Aerial Lifts
Safe Work Practices
To make sure you are not injured while operating an aerial lift, follow these safe work practices:
- Make sure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
- Maintain and operate elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
- Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.
Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment.
- Never move the equipment with workers in 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 (3.1 m)away from the nearest energized 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 the 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.
You may also want to visit OSHA's Fact Sheet for Aerial Lifts and 29 CFR 1926.453, Aerial lifts.
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