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Aerial Lift Training

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Operator certification

Operator certification is a two-part process at Virginia Tech. For the first part, the operator must complete online general awareness level training. Part two involves machine-specific instruction and familiarization under the supervision of a certified operator. 

Operators must: 

  • Complete general Aerial Lift Training from Environmental Health & Safety (available online).
  • Complete Fall Protection User training if the use of a personal fall arrest system is required.
  • Read pertinent sections of the operator's manual for each lift to be operated, such as safe use and limitations, proper set up and operation, pre-use inspections, and emergency controls.
  • Operators must know how to perform the following during observation:
    • Inspection of the work site for hazards that could affect safety or safe operation of the lift;
    • Properly set up the lift, including leveling and the use of outriggers, if provided;
    • Perform a pre-use inspection and report any deficiencies;
    • Perform function tests prior to use;
    • Safely operate the lift;
    • Wear required fall protection equipment and/or hard hats; and 
    • Operate emergency (ground/lower) controls.

Supervisors (or departmental designees) must provide operators with hands on, machine-specific instruction on any lift to be used by the employee. Operators should be supervised for a sufficient period of time while operating the lift in order to develop a basic level of proficiency prior to observation. 

Hands-on instruction must include how to: 

  • Perform a pre-use inspection per the operator's manual.
  • Properly set up the lift, including the use of outriggers.
  • Operate the lift (familiarization with controls, traveling, parking, etc.).
  • Use emergency (ground/lower) controls in the event of mechanical failure or operator incapacitation.
  • Report any deficiencies if the lift does not pass inspection.
  • Use any required fall protection system associated with the lift.

When the employee is comfortable operating the lift (under direct supervision by a currently certified operator), and supervision agrees, contact Environmental Health & Safety (or your departmental authorized observer) to schedule the observation portion of operator certification. Observation will include those items noted above for machine-specific instruction and familiarization.

Note: The supervisor, operator, and the EHS Trainer will be required to sign off on the certification form that the employee has completed machine-specific instruction and familiarization prior to observation. If an operator receives a "Needs Further Instruction" rating during the final observation, the employee and supervisor must work on any deficiencies before rescheduling another observation by EHS or departmental designees.

Operators who successfully complete operator training and certification will be authorized to operate the type of aerial lift specified on their wallet card. If other types of aerial lifts will be operated, an observation must be performed on each additional type of aerial lift.

Recertification

Recertification is required every 3 years. 

Operator refresher training may be required before the recertification period under the following conditions:

  • The operator is observed operating the aerial lift unsafely.
  • The operator is involved in an accident or near miss involving an aerial lift.
  • Observation of operator knowledge and skills indicates a need for additional training and/or practice.
  • A different type of lift is to be used.