Aerial Lift Safety

Why it matters

Boom lifts and scissor lifts put you high up on a platform that moves. OSHA lists tip-overs, ejections, falls, electric shock, and getting crushed against overhead objects as ways lifts hurt or kill. Many of these start with something small: a pothole, a gust, or an unbuckled harness on a boom.

Hazards

• ⚠ Tip-overs from soft ground, slopes, potholes, and overloading
• ⚠ Ejection from the basket when the boom bounces or is struck
• ⚠ Electrocution from overhead power lines
• ⚠ Crushing against overhead steel and structures while elevating
• ⚠ People below struck by dropped tools

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Inspect the lift and the ground route before use: tires, controls, ground firmness, slopes, holes.
• ✓ In boom lifts, wear a harness with the lanyard tied to the manufacturer anchor, every time, per 1926.453(b)(2)(v).
• ✓ Keep at least 10 feet from power lines up to 50kV, more for higher voltage.
• ✓ Look up before you go up. Watch for steel, ductwork, and ceilings while elevating.
• ✓ Stay inside the rails, both feet on the floor. Never climb on the midrail or use planks in the basket.
• ✓ Barricade the ground area below and keep the swing path clear of people.

Crew discussion questions

1. What is the ground condition along today’s lift route?
2. Where are the overhead lines and obstructions on this site?
3. Is everyone in a boom lift tying off to the right anchor point?
4. Who is barricading below before the lift goes up?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.453, 29 CFR 1926.502

More toolbox talks

• Forklift and Telehandler Safety
• Power Tool Safety
• Temporary Power, Cords, and GFCI
• Fire Extinguisher Basics
• First Aid and Emergency Response
• Noise and Hearing Protection

Talks by trade

RoofingElectricalHVAC / MechanicalGeneral ContractorAll toolbox talks

Safety documents

Site-specific safety plan, $49JHA, $29Written safety program, $149