MECHANICAL LIFTS / POWERED PLATFORMS

Background:
Use of mechanical lifts and powered platforms is routine at UWM. Staff and
students using forklifts, mechanical lifts or powered platforms must receive
basic operational and safety training prior to use. Personal protective
equipment (PPE) may also be required.
Each operator shall be instructed in the safe and proper operation of the
specific aerial device according to the manufacturer's operator's manual,
UWM work instructions, and any other appropriate standards and safe work
practices.
Please contact University Safety & Assurances (x6339) for additional
information.

Some Safety Rules for Operating an Aerial Lift:

Ensure that workers who operate aerial

lifts are properly trained in the safe use
of the equipment.

Maintain and operate elevating work

platforms in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
Know the capacity of the lift you will be
using and do not overload. Allow for the
combined weight of the worker, tools
and materials.
Inspect the lift before each use.

Check the area of travel for trip hazards

and hazards from above and below.
Maintain a safe distance from power
lines (minimum clearance of at least 10
feet).
Always treat powerlines, wires and
other conductors as energized, even if
they are down or appear to be
insulated.
Ensure that others are at a safe
distance from the lift.
Never modify the equipment without
the manufacturer's approval.
If the lift is unattended, lower the
platform, shut off the engine, engage
the parking brake and remove the key.
Never override hydraulic, mechanical,
or electrical safety devices.
Never move the equipment with
workers in an elevated platform unless
this is permitted by the manufacturer.
Do not allow workers to position
themselves between overhead
hazards, such as joists and beams, and
the rails of the basket. Movement of the
lift could crush the worker(s).
Use a body harness or restraining belt
with a lanyard attached to the boom or
basket to prevent the worker(s) from
being ejected or pulled from the basket.
Set the brakes and use wheel chocks
when on an incline.
Use outriggers, if provided.
Use common sense.

Workforce Safety & Insurance

www.WorkforceSafety.com

___________________________________________________________________________________
__________

June 2003

AERIAL PLATFORMS AND MANLIFT SAFETY

1. Only authorized, properly trained, qualified persons shall use or operate this equipment.
2. The operating and maintenance instruction manuals issued by the manufacturer must be
followed.
3. Load limits of the boom and basket will not be exceeded. Shock loading (sudden stops or starts)
of the
equipment shall be averted.
4. Aerial lifts shall not be field modified unless the modifications are certified by the
manufacturer. The
insulated portion must not be altered in any manner that might reduce its insulating value.
5. Prior to use, the equipment shall be given a warm up period. The hydraulic system and the lift
controls shall

be checked and tested daily before use to positively determine that such features is in safe
operable working
condition. Malfunctions or unsafe operational conditions will be reported. Equipment, which is
not in
proper operational condition, will not be used.
6. Lower level controls will not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the
employee in the lift,
except in the case of an emergency only. Ground controls shall be positive override.
7. The truck shall not be moved unless the boom is lowered, the basket cradled and secured, and
the outriggers
retracted.
8. Employees shall not ride in the bucket while the truck is traveling.
9. When employees are in the bucket of an aerial lift, the emergency brake of the vehicle must be
set. Wheel
chocks or outriggers shall be used to provide added protection. When the vehicle is on an incline,
wheel
chocks shall be used regardless of whether or not outriggers are used. The truck should sit
approximately
level when viewed from the rear.
10. When outriggers are used, they must be set on a solid surface, or on pads.
11. Employees shall not belt to an adjacent pole or structure. When working from an aerial lift, a
harness or a
body belt will be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom. A body belt can only be used for fall
restraint,
not fall arrest.
12. Safety rules governing the use of hot-one tools, rubber goods, personal protective equipment,
and general
safe practices shall also apply to work done from aerial baskets. (Exception: Performing live-line
barehand
work.)
13. When a boom must be maneuvered on a street or highway, all of the necessary precautions
shall be taken to
eliminate accidents with traffic and pedestrians.
14. The operator must always face in the direction in which the basket is moving and he must be
able to see that
the path of the boom or basket is clear when it is being moved.
15. Employees shall not stand or sit on top of the edge of the basket or on ladders placed in the
basket.
Employees feet shall be on the floor the entire time that he/she is in the basket.
16. Employees shall not wear climbers while in the basket.
17. When two workers are in the basket(s), one of them shall be designated to operate the controls.
One
employee shall give all signals, which shall be thoroughly understood by all persons concerned.
18. When two line workers are working from the basket, care shall be taken to eliminate one man
contacting
poles, crossarms, or other grounded or live equipment while the second line worker is working on
equipment
at a different potential.
19. In no case shall more than one energized conductor or phase be worked at on time.
20. Clearances. The aerial lift, together with the workers in the basket, and all tools and equipment
must
maintain proper clearances from unprotected energized conductors.
21. When using hydraulic or pneumatic tools in a bucket, the operator shall be sure that hoses or
lines do not
become entangled in the operational controls.
22. All aerial devices shall be equipped with suitable flashing warning lights.
23. All controls must have protective guards to prevent accidental operation of the controls.

24. Periodic electrical tests shall be made of the boom insulation and aerial basket liners.
25. Equipment or material shall not be passed between a pole or structure and an aerial lift while
an employee
working from the basket is within reaching distance of unprotected, energized conductors or
equipment.
26. When used near energized conductors or equipment, vehicles shall be properly grounded or
barricaded.
Ground crews must not touch the vehicle until it is safely clear of energized conductors.
__________________________________________
Date

Aerial Lift Safety

Hazard Alert
About 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts. More than half of the
deaths involve
boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; most of the other deaths
involve scissor
lifts. Electrocutions, falls, and tipovers cause most of the deaths. Other causes include
being caught
between the lift bucket or guardrail and object (such as steel beams or joists) and being
struck by falling
objects. (A worker can also be catapulted out of a bucket, if the boom or bucket is struck
by something.)
Most of the workers killed are electrical workers, laborers, painters,
ironworkers, or carpenters.

Before Operating an Aerial Lift

Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as,
outriggers and guardrails), personal fallprotection
gear, wheels and tires, and other items specified by the manufacturer.
Look for possible leaks
(air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and loose or missing parts.
Check where the lift will be used. Look for a level surface that wont
shift. Check the slope of the ground
or floor; do not work on steep slopes that exceed slope limits listed by
the manufacturer. Look for
hazards, such as, holes, drop-offs, bumps, and debris, and overhead
power lines and other obstructions.
Set outriggers, brakes, and wheel chocks even if youre working on a
level slope.
Your employer should:
Provide required manuals to operators and maintenance mechanics.
Be sure operators and mechanics are trained by a qualified person
experienced with the model of aerial
lift.*

Using An Aerial Lift

Always close lift platform chains or doors.

Stand on the floor of the bucket or lift platform. Do not climb on or
lean over guardrails.
Do not exceed manufacturers load-capacity limits (including the
weight of such things as bucket liners
and tools).
If working near traffic, set up work-zone warnings, like cones and
signs.
To prevent electrocutions:
Non-electrical workers must stay at least 10 feet away from overhead
power lines.
Electrical workers must de-energize/insulate power lines or use
proper personal protective equipment
and tools.
Insulated buckets protect from electrocution due to electric current
passing through you and the boom
to ground. An insulated bucket does not protect if theres another path
to ground for instance, if you
touch another wire.
To prevent falls:
To help keep workers inside guardrails or in buckets, OSHA requires either
a full-body harness or a
positioning device on bucket trucks or boom-supported lifts. OSHA accepts
a positioning device (belt) with
a short lanyard, if there is an anchorage inside the bucket.**

*OSHA says a qualified person...by extensive knowledge, training, and experience can...solve...problems related to
the subject
matter.... A competent person is...capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards...and has authorization to
take prompt
measures to eliminate them.

To prevent tipovers:
Check the manufacturers instructions.

 Do not drive with the lift platform elevated (unless the manufacturer says thats OK).
Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits or the specified load-capacity of the
lift.
On an elevated scissor lift, avoid too much pushing or pulling.

Training
OSHA says a qualified person must train all users. The training must include:
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.

Maintenance and Inspections

De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lifts before any maintenance or repairs (see
CPWRs hazard alert
card, Lockout/Tagout Safety).
Each aerial lift must be inspected as the manufacturer requires every 3 months or after
150 hours of use,
whichever comes first. And the owner of a lift must do a detailed yearly inspection, as
required by the
manufacturer.

You Should Know

Many construction contractors rent aerial lifts instead of buying them. So you may not
know which
model you will be using, even though operator controls and other key features differ on
each model.
Also, you may not know the maintenance history of the lift.
The dealer or company renting out the lift should:
Be sure the lift is properly inspected and serviced before rental.
Provide operator and maintenance manuals and maintenance history.
Make sure the operator controls are easy to reach and properly marked.
Your employer should:
Be sure an aerial lift is not modified without written permission of the manufacturer.
Be sure an aerial lift is used only under conditions approved by the manufacturer.
Be sure proper personal fall-protection is provided and used.
For more information, call your local union, the Center to Protect Workers Rights
(CPWR) (301578-8500 or www.cpwr.com), NIOSH (1-800-356-4674, or www.cdc.gov/niosh), or
OSHA (1-800321-OSHA or www.osha.gov) or go to www.elcosh.org.

**OSHA regulates scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds and does not require personal fall-protection on them, if there
are guardrails.
2004, The Center to Protect Workers Rights. All rights reserved. CPWR is a research, development, and training arm of the
Building and
Construction Trades Dept., AFL-CIO: CPWR, Suite 1000, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. (Edward C. Sullivan is
president of the
Building and Construction Trades Dept. and of CPWR and Sean McGarvey is secretary treasurer.) Production of this card was
supported by grant
1U54OH008307 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and grants U45- ES09764 and U45-ES06185
from the National

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily
represent the official
views of NIOSH or NIEHS. (8/4/05)

Aerial Lift Safety

Purpose
Scope
Responsibilities

Definitions
References

Procedures

1.0

Purpose

The purpose of this guidance document is to provide standard operating practices and
procedures for the safe operation of aerial lifts at the International Paper Franklin
Mill facility.
2.0

Scope

This guidance applies to all International Paper operations that require employees
and/or contractors to access elevated work locations using aerial lifts (aerial work
platforms).
3.0

Responsibilities

3.1 Site contractor managers shall ensure contractor adherence to the requirements
outlined in this procedure.
3.2 Individuals shall not operate aerial lifts unless equipment-specific training has
been received and proficiency verified this includes annual refresher training).
Operators shall comply with the requirements of this procedure.
3.3 Supervisors shall enforce adherence to this procedure.
4.0

Definitions

4.1 Aerial Lift A mobile device with extendable or telescopic boom and/or
articulating arm designed to position personnel, tools and/or material in elevated
locations, also referred to as aerial work platforms. Aerial lifts for the purposes of this
procedure shall also include scissor and/or other vertical lifts.
4.2 Articulating boom An aerial device with two or more hinged boom sections.
4.3 Authorized personnel (person) Personnel trained as assigned to operate an aerial
lift.

4.4 Boom An elevating member, the lower end of which is attached to a rotating or
non rotating base that permits elevation.
4.5 Bucket truck An aerial lift for the purpose of elevating personnel, that is
mounted on a truck
4.6 Chassis The integral part of the aerial platform that provides mobility and
support for the elevating assembly.
4.7 Cherry picker A term used to describe a class of non telescoping aerial boom
lifts. Cherry pickers usually have solid walled, single man baskets.
4.8 Directional controls Controls that initiate functions that affect movement of the
platform or the aerial platform.
4.9 Elevating work platform A device designed to elevate a platform in a vertical
axis (vertical tower, scissor lift).
4.10 Extendable boom platform An aerial device except ladders, with an extendable
boom. Telescopic booms with personnel platform attachments shall be considered to
be extendable booms.
4.11 Genie Lift a Genie Lift refers to this companys mobile, extensible boom lift
(an aerial lift).
4.12 Ground Man A person designated to monitor conditions to ensure the safety of
the mobile elevated work platform. See Section 6.2 for additional requirements for
the ground man.
4.13 Guardrail system A vertical barrier erected to prevent personnel form falling to
lower levels.
4.14 Instability A condition of an aerial platform in which the sum of the moments
that tend to overturn the unit exceeds the sum of the moment tending to resist
overturning.
4.15 JLG a JLG lift refers to this companys mobile aerial work platform (an
aerial lift).
4.16 Mobile Elevated Work Platform A general term used for scissor lift, aerial
platform or an extendable or articulating boom aerial device, either self propelled or
vehicle mounted used for the sole purpose of positioning personnel, their tools and
necessary material to elevated work locations to complete a specific task. Not
included in this definition are ladder stands, scaffolds or industrial trucks.
4.17 Outriggers Devices that increase the stability of the aerial platform and are
capable of lifting and leveling the aerial platform.
4.18 Operator A trained person who controls the movement of the aerial platform.

4.19 Platform Any personnel carrying device, such as a bucket, basket, cage, stand
or tub that is a component of a mobile elevated work platform.
4.20 Pre-use inspection A thorough equipment and area inspection conducted prior
to each shift and before putting a mobile elevated work platform into service.
4.21 Qualified mechanic shall be one who has received training, instruction or a
certificate from the aerial lift manufacture or manufacturers representative to conduct
aerial lift mechanical inspections. Qualified mechanics may include manufacturer or
manufacturers representative personnel, IP employees or IP contractors.
4.22 Qualified trainer shall be one who has knowledge, training and experience with
aerial lifts proficient enough to train others on the safe use and operation of these
devices. Qualified trainers may include the manufacturer or manufacturers
representative personnel, IP employees, or IP contractors
4.23 Scissor lift A mobile elevated work platform that only operates in the up and
down position but travels in the direction of forward and reverse.
4.24 Stabilizers Devices that increase the stability of the aerial platform but are not
capable of lifting or leveling the aerial platform.
5.0

References

5.1 International Paper Aerial Lift Safety Guidance Document

5.2 International Paper Franklin Mill Mobile Equipment Tagout procedure
5.3 International Paper Franklin Mill Mobile Equipment Operator certification
procedure
5.4 International Paper Franklin Mill Incident Investigation procedure
5.5 OSHA 29 CFR 1926. 452, 453, 550 and 29CFR 1910.67
5.6 OSHA CPL 02-01-023 CPL 2-1.23 Inspection Procedures for Enforcing
Subpart L, Scaffolds Used in Construction 29 CFR 1926.450-454.
[Note: this Directive erroneously states that scissors lifts are addressed under 29 CFR
1926.453 (Aerial lifts). OSHA corrected this with an Interpretation Letter dated
8/01/2000, which states that scissor lifts are addressed as mobile scaffolds under 29
CFR 1926.452 (w) as such an exemption is provided for fall protection PPE if
guardrails are in place.]
5.7 ANSI Standards
A92.2 (R 2001) Standard Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Lift
Devices
A92.3 (R 2006) Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
A92.5 (R 2006) Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms

A92.6 (R 2006) Self-propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms

5.8 ISO Standards
ISO 18893:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms Safety principles,
inspections, maintenance and operation
ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms Operator (driver) training
6.0

Procedure

6.1 General Requirements for Aerial Lifts

6.1.1 Aerial lifts shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturers
recommended procedures. Operators must read and understand the operators manual
(operating manual(s) must be located on the aerial lift platform), follow all labels,
warnings and instructions displayed on the aerial lift platform, follow all safety rules
and comply with any safety-related bulletins received from the manufacturer or
supplier. In addition, any repairs must meet manufacturers specifications and any
modifications made to equipment must be certified in writing by the manufacturer as
acceptable or approved (including the mounting of attachments to hold tools or
material).
6.1.2 A pre-job safety hazard assessment shall be conducted prior to each aerial lift
use. The pre-job safety hazard assessment must be reviewed with all affected
personnel.
6.1.3 Three (3) distinct inspections shall be performed and documented for aerial lifts:
6.1.3.1 Pre-delivery inspection shall be conducted by the manufacturer, lessor or
equipment supplier, prior to first use, with a copy of this inspection kept on file by the
receiving/owning department. Existing units on the effective date of this procedure
are exempt from this requirement.
6.1.3.2 Pre-use inspection shall be conducted by the operators or users prior to each
use or at the beginning of each shift to include a visual inspection and functional test.
Operators shall report any defects found to their supervisor immediately, and the
defective equipment removed from service using the site Mobile Equipment Tagout
procedure. The equipment operators supervisor shall ensure the pre-use inspection is
complete and any deficiencies identified have been corrected prior to use
6.1.3.3 Annual equipment inspection shall be conducted (full mechanical inspection
and operational test) shall be conducted by the manufacturers representative, or by a
qualified mechanic in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. The period
between annual inspections is not to exceed 13 months.
6.1.4 Training for all individuals who operate aerial lifts shall be conducted by a
qualified trainer. Training shall be conducted before initial use and retraining shall be
conducted every (3) years. More frequent training may be conducted as required, for
example, after an incident, near miss, close call or when an operator has been
observed to have been operating the lift in an unsafe manner. Training shall be

specific for the type, make and model of equipment. Training shall consist of
classroom instruction, written examination, as well as hands-on proficiency
assessment.
6.1.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be worn by operators of aerial
equipment. All personnel shall wear an approved hard hat and a fall restraint system
which includes a full body harness with a lanyard attached to the manufacturersspecified platform anchorage or attachment point when working in the aerial lift. The
lanyard must be of an appropriate length (e.g., 3 feet) to restrain or keep the occupant
within the basket, bucket or platform. In scissor lifts and aerial lifts that telescope
vertically and do not articulate, occupants are protected by standard guardrails, but a
fall restraint system may also be used if an anchorage or attachment point is
specifically provided by the manufacturer. Under no circumstance is an occupant
allowed to tie-off or attach to the guardrail of a scissor lift or other vertical lift. The
occupant must never attach their personal fall protection equipment to any part of a
building, structure or other piece of equipment unless approved to transfer to that
structure. During this transfer maneuver 100% tie-off is required.
6.1.6 Aerial lift operators and ground men may wear high visibility vests or jackets,
however, the vests/jackets are not required.
6.1.7 All incidents, including near misses, associated with aerial lifts shall be
investigated using the standard mill incident investigation form. The investigation
shall include a post-incident mechanical inspection of the device if an equipment
malfunction is suspected as a contributing cause to the incident, or if the reason exists
to suspect the equipment was damaged during the incident.
6.1.8 All outriggers, extendable axles, or oscillating axles (where provided) shall be
used. These devices shall be fully extended, locked into place and brakes firmly set
before personnel are elevated (even if on level ground). If the task to be performed
requires setting up on an incline, chocks shall be installed behind each wheel
(provided it is safe to do so).
6.1.9 Personnel may leave the elevated platform of aerial manlifts as long as the
manlift is shut-down and secured. Double lanyards attached to the harnesses must be
utilized while transferring between platform and outside structures. Personnel may
NOT leave an elevated scissorslift . If personnel need to leave the elevated scissorslift
to access the task, then they need an extension ladder, not a scissorslift. The
scissorslift is an elevated work platform-not an elevator!
6.1.10 Operators shall set up a proper work zone around aerial lifts using barricades,
signs, caution tape, cones, flags, or flashing lights, as needed to protect others in the
vicinity of the work or to establish a safe path for the aerial lift to travel.
6.2 Ground Man for Aerial Lift Operations
The ground man is an individual who has received sufficient instructions on the
ground control operations of an aerial manlift or scissorslift to operate the ground
controls to bring the elevated platform down safely, and who can also communicate

with the operator to insure safe use of the lift. The ground man shall be dedicated to
this task, during times of aerial equipment operation when the ground man is needed.
Task involving the use of aerial lifts will require a Toolbox/Tailgate Meeting to
conduct a pre-job safety hazard assessment. Also during this time, the need for a
ground man shall be discussed and agreed upon between the aerial lift operator and
his supervisor.
6.2.1 No ground man is needed.
6.2.2 A ground man is needed but does not need to be a licensed operator. This
ground man shall receive sufficient instruction to operate the ground controls to bring
the platform down safely in an emergency. Examples include the following:

Operator has restricted visibility (eg, cannot see the aerial lift wheels,
adjacent hazards, or how to navigate area)
Aerial Lift is being operated in congested area.
Operator cannot observe hazards in travel path (eg, holes, curbs, docks,
uneven ground)
Aerial lift is being operated in close proximity to facility equipment,
systems, structures.

6.2.3 A licensed ground man is needed. This ground man is a licensed operator
on the platform being used. A licensed ground man shall always be used during the
following critical tasks:

Opening Dangerous Systems

Unplugging equipment or piping containing hazardous substances
Hot Tap work
Working on Energized Electrical Systems requires a Qualified Electrician
as a licensed ground man.

6.3 Safety Precautions for Pre-Job Safety Hazard Assessments and/or Operator
Training Programs
NEVER operate an aerial lift unless all decals, labels, instructions, symbols
(e.g., up or down arrows) are in clearly visible and understandable.
No more than two (2) persons shall occupy the platform at any one time,
unless the manufacturer approves the additional person(s).
Under all moving conditions, the operator shall limit speed according to the
conditions of the ground surface, congestion, visibility, slope, location of other
personnel, equipment and other factors that may cause hazards of collision or injury to
personnel.
NEVER travel (speed other than SLOW or CRAWL) with the boom in the elevated
position (it must be in the horizontal position when traveling) or with a scissor lift
fully extended.
Any positioning while the platform is elevated shall be conducted in the SLOW
or CRAWL mode.

 No more than one (1) person shall occupy the platform when traveling at a speed
other than in the SLOW or CRAWL mode.
NEVER travel (speed other than SLOW or CRAWL) near drop-offs, docks, curbs or
holes.
NEVER crawl or move in the slow mode near drop-offs, docks, curbs or holes
without a safety spotter present.
NEVER let workers position themselves between the rails of a basket or scissorlift
and overhead hazards, such as joists, beams, or pipes.
NEVER climb up to or down from an extended platform.
Aerial lift upper controls must be protected to prevent inadvertent activation
(e.g., properly guarded).
Avoid excessive horizontal forces when working on elevated aerial lifts.
Ensure the load and its distribution on the platform and any platform extension
is in accordance with the manufactures rated capacity.
Ensure that any guardrails are in place and access gates, chains or openings are
closed per the manufacturers instructions.
NEVER operate an aerial lift in wind over 25 mph or when thunder can be heard or
lightning seen.
NEVER operate an aerial lift in any manner on grades, slopes or ramps exceeding
what it is rated for by the manufacturer.
NEVER operate the aerial lift in an unsafe or reckless manner. Stunt driving and
Horseplay are prohibited.
If reversing the device does not free the unit all personnel should be safely removed
before attempting to free the device using the lower controls.
NEVER use step ladders or similar aides on the platform to provide additional
reach or height.
NEVER stand on railings or planks, lean over railings or climb out of the basket
or platform onto another surface or structure (unless 100% tied off). Two feet on the
platform floor at all times.
NEVER override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices.
NEVER lift equipment or material with the aerial lift (never use as a crane or hoist).
Aerial lifts are designed only to lift personnel and their tools.

 Except in a case of an emergency, ground controls shall not be operated on an

occupied lift (lift occupant shall be in full control of the lift at all times).
When maintenance is performed on aerial lifts they shall be properly locked-out
and properly blocked up prior to working underneath it to prevent the platform from
falling.
NEVER operate aerial lifts near electrical power lines or energized equipment unless
the lines have been de-energized or adequate clearance is maintained in accordance
with the table below [taken from 29 CFR 1926.550 (Cranes and Derricks) and the
ANSI A92 series]. Non-electrical workers must stay at least 10 feet (3.05 meters)
from all energized lines; electrical workers must de-energize/insulate energized lines
or use proper PPE/tools
(Phase to Phase)

Voltage Range
Minimum Separation Distance

Less than 50 kV

Feet
10

Meters
3.05

50 kV to 200 kV
200 kV to 350 kV

15
20

4.60
6.40

350 kV to 500 kV
500 kV to 750 kV

25
35

7.62
10.67

750 kV to 1000 kV 45

13.72

[Note: insulated aerial lift buckets (used near power lines) have special electrical
test requirements (see ANSI A92.2)]
Fueling and battery charging of aerial lifts shall be done in well-ventilated areas free
of flame, sparks or other hazards that may cause a fire or explosion.
All aerial lifts must be secured (e.g., key locked safely away) when not in use to
prevent unauthorized use.
Only tools, parts or any other materials which can be evenly distributed and that can
be safely handled by a person(s) should be brought into the bucket or onto the
working platform. Tools, parts or material shall not be dropped or thrown from the
bucket or platform. When using welding or heating equipment from the bucket or
platform, the vehicle shall be protected from sparks and slag. Care shall be taken to
prevent rope, electric cords, and hoses from becoming entangled in the aerial lift
device. Keep flammable liquids away from aerial lifts.
When using an aerial lift above or near an overhead hoist or crane, the
overhead hoist or crane must be properly locked out.
Ensure the platform has been fully lowered at the end of the completed
task and de-energized.
Only devices approved for lifting personnel shall be used as aerial lifts. Loaders,
forklifts or other material lift devices shall NOT be used to transport employees to
elevated locations nor used as work platforms. Forklifts and cranes may ONLY be

used with approved personnel baskets.

Know what to do in the case of an emergency when operating aerial lifts
(e.g., how to summon for help).

Hazard Alert - Aerial Lift Safety

CPWR Center for Construction Research and Training

About 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts. More than half of
the deaths involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers;
most of the other deaths involve scissor lifts. Electrocutions, falls, and tipovers cause
most of the deaths. Other causes include being caught between the lift bucket or
guardrail and object (such as steel beams or joists) and being struck by falling objects.
(A worker can also be catapulted out of a bucket, if the boom or bucket is struck by
something.) Most of the workers killed are electrical workers, laborers, painters,
ironworkers, or carpenters.
Before Operating an Aerial Lift
Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as, outriggers and
guardrails), personal fallprotection gear, wheels and tires, and other items specified by
the manufacturer. Look for possible leaks (air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and
loose or missing parts.
Check where the lift will be used. Look for a level surface that wont shift. Check the
slope of the ground or floor; do not work on steep slopes that exceed slope limits
listed by the manufacturer. Look for hazards, such as, holes, drop-offs, bumps, and
debris, and overhead power lines and other obstructions.
Set outriggers, brakes, and wheel chocks even if youre working on a level slope.
Your employer should:
Provide required manuals to operators and maintenance mechanics.

Be sure operators and mechanics are trained by a qualified person experienced

with the model of aerial lift.*

Using An Aerial Lift

Always close lift platform chains or doors.
Stand on the floor of the bucket or lift platform. Do not climb on or lean over
guardrails.
Do not exceed manufacturers load-capacity limits (including the weight of
such things as bucket liners and tools).
If working near traffic, set up work-zone warnings, like cones and signs.
To prevent electrocutions:
Non-electrical workers must stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power
lines.
Electrical workers must de-energize/insulate power lines or use proper
personal protective equipment and tools.
Insulated buckets protect from electrocution due to electric current passing
through you and the boom to ground. An insulated bucket does not protect if
theres another path to ground for instance, if you touch another wire.
To prevent falls:
To help keep workers inside guardrails or in buckets, OSHA requires either a fullbody harness or a positioning device on bucket trucks or boom-supported lifts. OSHA
accepts a positioning device (belt) with a short lanyard, if there is an anchorage inside
the bucket.**
To prevent tipovers:
Check the manufacturers instructions.
Do not drive with the lift platform elevated (unless the manufacturer says
thats OK).
Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits or the specified load-capacity
of the lift.
On an elevated scissor lift, avoid too much pushing or pulling.
Training
OSHA says a qualified person must train all users. The training must include:
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.
Maintenance and Inspections
De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lifts before any maintenance or repairs (see

CPWR's hazard alert card, Lockout/Tagout Safety).

Each aerial lift must be inspected as the manufacturer requires every 3 months or
after 150 hours of use, whichever comes first. And the owner of a lift must do a
detailed yearly inspection, as required by the manufacturer.
You Should Know
Many construction contractors rent aerial lifts instead of buying them. So you may not
know which model you will be using, even though operator controls and other key
features differ on each model. Also, you may not know the maintenance history of the
lift.
The dealer or company renting out the lift should:
Be sure the lift is properly inspected and serviced before rental.
Provide operator and maintenance manuals and maintenance history.
Make sure the operator controls are easy to reach and properly marked.
Your employer should:
Be sure an aerial lift is not modified without written permission of the
manufacturer.
Be sure an aerial lift is used only under conditions approved by the
manufacturer.
Be sure proper personal fall-protection is provided and used.
For more information, call your local union, CPWR Center for Construction
Research and Training (CPWR) (301- 578-8500 or www.cpwr.com), NIOSH (1-800356-4674, or www.cdc.gov/niosh), or OSHA (1-800- 321-OSHA or www.osha.gov)
or go to www.elcosh.org.
*OSHA says a qualified person...by extensive knowledge, training, and experience
can...solve...problems related to the subject matter.... A competent person is...capable
of identifying existing and predictable hazards...and has authorization to take prompt
measures to eliminate them.
**OSHA regulates scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds and does not require personal fallprotection on them, if there are guardrails.

This paper appears in the eLCOSH website with the permission of the author and/or
copyright holder and may not be reproduced without their consent. eLCOSH is an
information clearinghouse. eLCOSH and its sponsors are not responsible for the
accuracy of information provided on this web site, nor for its use or misuse.
2004, CPWR Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved.

CPWR is a research, development, and training arm of the Building and Construction
Trades Dept., AFL-CIO: CPWR, Suite 1000, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD
20910. (Edward C. Sullivan is president of the Building and Construction Trades
Dept. and of CPWR and Joseph Maloney is secretary treasurer.) Production of this
card was supported by grant 1U54OH008307 from the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health and grants U45- ES09764 and U45-ES06185 from
the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The contents are solely the
responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of
NIOSH or NIEHS.