Guidelines for Aerial Platform Work
Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser
What is an aerial lift? It’s a vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel for working at height. Depending on your job, you might encounter many types of lift equipment. These devices are extremely useful, which is why they have replaced ladders and scaffolding on many jobsites.
It’s handy to have an adjustable platform to access higher areas. However, using these devices incorrectly can pose significant risks, which is why safety education is so important.
Read on to learn about the various aerial work platform devices you might encounter on the job, as well as everything you need to know about aerial lift safety regulations. We will also cover options for your safety education.
Types And Uses of Aerial Lifts in Various Applications
You may find yourself working with a variety of scaffolding and material-handling equipment to access high places. Anything that’s vehicle-mounted and designed to elevate workers falls under the category of aerial lifts.
Some of the most common types of aerial lifts include:
Boom Lift
Similar to its smaller cousin, the cherry picker, this type of device can extend upward to reach high spaces and is usually self-propelled. It can also be used to extend over obstacles. Smaller models can be operated in confined spaces.
Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts use interlocking beams that look like scissors to move a fixed platform up or down. There are designs for indoor work under tall ceilings. You may also see designs for outdoor work at a park or event space. These serve a similar function to traditional, fixed scaffolding but are capable of driving between work locations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration classifies scissor lifts not as aerial lift equipment but as mobile scaffolds. Despite different regulatory standards, the same safety rules often apply. As a result, they are frequently grouped with other types of lifting devices, including for training purposes.
Telescopic Boom Lift
This device uses a telescoping pole that can be further extended in a straight line. Many models extend quite far, making them ideal for reaching very high places or over obstacles without the need for additional joints.
Articulating Boom Lift
These use a multi-jointed arm to bend in many different directions. This versatility allows workers to reach over obstacles, navigate confined spaces and make precise adjustments. They are frequently used for electrical work, plumbing work and other tasks that require excellent maneuverability.
Safety Regulations and Specifications Related to Aerial Lifts
OSHA's regulations explain the hazards of these devices in depth. The administration’s standards also spell out the training required to operate the equipment safely. Most of these rules can be found in 29 CFR 1926.453 and 1926.454.
Potential hazards include:
- Falls from heights
- Falling objects
- Tip-overs
- Ejections
- Structural failures such as collapse
- Electric shock
- Entanglement hazards
- Contact with objects
- Contact with ceilings or other overhead objects
- Caught-in/between incidents
Comprehensive training that meets OSHA standards must include topics like:
- An explanation of the hazards listed above
- How to avoid or address those hazards
- Recognizing/avoiding unsafe conditions
- How to correctly operate devices in this classification
- A demonstration of skills/knowledge
- When and how to perform inspections
- Fall protection
- Overhead protection
- Stability in the work zone
Online Training Courses for Aerial Lift and Mobile Scaffolds
These machines can be found everywhere, serving facilities ranging from warehouses and factories to schools and hospitals. The average homeowner can even rent one for second-story maintenance.
Safety education is just as important for temporary users as it is for full-time operators. If you plan to operate an elevated work platform for any length of time, you need to know what can go wrong and how to avoid those risks.
Fortunately, we have you covered. We offer a wide range of courses designed to help you understand safety requirements and best operating procedures.
Some of our most popular courses include:
- Aerial and Scissor Course — Appropriate training is required before you can operate these devices at work. This course provides a foundation for your training and helps you comply with OSHA standards. Lessons include the different types of aerial lifts, recommended safety procedures and specific precautions for preventing a variety of hazards. Learn about trips/falls, tip-overs, catapulting, electrocution and injuries due to contact with obstructions while the lift is in use.
- Forklift and Other PIT Certification Training — Powered industrial truck (PIT) training is required for workers who operate forklifts and related devices, which are closely related to aerial lifts. These courses satisfy OSHA’s formal training requirements for forklift and PIT certifications.
Why Choose OSHA Education Center?
We are a leading provider of digital workplace safety and skills training. Our 100% online courses make it easy to protect yourself at work and advance your career without disrupting your schedule.
Study at your own pace from any device with an internet connection. Complete a full course in a single afternoon or spread it out over 90 days. Our easy-to-use FUSION learning platform automatically saves your progress whenever you log out. Once you finish, you can immediately download your Certificate of Completion.
Whether you need to study up before renting a boom lift for a weekend or you want to make a career out of operating a forklift, we’re here to help. Sign up for a course today!