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Aerial Lift Responsibilities

Environmental, Health and Safety

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the Aerial Lift Safety Program. This involves:

  • Training all operators in the associated hazards and general safe work practices of aerial lifts.
  • Maintaining centralized records of training and certification records.
  • Providing technical assistance and resources to university personnel.
  • Evaluating the overall effectiveness of the program on a periodic basis.

Departments

Departments are expected to maintain a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors to our campus. Departments must ensure equipment provided is of a safe design, appropriate for the work task and location, and in good condition. It is recommended that departments designate a responsible person(s) to coordinate the requirements of this program with employees.

Each department that owns or uses aerial lifts (including rentals) must ensure that all operators are trained and authorized by the department to use such equipment. Machine-specific training must be provided by the department. General safety training and operator observation is conducted by Environmental Health & Safety (or departmental designee).

Supervisors must ensure that machine-specific operational training is provided to potential operators, and that pertinent sections of the Operator's Manual (i.e. safety, limitations, proper set up and operation, inspection, etc.) have been reviewed by the operator prior to Environmental Health & Safety observation and certification.

Employees

Employees are expected to:

  • Complete Environmental Health & Safety general awareness level training (i.e. Aerial Lift Training).
  • Review the Operator's Manual(s) for the lift(s) to be operated.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, such as hard hats.
  • Perform pre-use inspections and function tests in accordance with the operator's manual.
  • Set up the equipment within manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations.
  • Operate the equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Report any defects or deficiencies with the equipment to their supervisor for repair.

Contractors

Contractors must comply with all local, state, and federal safety requirements, and assure that all of their employees performing work on Virginia Tech properties have been suitably trained. Contractors must also comply with the requirements outlined in Virginia Tech's Contractor Safety Program.