|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Aerial Work Platform Safety Guidelines

There are different types of aerial work platforms, such as elevating work platforms, scaffolds, scissor lifts, hotel lifts and cherry pickers. They provide temporary work surfaces and access at heights, are designed to be moved and used where needed and are used to lift and hold limited weight. They can be un-powered, self-propelled or vehicle-mounted. Special precautions and procedures are necessary for safe assembly and use of aerial work platforms. OSHA addresses scaffold safety in Standards 29 CFR General Requirements 1926.451 and 1926.452.

  1. Aerial Work Platform Accidents to Avoid

    • Situations to be avoided with training, safe work practices and OSHA compliance include uneven and unstable surfaces or bases, overhead objects falling, working near live power sources, working without fall protection, equipment tipping over and crush and pinch accidents and injuries. OSHA Standards 29 CFR General Requirements 1926.451 and .452 address scaffold safety requirements, including assembly, inspection and use.

    Footings and Supports

    • OSHA requires scaffolding footings and supports to be level and secured with guys, ties and braces where necessary, especially if loaded with uneven weight to prevent tipping, swaying or any kind of displacement. The original assembly and safety inspection must be performed by a trained worker or supervisor according to manufacturer’s instructions, with no alteration. Scaffolds must not be stacked or assembled on top of any unstable objects that are not part of the equipment. All supports, including bracing, ties and guys must be properly secured and be able to support at least four times their weight.

    Guard Rails

    • OSHA requires guard rails on all open ends and sides of scaffolds and in specific situations such as on walkways and when performing bricklaying. There are specific requirements for mid-rails, screens, mesh and solid panels for guard rails. Guard rails must be able to withstand specific weight requirements, and must be surfaced to prevent injury to employees moving and working between them.

    Fall Protection

    • OSHA requires personal fall protection systems used on scaffolds to be attached in a specific manner for safety and security. Safe points for anchoring fall protection include structural parts of buildings and preclude detachable parts like gutters, piping, vents or electrical cords and wires.

Work Safety - Related Articles