This document provides safety tips for operating aerial lifts. It notes that the major causes of aerial lift fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and tip-overs or collapses. It lists several safety practices for operating aerial lifts, including conducting pre-start inspections, maintaining clearance from power lines, using fall protection equipment like harnesses, not exceeding load limits, and operating lifts according to manufacturer instructions. Resources for additional aerial lift safety information from OSHA are also provided.

1. SAFETY TIP:
Using Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks.
(OSHA regulates scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds, not as aerial devices.) The major causes of
aerial lift fatalities are falls, electrocutions and collapses or tip-overs. Here are some
OSHA tips for safe work practices:
 Prior to each work shift, conduct a pre-start inspection to
verify that the equipment and all its components are in safe
operating condition.
 Inspect work zones for hazards and take action to
eliminate hazards before and during operation of an aerial
lift.
 Never move the equipment with workers on an elevated platform unless this
is permitted by the manufacturer.
 Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards,
such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could
crush the worker(s).
 Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, from the
nearest overhead lines.
 Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if
they are down or appear to be insulated.
 Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or
basket to prevent worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
 Set the brakes, and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
 Use outriggers, if provided.
 Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined
weight of the worker, tools, and materials. Do not use the lift as a crane.
 Ensure workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in safe use of the
equipment.
 Maintain and operate lifts in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
 Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices.
Aerial lift safety resources:
 OSHA aerial lift page.
 OSHA Standard 1926.453 regarding aerial lifts.
 Download an OSHA aerial lifts fact sheet. (pdf)
 Browse PPE Fall Protection signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.
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