Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platforms used to access aboveground job sites. Examples include the following:

• Extendable boom platforms
• Aerial ladders
• Articulating (jointed) boom platforms
• Vertical towers

Aerial lifts have replaced ladders and scaffolding on many job sites due to their mobility and flexibility. They may be made of metal, fiberglass, reinforced plastic, or other materials. They may be powered or manually operated.

Aerial lifts may be modified for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer, provided the modification has been certified in writing by the manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity, such as a nationally recognized testing laboratory, to be in conformity with all applicable provisions of ANSI A92.2-1969, all OSHA regulations, and to be at least as safe as the equipment was before modification.

The major risks of using aerial lifts are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs. Employers must ensure the safe use of aerial lifts by training workers to recognize these risks and take all precautions to prevent accidents.

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