Aerial Lift Safe Operating Procedures

Work site surveys are performed for each job task involving the use of an aerial lift. Supervisors and operators must inspect the work location for hazards which may affect proper set-up and use of the specific aerial lift that will be operated. Any potential hazards must be addressed prior to proceeding. For example, setting up a large boom truck on a sidewalk on campus may need to be addressed by reinforcing the sidewalk with steel plates or setting up the lift in an alternate location due to the presence of steam tunnels under the sidewalk.

Items to look for include:

• Underground hazards, such as the location of steam tunnels or utilities which may be present;
• Drop-offs, holes, or unstable surfaces such as loose/soft ground;
• Overhead obstructions or hazards, including overhead power lines;
• Slopes, ditches, or bumps;
• Debris and floor obstructions;
• Floor loading limits;
• High wind and other severe weather conditions;
• Personnel working below; and
• Traffic or heavy equipment in the area.

A work zone should be established around the lift and any overhead work and identified with danger tape and signage, as necessary.

Outriggers stabilize the lift and help prevent tip over. If outriggers are provided with the lift, they must be used unless otherwise specified in the operator's manual. Many types of lifts will not permit operation unless the outriggers have been properly installed and the lift is level. Refer to the operator's manual for machine-specific information.

If the lift is designed to be used on a slope or incline, the wheels should be chocked to prevent inadvertent movement. Aerial lifts can turn over if they are not set up on a firm, level surface. Avoid using aerial lifts near drop offs, holes, uneven surfaces, in soft soil conditions, on slopes, or where there may be an uneven weight distribution.

Aerial lifts operated outdoors should not be used in adverse weather conditions, such as approaching thunderstorms, high winds, or if lightning is in the area. Unless otherwise specified in the Operator's Manual for the make and model of lift being operated, do not operate aerial lifts if the wind is 28 MPH or greater. Refer to the operator's manual for limitations of the lift if it will be operated in severe temperatures or adverse climates. 

Aerial lifts must not be operated within 10 feet of overhead power lines, unless the operator is an Electrical Qualified Person and has the training, knowledge, protective equipment, and tools necessary to work within the minimum approach distance safely. This 10-foot clearance applies to any part of the lift, the operator, and any tools, materials, and equipment in use. When Electrical Qualified Persons are operating within the 10-foot clearance area, personnel on the ground must not be in contact with any part of the aerial lift. If the boom is insulated, it must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and insulating qualities verified by annual dielectric testing. 

In general, lifts are not designed to be moved to another location while the platform or basket is raised, or for long distances. Refer to the operator's manual for traveling to the worksite. If the lift is designed to be driven by the operator to the work location, such as various locations on campus, it should be done so with the platform low to the ground (2-3 feet), and with an escort vehicle following behind. Scissor lifts must be used in accordance with applicable mobile scaffold requirements.

All lifts should have auxiliary (i.e. emergency, lower, ground) controls so that the platform/basket can be safely lowered to the ground in the event that operator platform controls fail, or the operator becomes incapacitated. Operators should never attempt to climb out of the basket, or climb down the boom in the event of mechanical failure (unless there are hazardous conditions in the area that warrant immediate action). Ground controls can be operated by another certified operator in the area provided that permission is given by the stranded operator. Permission is implied if the operator is unconscious.

When setting up boom trucks in roadways or right-of-ways, Temporary Traffic Controls must be implemented. Refer to the current version of the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual for details.