Aerial Lifts Guardrails

OSHA requires guardrails to be installed and properly positioned on all aerial boom lift platforms and buckets, and during use, access openings or gates must be closed in compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. A guardrail is defined as a vertical barrier primarily intended to protect against personnel falling to lower levels. A guardrail system generally includes a top rail, a mid-rail, and toeboards. According to ANSI A92.5, guardrails should be 42 inches high and toeboards should be at least 4 inches high

When working on an aerial boom lift, you should never stand on a box or other item to gain additional height. Doing so raises your center of gravity above the safety area of the railings. In addition, you must not stand on the guardrails or lower them to gain access to a work area. You should not overreach beyond the edge of the platform. If the lift moves unexpectedly, you may lose your balance and fall.

To learn more about Aerial Lifts visit our OSHA Aerial Boom Lift Safety Online Training web page.