Aerial Lift Operator Safety

There are several deaths and serious injuries each year that result from neglecting aerial lift operator safety, many of which are preventable. In this post, we will give you tips on scissor lift safety procedures and boom lift safety. We will also provide a brief explanation and some background to help you understand why it's important. We hope that these tips will help guide you, as an employer or an employee, to practice and educate others on aerial lift operator safety.

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General Aerial Lift Safety Tips

Before you decide to buy or rent a lift, consider the safety of both you and your workers. Using aerial lifts incorrectly results in many injuries and deaths every year. To minimize the risk of injury, you and your operators must be educated and trained on the common hazards of construction equipment, appropriate safety procedures, and how to respond in the event of an emergency.

Ensure all necessary safety information is covered in your equipment training courses, including:

• How to clean or deal with hazardous materials and situations. When an employee notices a safety concern, it makes the correction process more efficient if they immediately know what to do to remedy the situation. Faster action makes cleanup more efficient and keeps everyone safer.
• How to inspect jobsites and equipment for potential risks. Spotting safety hazards before beginning work can drastically reduce safety incidents and downtime. All employees should be trained on what safety concerns to look for before they arrive at the jobsite.
• How to avoid common dangers in the work area. It is vital to keep your employees safe by educating them about potential safety risks in their work environment.
• Proper loading and unloading of hardware. The size and complexity of aerial lifts can make even setting up the equipment dangerous for inexperienced workers. All jobsite employees should be trained on best practices for unloading lifts to begin work and loading them back for transportation.

If it has been an extended period since you or one of your operators has used the equipment in question or if there has been a recent injury or accident in the workplace, retraining might be required. You can never be too cautious in ensuring the safety of your employees. An investment in safety training is not only an investment in the well-being of your workers but also an investment in your business productivity and job efficiency.

But before we get into specifics, there are some general aerial lift safety precautions that can be taken regardless of what type of aerial lift you're using. According to investigations of aerial lift safety conducted by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the main causes of aerial lift deaths are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by following the aerial lift safety procedures outlined in the owner's manual.

Hire, Train, and Test Aerial Lift Operators

Overall, employers need to make sure aerial lift operators are trained to follow safety procedures. To verify that the person operating the aerial lift is trained and familiar with the safety procedures, we recommend having employees demonstrate their knowledge before going in the field to operate the piece of equipment. This way, the employer can be confident that the employee is well-versed in the operation of the equipment and any necessary safety measures. The reason we note this tip first is that if you have a trained person using the lift, they should be familiar with most of the tips on this list. However, whether you are the employer or the employee, it is good to be familiar with the aerial lift operator safety tips to ensure your aerial lift is being used safely.

Keep a Clear Mind and Focus Completely on Operating the Aerial Lift

Do not use aerial lifts (or any construction equipment) under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Accidents happen without these influences, so adding either of these to the mix increases the risk for the operator and co-workers.

In addition to drugs and alcohol, just fooling around and practical jokes can put you and co-workers at risk. Keep it out of the work zone altogether. Make sure you are giving your full attention and focus to operating the aerial lift and following all safety precautions.

Always Wear Protective Equipment

This aerial lift safety rule is a common one for all pieces of equipment – make sure you have your hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots ready to go. If there is any sort of accident, this safety equipment can help minimize your injuries. In addition to wearing your protective equipment, make sure you are not wearing loose clothing that could get caught in any part of the lift (we recommend pulling back long hair, too).

Inspect the Aerial Lift Prior to Use

The aerial lift should be inspected prior to use. Regardless of what type you are using, there are a variety of cords, pulleys, cables, and chains that work together to make the lift work. They should be visually inspected to make sure that nothing is loose or out of place. Tires, wheels, and casters should also be visually inspected – a solid foundation is essential to safely moving aerial lifts, so it is important that the tires and wheels are in good shape. The lift controls should be tested on-site before anyone gets on the platform or in the bucket to ensure everything is working properly. If something seems to be malfunctioning or damaged, the aerial lift should not be used.

Follow Capacity Limits

The manufacturer’s capacity limits should be strictly followed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it includes the weight of people, all of the tools, and bucket liners. Calculating the weight can take extra time, especially if additional tools are taken at the last minute. Regardless, the time it takes to calculate and make sure you are within the allowed capacity is worth it, given that one or more people will be relying on the lift to hold them. Make sure all debris is cleared off the platform and out of the bucket, too – not only does that help free up some space, but it also helps ensure there isn’t anything extra to cause you to slip or trip as you’re working.

Don’t Put Scaffolding on the Aerial Lift Platform

In addition to following the capacity limits for the aerial lift, you should also make sure you aren’t using the platform or bucket of the aerial lift as a support system for another piece of scaffolding. Regardless of whether or not it falls within the capacity limit, adding scaffolding or even something as small as a stepping stool puts you at significant risk of falling. Your feet should be flat on the platform or bucket at all times (ideally with some anti-slip treads).

Keep Your Distance from Power Lines and Wires

The mention of electrocutions within the top three most frequent causes of injury or death with aerial lifts may surprise you. But at the heights that aerial lifts are often used, there is a good chance you will be level with power lines at some point. Power lines, wires, and other conductors should be treated as if they are live wires, even if they appear insulated or you know they are down. To be safe, keep a distance of at least ten feet or three meters between you and any power lines at all times.

Don’t Override the Safety Features

Almost all aerial lifts come with some sort of safety features built in, whether they are hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical. Overriding these safety features is not recommended under any circumstances. These features were put in place by the manufacturer for your safety and should not be overridden.

Beware of Using an Aerial Lift in an Area with Poor Ventilation

Finally, we want to mention that aerial lifts can create sparks that could ignite any flammable substance – including vapors, fibers, and dust that may be in the atmosphere. Usually, a leak or spill of a flammable liquid would be reason to cease work on-site. However, while uncommon, these flammable vapors, fibers, and dust could be an issue if you are using an aerial lift in an area with poor ventilation. It is something every aerial lift operator should be aware of, even if it is something they never have to deal with.

In addition to all of these general aerial lift operator safety measures, there are additional safety measures that should be taken for the specific type of lift you're working with. Scissor lifts and boom lifts work differently, and while they share some safety precautions, they also have some of their own.

Scissor Lift Safety Tips

Scissor lifts have a platform that moves straight up and down. Around the work platform, there is a mid-rail and a top rail to protect workers from falling off the platform. When these lifts are extended and stationary, they can serve a purpose similar to scaffolding, and, therefore, have many of the same risks. However, the fact that the scissor lifts have the ability to move gives them a set of risks that scaffolding does not have. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has investigated injuries and fatalities as a result of using scissor lifts and found that the majority of them came down to preventable issues, such as stabilization, fall protection, and positioning.

Keep It on Firm, Level Ground

When scissor lifts are elevated, they are very tall and narrow, making them susceptible to tipping over if they are not stabilized and/or moved properly. The first step to preventing the lift from tipping over is to ensure it is on firm, stable, level ground. The base needs to have a strong, even foundation to support the lift when it is elevated. If you don't have the most level ground to work with, make sure you're using brakes and wheel chocks, as necessary – especially on an incline.

Avoid Windy Weather

The second step is to make sure you're only operating a scissor lift outside in weather conditions it can handle. Since it is very tall and slender in an elevated position, you want to avoid using it in windy conditions. It may seem like it would take a lot to push a scissor lift over, but the reality is a good gust of wind can do it. Not sure what the limit is? Don't worry, the user's manual will give you a limit, but it's usually a maximum of 28 miles per hour.

Put Distance Between the Scissor Lift and Other Equipment

Wind isn’t the only thing that can have enough force to tip a scissor lift over, which brings us to our third step – make sure the scissor lift is out of the way of other equipment. If you are working in tight quarters, this may mean alternating activity with other construction equipment and workers. This can be an inconvenience, especially when you are on a tight schedule, but it’s worth it to avoid the risk of equipment bumping into a scissor lift, causing it to tip over.

Do Not Move the Scissor Lift in an Upright Position

The final precautionary step you can take to prevent your scissor lift from tipping over is to avoid moving while operating a scissor lift in an upright position – no matter how small the distance. Some models may permit a certain level of movement with it in a partially elevated position, but never make any assumptions. Always make sure you consult the manufacturer’s owner manual so you aren't putting anyone in danger.

Beware of Collapsing

While it is rare, it's worth noting that scissor lifts can be unstable in another way: It’s possible that they can collapse. There are safety features built into these aerial lifts to ensure this doesn’t happen, and those features should be tested and maintained as needed – never bypassed. Why would you bypass a safety feature? Sometimes bypassing a safety feature could give you the ability to move the piece of equipment more quickly and conveniently. While there may be temporary benefits, the risks involved are not worth it.

Do Not Climb or Sit on Railings

In addition to the risks of tipping over and collapsing, there is also a risk of falling from the work platform when it is elevated. The mid and top rails are meant to protect workers from falling, but they are not meant to be climbed on or sat upon. The first step in preventing falls from scissor lifts is to make sure these rails are securely in place.

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Is anything loose? Is everything on the platform securely fastened? Regardless of how recently the equipment was used, make sure you do your own inspection to minimize risks and ensure the safe use of scissor lifts.

The second step is to ensure the mid and top rails are only being used as a boundary and nothing else. While the scissor lift does a good job of getting workers to the height they need, the width of the platform limits how much horizontal space you can cover. Rather than taking the time to lower the scissor lift and move the entire lift a few feet, it may be tempting to climb on the rails to attempt to reach the area. This can lead to workers falling from the work platform, resulting in serious injury and sometimes death.

Position the Scissor Lift Properly and Map Out Any Movement Across the Site

The positioning of the scissor lift while on a job site is also important to take into consideration to maximize the safety of employees. Make sure traffic controls are in place to avoid any vehicle or other equipment coming in contact with the scissor lift, especially when it’s in an elevated position. If you must move the scissor lift while it’s in an elevated position, map out the route you’re taking across the job site, no matter how short the distance, to ensure you will avoid electrical lines and any other objects that may be in your way.

Electric Scissor Lift Safety Inspection Checklist

Be sure to follow a thorough process for inspecting your scissor lift before use:

• Assess the condition of the scissor lift at the beginning of each workday. Look for any visible damage, signs of wear or rust.
• Inspect the guardrail around the platform. Make sure the guardrail gate and safety chain are always in place during operation. Keep in mind that the guardrail and the extension arms of the scissor lift are dangerous pinch points. Take care to keep body parts, clothing, and other items away from these areas.
• Ensure operator knowledge of controls and safety procedures before usage. Go over emergency response procedures beforehand. If necessary, offer safety training either through a company-sponsored training session or a local college.
• During use, make sure to watch for overhead hazards and obstacles. Look for power lines and trees when working outdoors, and check for pipes or other fixtures when inside.
• Maintain three points of contact when entering and exiting the platform. Three out of four limbs should always be in contact with the platform or the guardrail of the lift to remain stable.
• Make sure to inspect the job site itself. Look for any dangerous holes, obstacles or uneven ground. If any hazards are identified, make sure to avoid these areas when operating your scissor lift.

Before you wrap up your safety training and rent a scissor lift, double-check the condition of the scissor lift against OSHA’s standards for general scaffolding. Most of the regulations for standard scaffolding also apply to scissor lifts, so this is an invaluable resource when ensuring the safety of your team.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lift Safety Inspection Checklist

Safety inspections for rough terrain scissor lifts are vital in keeping you and your employees safe. Because these aerial lifts are often used in harsher outdoor conditions, it’s important to know what guidelines to follow:

• Always set brakes on lock. Especially with the use of rough terrain aerial lifts, always ensure the machine is safely locked into position. Because rough terrain scissor lifts are used on uneven, sloping environments, you do not want to risk the instance of it falling over or shifting downhill.
• Keep a safe distance from power lines and wires. Rough terrain scissor lifts are typically used in outside environments. Therefore, keeping the machine away from hazardous wires will prevent electric shocks and power outages.
• Avoid dangerous weather. Although rough terrain aerial lifts are designed for outdoor weather conditions, severe weather still causes safety hazards. Do not operate equipment in storms or highly risky terrains.
• Never move the rough terrain scissor lift while in operation. No matter how small the distance, never operate a rough terrain scissor lift in an upright position. In many conditions, this action will cause the lift to tip over.

Boom Lift Safety Tips

There are two different types of boom lifts (also known as man lifts): telescopic and articulated boom lifts.

How the platform moves depends on the type of boom lift. Telescopic boom lifts extend straight out horizontally, and then up and down. Articulated boom lifts, on the other hand, have joints in their extension (also known as knuckle lifts), giving them more flexibility.

Wear a Harness and Secure the Lanyard to the Bucket

Since these lifts are not just going straight up in the air, there’s an additional risk for the person riding in the platform. Regardless of whether you’re in a telescopic or articulating boom lift, make sure you always wear your harness and securely fasten the lanyard to the platform as instructed in the manufacturer’s manual. Falling out of the platform may seem unlikely, but an unexpected force from a collision with another piece of equipment or a gust of wind could knock you out of the platform. Without a harness and lanyard, it could result in serious injury or death.

Do Not Use a Boom Lift to Lift Heavy Supplies

Boom lifts are meant to lift people and tools to reach a certain area to work. They are not meant to lift heavy supplies – if you need to lift heavy supplies, you need to use a crane. Trying to use a