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What to Do While Operating an Aerial Lift (OSHA Safety)

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What to Do While Operating an Aerial Lift (OSHA Safety)

Per OSHA’s Aerial Lift Factsheet, below outlines what to do while operating an aerial lift, including fall protection, overhead protection, stability in the work zone, and operation.

What to Do While Operating an Aerial Lift

Fall Protection

  • Ensure that access gates or openings are closed.
  • Stand firmly on the floor of the bucket or lift platform.
  • Do not climb on or lean over guardrails or handrails.
  • Do not use planks, ladders, or other devices as a working position.
  • Use a body harness or a restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or bucket.
  • Do not belt-off to adjacent structures or poles while in the bucket.

Operation/Traveling/Loading

  • Do not exceed the load-capacity limits. Take the combined weight of the worker(s), tools and materials into account when calculating the load.
  • Do not use the aerial lift as a crane.
  • Do not carry objects larger than the platform.
  • Do not drive with the lift platform raised (unless the manufacturer’s instructions allow this).
  • Do not operate lower level controls unless permission is obtained from the worker(s) in the lift (except in emergencies).
  • Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits.
  • Do not operate an aerial lift in high winds above those recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Do not override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.

Overhead Protection

  • Be aware of overhead clearance and overhead objects, including ceilings.
  • Do not position aerial lifts between overhead hazards if possible.
  • Treat all overhead power lines and communication cables as energized, and stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away.
  • Ensure that the power utility or power line workers de-energize power lines in the vicinity of the work.

Stability in the Work Zone

  • Set outriggers on pads or on a level, solid surface.
  • Set brakes when outriggers are used.
  • Use wheel chocks on sloped surfaces when it is safe to do so.
  • Set up work zone warnings, such as cones and signs, when necessary to warn others.

For additional information on aerial lift safety, see the Aerial Lifts OSHA FactSheet.

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