Safety for Aerial Lift Mechanics

A number of precautions must be taken to ensure proper aerial lift safety. Training standards are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and require all lift operators to be trained by an experienced operator in the areas of lift operation and hazards.

Electrocutions

• To avoid electrocutions, operators should stay at least 10 feet away from power lines, use proper personal equipment and tools and use a lift with insulated buckets. Insulated buckets prevent the operator from being grounded when working with electrical equipment.

Falls

• Guard rails must be in place for any aerial lift to be considered safe. Furthermore, OSHA requires all lift operators to wear a full-body harness or other proper positioning device. Belts attached to short lanyards may be used as long as they are anchored inside a bucket.

Tip Overs

• In order to avoid tip overs, never drive with an elevated aerial lift. Do not exceed the aerial lift's vertical or horizontal limits. On a scissor lift (as opposed to a boom lift), keep pushing, pulling and other unnecessary shaking to a minimum.