Aerial Lift Safety

Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platforms, such as scissor lists or bucket trucks, used to access utility lines and other above ground job sites. The major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs. Employers must take measurements to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts. At Lee Contracting, our employees are trained from day one to ensure safety on all job sites.

Lee Contracting’s aerial lift safety procedure includes:

• Aerial lifts may be “field modified” for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer provided the modification has been certified in writing by the manufacturer or by an equivalent entity.

• Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that such controls are in safe working conditions. Tests shall be made at the beginning of each shift during which the equipment is to be used to determine that the brakes and operating systems are in proper working condition.

• Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift and boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

• Aerial lifts shall have a working back-up alarm audible above the surrounding noise level or the vehicle is back up only when an observer (spotter) signals that it is safe to do so.

• The minimum clearance between electrical lines and any part of the equipment (i.e. crane or load) shall be 20 feet for lines rated 50 kV or below.

• Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.

• An approved fall restraint system shall be worn when working from an aerial lift. The fall restraint system must be attached to the boom or basket. An approved fall restraint system shall be attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift and it is not permitted to be attached to adjacent poles or structures.

• All employees who operate an aerial lift device shall be trained in the safe operation of the specific device they will operate. Training must conform to all OSHA requirements.

Safe aerial lift operation requirements per OSHA:

• Complete the required training prior to operating any equipment.

• Be aware of and remove any hazards, including overhead hazards.

• Prior to each work shift, conduct a pre-start inspection to ensure safe use of the equipment.

• Prior to each work shift, conduct a work zone inspection to assure the area is eliminated of all hazards.

• Follow all fall protection requirements learned in training.

• Always confirm stability of the work zone by using outriggers, brakes, chocks, along with cones and signs to warn others.

Our skilled tradespeople are trained since day one to put safety first. We pride ourselves on safe operation of all equipment and getting all employees home safe. Learn more about our safety department today.

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