Aerial Lift Training Video

Aerial Lift Safety

Aerial lifts provide access to elevated work areas, but improper use can lead to falls, tipovers, struck-by incidents, or electrocution. Safe use depends on proper training, pre-use inspections, stable setup, correct operation, and awareness among both lift operators and nearby workers.

Types and Components of Aerial Lifts

• Extensible boom platforms: Use a single arm to raise the platform.
• Aerial ladders: Use one or more extendable ladder sections.
• Articulating boom platforms: Use hinged boom sections to reach around obstacles.
• Vertical towers: Raise a platform vertically, often with a telescoping mast.

Most lifts have a base, a lifting mechanism, a platform or bucket, and controls. The lifting mechanism may be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrically powered.

Training and Hazards

Workers who use or work near aerial lifts need training on equipment hazards and how to prevent or control them. Training should cover:

• Fall, electrical, and falling-object hazards
• Inspections and load limits
• Safe operation and movement
• Recognizing unsafe conditions

Workers should also review the lift’s operator’s manual and gain hands-on practice. Retraining may be needed after an accident, when workplace hazards change, when using a different type of lift, or when unsafe operation is observed.

Key Hazards and How to Reduce Them

• Falls: Inspect fall-protection equipment before use and remove damaged equipment from service. Connect it only to the manufacturer-approved anchor point on the lift—not to nearby structures. Keep both feet on the platform; do not lean on, sit on, or climb the guardrails.
• Tipovers: Never exceed the lift’s rated load. Count the operator, tools, and other equipment toward the load. Use outriggers or stabilizers when provided, and place them on firm, level ground.
• Falling objects: Use cones, tape, or signs to restrict access beneath and around the lift. Ground workers in the area should wear hard hats.
• Overhead and surrounding obstructions: Check for beams, rafters, ceilings, HVAC ducts, pipes, cable routes, trees, poles, other equipment, and floor debris. Maintain appropriate clearance.
• Power lines: De-energize lines if possible. Otherwise, stay as far away as possible. The video states that non-qualified electrical workers and conductive objects they carry must remain at least 10 feet from lines carrying up to 50,000 volts; greater clearance is required for higher voltages.

Safe-Use Procedure

1. Inspect before use

   • Perform both a lift inspection and a worksite inspection.
   • Check the equipment for damage or unsafe conditions. Assess the setup area for hazards such as unstable ground, obstructions, debris, and weather conditions.
   • Do not use equipment that is damaged or unsafe.

2. Set up the lift

   • Position it where the work is to be done.
   • Set outriggers or stabilizers on a solid, level surface; prepare the ground if needed.
   • Confirm that access gates can close and lock.
   • Review the operator’s manual and the lift’s posted warnings, restrictions, workload limits, and maximum platform height.
   • Establish a work zone using cones, tape, or signs, and inspect fall-protection equipment.

3. Operate safely

   • Enter the platform, close and lock the gate, and attach fall protection to the approved lift anchor point.
   • Test the controls and safety features, including a dead-man switch if present.
   • Raise the platform slowly and stay within the manufacturer’s vertical and horizontal limits.
   • Do not use ladders, planks, stools, or similar devices to extend your reach or bridge a gap.
   • Never override safety devices.
   • Do not move a raised lift unless it is specifically designed for that purpose.
   • If transferring to an adjacent structure, keep the platform within one foot of the structure and use a two-lanyard system: one connection to the platform and one to the structure. Disconnect the platform lanyard only after the transfer is complete.
   • Do not operate lower-level controls while the lift is raised unless there is an emergency or the worker in the lift gives permission.

4. Lower and put away the lift

   • Make sure people, tools, and debris are clear from below. Use a spotter if helpful and agree on signals beforehand.
   • Lower the lift slowly onto its supports, secure the platform or bucket for transport, and stow outriggers or stabilizers.
   • Remove work-zone signs, tape, and cones when the work area is safe to reopen.

5. Move or drive the lift

   • Follow safe driving practices, obey posted speed limits, and give pedestrians the right of way. If no speed limit is posted, travel slowly and steadily.
   • Do not drive with the platform raised unless the lift is designed for that use. Avoid reckless driving and horseplay.

Safety for Nearby Workers

People on the ground can be exposed to tipovers, falling objects, and electrical hazards. Stay out of the lift’s work area when possible. If entry is necessary, wear appropriate PPE, including a hard hat; stay visible to the operator; watch for blind spots and moving lifts; and keep clear of booms as they rise or lower.

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: An unnamed instructional narrator; no other individual speakers are identifiable in the subtitles.
• Sources referenced: OSHA, for the definition of an aerial lift and training and clearance guidance; and the lift manufacturer’s operator’s manual, labels, and safety instructions.