Boom lift operation in the United States is governed by OSHA Standard 1926.453, which outlines strict safety expectations for anyone using aerial lift equipment. Rental companies supplying booms to contractors must understand how these requirements affect their customers, especially when high-reach equipment is involved. The goal is minimizing preventable risks—tip-overs, falls, electrocution hazards, and structural failures—through proper training, inspection, and lift selection.
Many job sites rely on articulating and telescopic models for height access, and both categories fall under the same OSHA framework. American Rental Services supports rental providers across the U.S. by supplying fully serviced boom lift options that are ready for safe deployment and compliant with federal workplace regulations.
Boom Lift Safety Standards
OSHA regulations require that any worker operating a boom lift be trained, competent, and authorized by the employer. Training must include how the lift functions, the hazards associated with specific models, and the procedures for safe maneuvering. Boom lift operators must also understand dynamic forces unique to this type of aerial work, including platform sway, horizontal outreach, load distribution, and safe travel on uneven terrain.
Pre-use inspections are mandatory. OSHA specifies the need to check controls, hydraulic components, emergency descent functionality, guardrails, platform gates, tires, outriggers, and warning systems. If damage, leaks, or malfunctioning parts are found, the boom lift must be removed from service until repaired. These requirements apply to both telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts, which is why ARS performs rigorous equipment checks before every rental.
OSHA also requires fall protection. For boom lifts specifically, workers must use a full-body harness with a lanyard secured to an approved anchor point inside the platform. Standing or climbing on guardrails is prohibited. Because boom lifts offer horizontal reach, operators must remain aware of swing radius, overhead power lines, and pinch hazards created by the boom section movement.
Stability rules are another major focus of OSHA’s standard. The surface below the boom must be level and capable of supporting the equipment load. When wind speeds exceed manufacturer limits, the boom cannot be used. Weather restrictions are non-negotiable for safe operation. Rental companies often field questions about these guidelines, making it important to supply equipment from sources that maintain manufacturer decals and provide specification sheets.
One advantage of re-renting from ARS is the access to well-maintained, current-model boom lifts that meet the original design specifications required by OSHA. Each unit arrives ready for work with updated safety labels, operational controls functioning correctly, and structural components inspected for wear. This prevents the compliance concerns that can arise with older or heavily used stock.
Job sites must also follow OSHA’s electrical safety distances. Boom lifts cannot come within 10 feet of energized power lines unless the lines are de-energized or insulated by the utility owner. Articulating boom lifts are particularly useful for navigating around hazards, but the operator still must follow approach limits defined in the standard.
Because OSHA regulations apply nationwide, consistency is essential for rental companies that serve multiple regions. ARS simplifies this by delivering the same quality of boom lifts—inspected, documented, and transported quickly—regardless of destination. This allows rental locations to support contractors without overextending their own inventory or risking OSHA non-compliance due to equipment condition.
At the rental counter, your customers will ask about certifications, fall protection requirements, and safe operating procedures. Having reliable information and reliable equipment is part of delivering a quality rental experience. ARS gives your team confidence by supplying aerial lifts that align with federal safety expectations and manufacturer guidance, reducing liability concerns while improving customer satisfaction.
Need OSHA-ready boom lifts for your rental fleet? Re-rent articulating or telescopic boom lifts nationwide from American Rental Services. Browse inventory at:
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Articulating Boom Lifts