Aerial Lifts - Safe Work Practices
- Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
- Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices.
- Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
- Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
- Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the workers.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet from the nearest overhead lines.
- Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent workers from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
- Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
- Use outriggers, if provided.
- Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.
- Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment while working from an aerial lift is not permitted.