Aerial Lifts Outriggers, Brakes, and Wheel Chocks

Some aerial boom lifts are equipped with outriggers to improve stability. These outriggers should be used whenever possible to stabilize the lift and improve safety. If they are installed on an aerial boom lift, they must be installed on both sides of the lift.

Do not use outriggers as an excuse to position the lift on a slope that exceeds the manufacturer's recommended maximum slope. Do not rely on the outriggers to stabilize the lift if it is positioned on unstable or uneven ground.

In addition, stabilizers, extendable axles, oscillating axles, or other means to enhance stability must be deployed and locked in place, as stated by the manufacturer.

After positioning an aerial boom lift correctly, set the brakes and use wheel chocks to keep the wheels from moving. You cannot predict what will happen once you go up in the lift, so you should take safety precautions to prevent the lift from moving without your intention. The lift might be on stable ground to begin with, but if it rolls onto an unstable surface, you may be injured if it tips over.

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