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714 Fall Protection Program
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Appropriate Fall Protection

If you work from an aerial lift, you must be protected from falling.

Aerial Lift transporting one worker.
Note guard rail and personal fall arrest system.

The type of fall protection you need depends on the type of lift you use. Most platforms must have a guardrail and each worker may be required to use a personal fall-arrest system: a full-body harness and lanyard attached to the boom or the platform.

Safe Practices On Aerial Lifts

Keep in mind the following when you use an aerial lift:

  • Use the lift only for its intended purpose and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Keep the operating manual with the lift.
  • Keep the lift level and stable; use outriggers and intermediate stabilizers.
  • Never move the lift when the boom is up and workers are on the platform.
  • Two workers on a scissor lift.
    Example of scissor lift with guardrails.
  • Stand on the platform floor. Don't sit or climb on the edge of the basket, guardrail, or midrail.
  • Be sure to close the access gate while you're working from the platform.
  • Inspect the lift before using it to make sure that it's working properly and is in good condition.
  • Know the lift's rated load capacity and don't exceed it.
  • Stay at least 10 feet away from electrical power lines.
  • Never use the lift during severe weather.
  • Use warning signs or barricades to keep others out of the work area.
  • Never tie off to equipment or to a structure next to the platform.

Portable ladders, supported scaffolds, and aerial lifts provide easy access to most elevated work areas. When they're not feasible or safe, however, the alternative is a suspended platform.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-7. How far must aerial lifts stay away from overhead powerlines?