Aerial Lift Safety

Why it matters

Boom lifts and scissor lifts put you 30 feet up on a platform that moves. The two ways they kill are tipping over and ejecting the operator, and both usually 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

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