Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts include the following types of vehicle-mounted aerial devices used to elevate personnel to work at above ground elevations:

1 Extensible boom platforms

2 Articulating boom platforms

3 Vertical towers

4 Aerial ladders

5 A combination of any of the above

Aerial equipment may be powered or manually operated and are deemed aerial lifts whether or not they are capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis. Specific requirements:

1 Ladder trucks and tower trucks - Ladders shall be locked in lowered and stowed position prior to highway travel.

2 Extensible and articulating boom platforms

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

b. Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift.

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

d. 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.

e. A body belt shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.

f. Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

g. The brakes shall be set and when outriggers are used, they shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface. Wheel chocks shall be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can be safely installed.

h. An aerial lift truck shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with men in the basket, except for equipment which is specifically designed for this type of operation in accordance with the provisions of 1926.556(a)(1) and (2).

i. Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers, shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls shall be in or beside the platform within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls shall provide for overriding the upper controls. Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls shall not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the employee in the lift, except in case of emergency.

j. Climbers shall not be worn while performing work from an aerial lift

k. The insulated portion of an aerial lift shall not be altered in any manner that might reduce its insulating value.

l. Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) shall be inspected to see that it is properly cradled and outriggers are in stowed position except as provided in paragraph h. above.

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