit travel speeds of aerial lift devices according to the conditions of the ground surface, congestion, visibility, slope, and the location of personnel. Also take into consideration other factors that may cause hazards to other nearby personnel.
• Shut down the aerial life device engine prior to fueling. Fuel engines or charge fuel cylinders in well ventilated areas free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.
• Charge batteries; check to be sure that controls are plainly marked as to their function.
• Test lift controls each day prior to use to ensure safe working conditions.
• Insure loads and distribution on working platforms and platform extensions are in accordance with manufacturer’s rated capacity and do not exceed rated load limits. Affix stickers to vehicle that indicate manufacturer’s rated load capacity of the working elevated platform and/or elevated platform extensions.
• Insure all personnel in the working elevated platform are wearing appropriate personal protective devices at all times (e.g. hard hats, safety shoes/boots, goggles/safety glasses with side shields/hard hat with shield, gloves; other protective clothing).
• Insure that each employee uses an appropriate body belt/harness and lanyard device attached to the boom or basket or other appropriate passenger device as fall protection when working from an aerial lift device.
• Insure that only trained and authorized employees operate aerial lift devices.
• Keep feet firmly on the floor of the basket or elevated platform at all times.
• Do not sit, climb or position yourself on the edge of the basket or elevated platform.
• Do not use planks, ladders or other devices as substitute work positions.
• Do not operate lower controls unless permission has been obtained from the employee(s) in the elevated platform, except in case of an emergency…
• Be sure to maintain a clear view of the path of travel, maintain a safe distance from other obstacles, debris, drop offs, holes, depressions, slopes and other hazards. Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles (including overhead power lines).
• Stunts and horseplay are prohibited.
• Do not position booms and elevated platform devices in an attempt to jack the wheels off the ground. Do not operate aerial lift devices on grades, side slopes or ramps that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If elevated platforms or elevated work areas become caught, snagged or otherwise do not operate properly, remove personnel from the platform prior to freeing the elevated platform using ground controls.
• Do not alter the insulated portion of an aerial lift device in any manner that might reduce its insulating effectiveness.
• Insure the area surrounding the elevated platform is clear of personnel and equipment prior to lowering the elevated platform.
• Perform inspections of aerial life devices per manufacturer’s, ANSI/SIA and other regulatory agency schedules. If needed, make repairs immediately.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices with noted, reported deficiencies until repairs are made and equipment is authorized for use.
• Perform electrical system safety tests on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.2 requirements.
• Inspect hydraulic and pneumatic system components (Bursting Safety Factor) on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.2 requirements.
• Conduct welding operations on aerial lift devices per Automotive Welding Society (AWS) Standards.

132 Responses to “General Aerial Lift Use”

  1. [...] Aerial lifts are frequently used in the industry for maintenance painting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 26 construction workers (8% are industrial painters) die each year from using aerial lifts. Approximately 70% involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; 25% of the other deaths involve scissor lifts. Aerial Lift Deaths from Boom Lifts Half of the falls from boom lifts involved being ejected from the bucket, after being struck by vehicles, cranes, or crane loads, by falling objects, or when a lift suddenly jerked. Two-thirds of the deaths from collapses or tip-over’s of boom lifts occurred when the bucket cable or boom broke or when the bucket fell; almost one-third were due to tip-overs. Over one-third of the electrocutions involved an overhead power line contacting the lift boom or bucket. In most of the caught in-between deaths, a worker was caught between the bucket edge and other objects such as roof joists or beams while repositioning the bucket. Aerial Lift Deaths from Scissor Lifts Three-quarters of the tip-over accidents of scissor lifts resulted in fall deaths; in the remaining accidents, workers died from being struck by the falling scissor lift. About two-fifths of the tip-over accidents occurred when the scissor lift was extended over 15 feet, mostly while driving the lift. In one-fifth of the falls the worker was ejected from the scissor lift, mostly when an object struck the scissor lift. Other fall deaths occurred after removal of chains or guardrails, or while standing on or leaning over railings. Operator Training Is Vital Frequently operators lack the training to know that they are actually creating safety hazards. An aerial lift is a potentially dangerous tool when the operator has not read the operator’s manual. In addition to the lack of training, many lift accidents are caused by misapplication of the machine, obstacles, and lack or use or incorrect use of outriggers. Contractors should provide required manuals to operators and maintenance mechanics. If they cannot read or understand the language of manuals, ANSI safety standards allow others to explain the manuals. OSHA requires a qualified person to train all users on: • Any electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards. • Procedures for dealing with hazards. • How to operate the lift correctly (including maximum intended load and load capacity). The user must show he/she knows how to use the lift. • Manufacturer requirements If the hazards change, the type of aerial lift changes, or a worker is not operating a lift properly, workers must be retrained. Ask manufacturers and suppliers for specific instructions for the operation of special use aerial lift trucks. OSHA, NIOSH, the National Safety Council and their local affiliates, vocational-technical schools or other training institutions provide resources to learn this skill (find contact information below). Inspect Before Operating Lifts Identifying and controlling hazards is very important for job site safety. OSHA regulations state that employers cannot force employees to use unsafe equipment. Generally a pre-start inspection is required for all types of aerial lifts at each job site. Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as outriggers and guardrails), personal fall-protection gear, wheels and tires, and other machine components specified by the manufacturer. Look for possible leaks (air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and loose or missing parts. Contractors should immediately remove from service aerial platforms that do not operate properly or are in need of repair. A qualified mechanic must make all repairs using equivalent replacement parts. Substitution of parts is not wise; they have been known to cause accidents. De-energize and lockout/tag out aerial lifts before any maintenance or repairs. Each aerial lift must be inspected as the manufacturer requires – every 3 months or after 150 hours of use, whichever comes first. Check the job site where the lift will be used. Look for a level surface that won’t shift. Check the slope of the ground or floor. A machine may not work properly on slopes that exceed the limits set by the manufacturer. Look for hazards, such as holes, drop-offs, bumps, debris, and overhead power lines or other obstructions. Set outriggers, brakes, and wheel chocks – even if you’re working on a level slope. [...]

  2. [...] aerial platform insulated or not, provides any electrical protection to the occupant if there is phase-to-phase or [...]

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