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ABCs of Aerial Lift Safety

Using aerial lift equipment like boom lifts, scissor lifts and outriggers enables workers to perform various duties at height. It also requires the implementation of stringent safety measures to minimize the risk of worksite accidents and injuries.

At Wellbuilt Equipment Inc., aerial lift safety is always a top priority. We can provide expert training tailored to your specific access equipment to protect your workers, comply with regulations and give you peace of mind.

Safety Standards and Safety Training

Our aerial lift training initiatives meet the standards of the most important and relevant safety regulatory bodies in the United States.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that develops and implements workplace safety standards in the U.S. OSHA 1926.453 is the standard that lists OSHA aerial lift requirements for the design, construction and safe operation of various types of this equipment, such as boom platforms, vertical towers and aerial ladders.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a nonprofit organization that coordinates, accredits and administers voluntary standardization in the U.S. A primary ANSI function is collaborating with various industries to enhance the safety of companies’ products and services.

About Our Aerial Lift Safety Training Offerings

At Wellbuilt Equipment Inc., we have created comprehensive training initiatives based on the OSHA and ANSI aerial lift requirements. We focus on the five key principles of safe machine operation:

1. Perform a Workplace Inspection

The equipment operator — and no one else — should conduct a visual jobsite inspection before using the equipment. The operator should note any hazards and use barriers to prevent access to them. Additionally, the operator should walk the entire area to physically examine the ground conditions.

2. Complete a Pre-Operation Inspection

The equipment operator should also visually inspect the machine. Items to look for include missing, damaged, or loose components and exposed wires, leaks, and blown hoses. Other potential safety issues include non-manufacturer modifications and a machine outside its annual inspection period.

If the equipment fails the inspection, the operator should tag it and remove it from service, notify other workers at the site and contact the owner. It is essential that the operator is the individual who carries out this inspection.

3. Perform a Function Test

The operator should perform a series of tests at the jobsite to ensure the machine is functioning correctly and safely. These steps include testing all the controls at the operator station or platform and verifying the appropriate performance at the secondary stations or emergency controls.

As with the pre-operation inspection, only the operator should remove an improperly functioning machine from service and notify the owner and others at the site.

4. Avoid Hazardous Situations

Aerial lift operators can significantly reduce hazards by adhering to safe practices before, during and after using the equipment. Specific practices include avoiding overloading, setting up in secure locations, not working near energized power sources and not operating the machine in poor weather conditions.

5. Only Use the Machine for Its Intended Purposes

Most aerial lifts are only designed and constructed to lift people and a small amount of tools and supplies for executing work activities. Operators generally should avoid using the lift to carry or elevate materials. Installing incompatible options or attachments can also pose a safety hazard.

Equipment Manufacturers vs. Owners vs. Users

All parties involved with the equipment play a prominent role in aerial lift safety:

Manufacturers: The company that makes the equipment must ensure its design meets all applicable safety guidelines. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to complete comprehensive testing.
Owners: The lift’s owner could be a rental company that must make training available to the renter but cannot make it mandatory. They could also be a private owner who must maintain and inspect the machine and provide appropriate safety training for employees.
Users: A user is an entity that has care, custody and control of the equipment. Users must ensure that all operators are capable of running the machine safely.

Common Types of Aerial Lift Equipment

Choosing the most appropriate lift equipment type for the job is another crucial safety consideration. The four primary machine categories include:

Boom lifts: A boom lift has an extending arm that can be straight or articulating for additional flexibility and a platform that rises from the chassis. These machines can be driven safely with the platform extended.
Scissor lifts: These machines have a crisscross lifting mechanism that raises and lowers a large platform. While a scissor lift typically has a lower height capacity than a boom lift, it provides additional stability and security while providing more fall protection than ladders or scaffolding.
Outrigger machines: Outriggers are essentially hydraulically powered legs supporting a platform. They enable machines like cranes to accommodate more weight without tipping over. These machines should not be driven with the platform extended.
Push arounds: Unlike the other aerial lift types, a push-around machine does not have a propulsion system and requires the operator to manually move it into place. These machines should not be moved upon deployment.

Learn More About Who We Are and Our Expertise

Wellbuilt Equipment Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing access equipment solutions in Chicago and beyond since 1987. Our experience and expertise enable us to offer targeted safety training for many equipment types. Training is available at our facilities or at a location you choose for your convenience.