Overview
- Various styles & types
- Used to lift people not materials or equipment.
- Fall protection
Aerial lifts are used throughout campus to conduct work at elevated heights, such as painting, changing or adjusting lights, etc. These units vary in style and size. They may be manual or self-propelled. They may have vertical masts, scissor lifts, articulating booms or telescoping booms. They may be a totally self-contained or permanently mounted on a van. Done properly, working on a lift is much safer than working from a ladder. Use of aerial lifts is subject to specific OSHA regulations, which require among other things, user qualifications.
You’re not likely to find an aerial lift in a laboratory, but if you would encounter one elsewhere on campus bring it to the attention of the assigned Specialist. It would be helpful if you could take a photo, note the location, and the type of work being conducted. Discuss the situation observed with your survey reviewer and the EHS staff person responsible for the Aerial Lift Program to determine if anything should be cited under this checklist item.
Some hazards to be aware of are failure to use a fall protection harness, missing guard rails, working too close to overhead electrical services, unstable set-up, outdoor use during inclement weather or high winds, and extension of materials beyond the platform.