Aerial Lift Interlocks

Some equipment models are designed with interlocks to help increase safety during use. Some common aerial boom lift interlocks are as follows:

• A driving interlock may limit the speed the aerial boom lift can reach while the lift is elevated.
• If the aerial boom lift requires the use of extendable axles, outriggers, or other devices to meet stability requirements, interlocks can stop the extension or elevation of the platform unless all stabilizing devices are properly in use. An interlock can also ensure that it is impossible to activate the driving motor unless the outriggers are retracted.
• A tilt interlock prevents the aerial boom lift from raising the boom when the base is on a slope.
• A gate interlock ensures that the gate is closed before the lift is elevated and sets off an alarm if the gate is forced open while elevated.
• A foot interlock ensures that at least one foot is flat on the platform.

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