Aerial Lift Safe Work Practices

Extensible and articulating boom platforms must adhere to the following criteria:

• Lift controls must be tested each day prior to use to determine that such controls are in safe working condition.
• Only authorized persons can operate an aerial lift.
• Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift must not be permitted.
• Employees must always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and must not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.
• A body belt must be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.
  • Please note that as of January 1, 1998, §1926.502(d) provides that body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. However, the use of a body belt in a tethering system or in a restraint system is acceptable and is regulated under §1926.502(e).
• Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer must not be exceeded.
• The brakes must be set and when outriggers are used, they must be positioned on pads or a solid surface. Wheel chocks must be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can be safely installed.
• An aerial lift truck must not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with workers in the basket, except for equipment which is specifically designed for this type of operation.
• Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers, must have both platform (upper) and lower controls.
  • Upper controls must be in or beside the platform within easy reach of the operator.
  • Lower controls must provide for overriding the upper controls.
  • Controls must be plainly marked as to their function.
  • Lower level controls must not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the employee in the lift, except in case of emergency.
• Workers must not wear tree or pole climbers while working from an aerial lift.
• The insulated portion of an aerial lift must not be altered in any manner that might reduce its insulating value.
• Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) must be inspected to see that it is properly cradled and outriggers are in stowed position.
• Aerial ladders must be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking device on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder before the truck is moved for highway travel.

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.