Operating an aerial lift requires specialized training to ensure safety for workers. This comprehensive guide covers aerial lift types, hazards, safety procedures, and training requirements.
Aerial lifts allow workers to reach elevated work areas safely and efficiently. However, working at height presents fall and equipment hazards. Proper aerial lift training is essential for preventing injuries and fatalities.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates aerial lift safety in the workplace. Additionally, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets design, use and training standards for aerial lifts. This guide will provide an overview based on the latest ANSI standards.
Proper training and strict adherence to aerial lift safety principles are crucial, as statistics show that accidents involving aerial lifts continue to occur despite regulatory efforts. Implementing robust aerial lift safety programs pays dividends through reduced risks and prevention of tragic loss of life.
Types of Aerial Lifts and Components
There are several categories of aerial lifts defined in the ANSI standards:
Boom Lifts
- Telescopic Boom Lifts: A telescoping boom lift has a platform attached to a boom that can extend outward and upward from the base unit. It allows access to height and reach.
- Articulating Boom Lifts: The boom on this type of lift has hinged sections allowing it to bend and move into hard-to-reach spaces. The platform is attached to the end of the articulating boom.
- Trailer-Mounted Boom Lifts: These units have a boom lift mounted on a trailer base for enhanced mobility.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts have an elevating platform attached to a criss-cross scissor mechanism or a telescoping mast. They move straight up vertically.
Aerial Ladders
Aerial ladders have a platform at the top of the extendable ladder, as seen on fire trucks.
Vertical Lifts
These lifts move a platform straight up and down a mast, providing vertical access.
Understanding the different types of aerial lifts, their capabilities and limitations is crucial for proper selection, operation and safety. Consult equipment manuals and manufacturers for specifications.
Key components of aerial lifts include:
- Base with stabilizers
- Lifting mechanism
- Platform or bucket
- Controls
Inspecting these components thoroughly before use prevents equipment failures leading to dangerous situations.
Aerial Lift Hazards and Safe Practices
Using aerial lifts presents several potential hazards:
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of aerial lift fatalities. Workers must:
- Wear fall protection harnesses with lanyards attached to the platform
- Keep guardrails in place
- Close access gates before operating
- Never climb down from an elevated platform
Falls can happen quickly. Rigorous enforcement of fall protection is a must. Conduct regular inspections of harnesses, lanyards, anchorages and railings.
Tip-Overs
Exceeding load limits, improper setup on sloping or unstable ground, and sudden movements can cause tip-overs. To prevent tip-overs:
- Never exceed load capacity
- Use outriggers and set on firm ground
- Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns
Carefully survey all work areas for surface conditions, slopes and depressions that could contribute to tip-overs before moving lifts.
Struck-Bys
Aerial lift parts or falling objects can strike workers below. Operators should:
- Barricade work areas below lifts
- Avoid carrying heavy loads that could fall
- Watch for pinch points when lowering platforms
Erect barricades at a safe distance from aerial lifts proportional to the heights reached.
Electrocution
Aerial lifts conducting electricity present a dangerous shock hazard. Maintain safe distance from overhead power lines and energized equipment.
Consult power utilities before working near power lines. Use dedicated spotters when unavoidable.
Other Hazards
Additional hazards include entanglements, hydraulic failures, uncontrolled movements, and environmental factors like high winds. Proper inspection, operation, training and situational awareness are essential for safety.
Weather conditions, noise, distractions and complacency compromise awareness. Maintain focus and alertness when operating lifts.
Aerial Lift Operator Training Requirements
Only properly trained and authorized workers should operate aerial lifts. ANSI and OSHA require training on:
- The specific make and model of equipment
- Inspection procedures
- Safe operating procedures for the lift and work environment
- Recognition and avoidance of hazards
- Emergency procedures
- Applicable standards and regulations
Operators must also be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate proper operation. Refresher training may be required based on operator performance issues or changes in the workplace.
Aerial lift operators should participate in hands-on training exercises such as maneuvering through tight spaces or entrances.
Aerial Lift Occupant Training Requirements
ANSI standards require occupant training for anyone working on an elevated aerial lift platform, even if they are not operating the controls.
At a minimum, occupants must be trained on:
- How their movement affects platform stability
- Proper use of fall protection
- Potential workplace hazards
- Aerial lift controls and how to operate in an emergency
- Load limits
Occupants should also practice safe entry, exit, and riding procedures.
Employer Aerial Lift Safe Use Programs
Workplaces using aerial lifts must have a written safe use program meeting ANSI requirements. This program must include:
Risk Assessments
Conduct a hazard evaluation of all job sites and tasks where aerial lifts will be used. Identify potential hazards like uneven terrain, energized equipment, weather conditions, etc. Develop proper procedures.
Regular review and documentation of risk assessments ensures they remain current.
Rescue Plans
Develop detailed rescue plans for each type of aerial lift. Address common issues like workers stranded in lifts and suspended from fall protection after a fall.
Perform rescue drills to identify deficiencies and prepare workers.
Training
Provide training for operators, occupants, supervisors and ground workers. Include practical evaluations.
Enforce aerial lift safety discipline at all organizational levels to instill a culture of safety.
Conclusion
Aerial lifts provide access for elevated work, but also introduce risks of falls, electrocutions, tip-overs and more potentially fatal hazards. Following ANSI standards by implementing a comprehensive safe use program reduces these risks. Proper training, planning and safe operating practices are critical. All workers must stay alert and use caution when operating or working near aerial lifts.
Regular aerial lift safety audits ensure programs remain robust over time. No shortcut is worth a life when working at heights.
The comprehensive guide you’ve just read highlights the critical importance of specialized training when operating aerial lifts. It underscores the hazards and risks that operators and occupants face, as well as the training standards set by OSHA and ANSI. Despite regulatory efforts, accidents continue to occur, necessitating a robust training program that goes beyond the basics. While being informed is a vital first step, actual training makes the real difference. So, how can you arm yourself with the knowledge and skills to operate aerial lifts safely and efficiently?
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