Scissor lifts and boom lifts have replaced ladders and scaffolding on many job sites and, because of their mobility and flexibility, they have improved production.

But in my years of working around this type of equipment, I have found that training is taken for granted. Most employers think their employees know how to operate this equipment safely. OSHA does not consider just watching a video “training.” OSHA says, in fact, that if you use a video for training on aerial lifts, a competent person must be there to answer questions. Let’s cover some of those questions now.

What causes accidents?

Poor equipment maintenance.

Welding and cutting on lifts — when slag or sparks land on batteries.

Wheels dropping into holes or slipping off decks — or any other abrupt change in elevation.

Scissor lifts that have a small foot print can tip easily. Most of the narrow scissor lifts can be pulled or pushed over with 100 lbs. of side force when elevated.

Using a lift as a crane — attaching a load to the basket.

Climbing on or over hand rails.

Painting and sandblasting can damage equipment and cover safety decals.

What causes fatalities?

Human factors — factors that can be directly associated with what the worker involved, other worker (s) or the employer did or failed to do; for example, improper or dangerous work procedures or lack of personal protective equipment.

Language barrier. We are seeing an increase in accidents involving hispanic workers who have not been properly trained because of a language barrier. Employers are responsible for creating a safe work environment for their employees, but that goal can’t be achieved if training is unavailable in a language the worker can understand clearly.

Equipment/material/facility-related factors; e.g., collapse of structures or failure of equipment and the interaction between these factors and human actions.

Environmental factors — extreme or unplanned environmental conditions in the workplace that severely and adversely affect the working conditions; e.g., strong winds and icy surfaces.

Getting caught in the pinch point or squeeze point.

Overhead moving/falling objects.

Poor condition of the working surface or dangerous facility layout.

Poor illumination.

Touching power lines.

Bad weather conditions.

Give your aerial lift customers the following guidelines and procedures and urge them to establish a policy for using lift equipment, if they haven’t already done so. A friendly suggestion from a trusted supplier — you — could be all it takes to turn a potentially hazardous working environment into a safe one.

Aerial Lift Training Guidelines

Only trained and authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift.

A malfunctioning lift shall be shut down until repaired.

Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that the controls are in safe working condition.

A full-body harness with lanyard shall be worn and attached to the basket at the manufacturer’s anchor point when operating an aerial lift.

Employees shall always stand 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.

Load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

Aerial lifts shall not be used near electric power lines unless the lines have been de-energized or adequate clearance is maintained.

Employees using aerial lifts shall be instructed how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and hazards.

OPERATION CHECKLIST

Walk around the lift; look for loose or missing parts or visible damage.

Check hose and cable guards for damage.

Check tires for loose or missing lug nuts; visible damage (such as cut tires) or tires improperly inflated.

Check to be sure the fuel filter cap is secure; make sure there are no gasoline leaks on the tank or accessories.

Check the engine oil supply.

Check controls for correct operation.

Operate on a smooth, firm and level surface.

Operate within the platform’s load limits as displayed on the machine.

Aerial lifts with extendible axles or outriggers must have these stabilizing devices properly positioned before the platform can be raised or boom extended.

Do not operate the platform using ground controls with persons in the platform except in an emergency.

Never remove, modify or disable the foot switch.

Always maintain a clearance of at least 10 feet between any part of the machine or its load and any electrical line or apparatus carrying up to 50,000 volts; 2 feet of additional clearance is required above 50,000 volts.

Allow engines and hydraulic system to warm up before inspecting the machine for malfunctions.

Do not drive the machine to the work location with the boom in any position other than centered over the rear axle and below horizontal.

Never use the boom on grades or side slopes exceeding those specified for the machine.

Do not drive the machine on grades or side slopes exceeding those specified for the machine.

Use extreme caution when driving with the platform elevated. Activate controls with a slow, even motion.

Never walk or climb the boom to gain access to or to leave the platform.

Wear a full-body harness and lanyard at all times when in the platform, with the lanyard properly attached to platform. Never attach to an adjacent object or structure.

Do not operate the machine when wind conditions exceed 15 mph.

Personnel shall always stand on the floor of the platform, not on boxes, planks, railing or other devices for a work position.

Turn the ignition switch off and remove the master key to prevent operation by unauthorized personnel.

Tying off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment while working from an aerial lift shall not be permitted.

Load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

Maintenance

Use only clean, approved non-flammable cleaning solvents.

Shut off all power controls before making adjustments, lubricating or performing any other maintenance.

Use caution when checking a hot pressurized engine coolant system.

When refueling, never smoke; never refuel during electrical storms. Ensure that the cap is closed after refueling.

Call 1-906-226-4080

www.4-Safety.com