Aerial/Scissor Lift Safety Procedure

Overview
Aerial lifts are commonly used in construction, inspection, athletic events and repair services to lift
University employees to an elevated work position. Proper operation and use of aerial lifts can make
completion of tasks at elevation, safer and more efficient. However, unsafe use, operation and aerial lift
work practices can result in serious injury. This program has been developed due to the hazards
associated with improper use and the university’s concern for the safety of individuals in and around
this type of equipment. In addition, this program outlines general, operating, maintenance, inspection
and training requirements governing safe aerial lift use at the University.
Policy
Departments using aerial lifts must ensure that supervisors and operators comply with all aspects of this
safety program. All university employees must successfully complete a training program, and receive
certification prior to the operation of any aerial lift. Contractors operating aerial lifts on university
projects are expected to meet or exceed the requirements found in this program, and comply with all
applicable statues and regulations governing the use of powered industrial trucks as listed in next
section of this document.
Requirements
Several OSHA regulations and ANSI standards apply to aerial lifts and include provisions for design,
operator training, and safe operating practices, these include:
• 29 CFR 1910.67 (Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms)
• 29 CFR 1926.453 (Aerial Lifts)
• 29 CFR 1926.451 & .452 (Scaffolds)
• 29 CFR 1926.20 (General Safety and Health Provisions)
• 29 CFR 1926.21 (Safety Training and Education)
• Section 5 of the OSHA Act, commonly referred to as the “General Duty Clause.”
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI), A92.3, Manually Propelled
Elevating Aerial Platforms
• ANSI, A92.6, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
• ANSI, A92.2, Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices
• ANSI, A92.5, Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms
Purpose
This program has been developed to reduce the risk of physical injury or property damage in areas
where aerial lifts are in operation. It also brings the university into compliance with federal, state, and
local law.
Scope
This program applies to the operation of all aerial lifts operated by university employee. Please see
Appendix B – Examples of Aerial Lifts for specific examples. Please list below the types of lifts used by
the department.
Aerial Lift Procedures
Pre-use Inspection
• Prior to the operation of any aerial lift the Pre-Use Inspection Checklist found in Appendix A
must be completed. This applies at the beginning of every work period, and whenever a new
equipment operator takes control of the aerial lift.
• Any safety defects (such as hydraulic fluid leaks; defective brakes, steering, lights, or horn;
and/or missing fire extinguisher, lights, seat belt, or back-up alarm) must be reported.
General Safe Work Practices
• Operators shall not wear any loose clothing or any accessory that can catch in moving parts.
• Before machine is started, the operator must walk completely around the machine to ensure
everyone and everything is clear of the machine.
• Articulating boom and extendable boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers,
shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls shall be in or beside the
platform within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls shall provide for overriding the
upper controls. Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls shall
not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the employee in the lift, except in
case of emergency.
• Modifications and additions that may affect the capacity or safe operation of an aerial/scissor
lift are strictly prohibited without the manufacturer’s written approval. Capacity, operation, and
maintenance instruction markings will be changed as necessary if the manufacturer approves a
modification.
• The insulated portion (if applicable) of an aerial / scissor lift shall not be altered in any manner
that might reduce its insulating value.
• Any signs, plates, or decals which are missing or illegible must be replaced.
• If the aerial / scissor lift becomes disabled, a “out of service” tag or equivalent shall be attached
to the controls inside the platform in a conspicuous location.
• Aerial/scissor lift devices with noted, reported deficiencies shall not be operated until repairs
are made and equipment is authorized for use.
• Operators must report all accidents, regardless of fault and severity, to their Supervisor.
Safe Work Practices Before Operation
• Consideration shall be given to the amount of wind. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction
regarding operation in windy conditions. As a general rule aerial lifts shall not be operated in
winds exceeding 25mph although this can vary depending on the model of equipment
• At 25mph wind speeds or anticipated gusts, lifts will be grounded.
• If at any time, video personnel/staff feels unsafe in lifts, they may make decision to ground the
lifts and cease with videotaping games or practices…no questions asked.
• Guardrails must be installed and access gates or openings must be closed before raising the
platform.
• Boom and platform load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.
• Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) shall be inspected to see that it is properly
cradled and outriggers are in stowed position (if equipped).
• Consideration shall be given to the protection of bystanders via barricading, having another
employee keep bystanders at a safe distance or by other means.
• Aerial lifts shall not be operated from trucks, scaffolds, or similar equipment.
• ANSI and OSHA standards specify minimum safe distances that are to be maintained while
working in an aerial lift, as indicated in the table below. If these distances cannot be achieved,
do NOT use the equipment.
<50 KV 10 ft
50 - <199 KV 15 ft
200 – 349 KV 20 ft
350 – 499 KV 25 ft
500 – 749 KV 35 ft
750 – 1000 KV 45 ft
Safe Operation
• Attention shall be given towards the direction of travel, clearances above, below and on all
sides.
• Employees shall not sit or climb on the guardrails of the aerial lift.
• Planks, ladders or other devices shall not be used on the work platform.
• An aerial lift shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with
employees in the basket.
• Aerial lift shall not be placed against another object to steady the elevated platform.
• Aerial lift shall not be used as a crane or other lifting device.
• Aerial lift devices shall not be operated on grades, side slopes or ramps that exceed the
manufacturer's recommendations.
• The brakes shall be set and outriggers, when used, shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface.
• Speed of aerial lift devices shall be limited according to the conditions of the ground surface,
congestion, visibility, slope, location of personnel and other factors that may cause hazards to
other nearby personnel.
• Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted.
• Booms and elevated platform devices shall not be positioned in an attempt to jack the wheels
off the ground.
• The area surrounding the elevated platform shall be cleared of personnel and equipment prior
to lowering the elevated platform.
• All equipment must be secured on the inside of the aerial lift
• Operators are to call for assistance if the platform or any part of the machine becomes
entangled.
Safe Work Practices After Operation
• Safe shutdown shall be achieved by utilizing a suitable parking area, placing the platform in the
stowed position, placing controls in neutral, idling engine for gradual cooling, turning off
electrical power, and taking the necessary steps to prevent unauthorized use.
• Aerial lifts shall be shut off prior to fueling. Fueling must be completed in well ventilated areas
free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.
Changing and Charging Batteries
• Battery charging installations must be located in areas designated for that purpose
• Facilities must provide for: flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, fire protection,
protection of charging apparatus from damage by trucks, adequate ventilation for dispersal of
fumes from gassing batteries.
• Precautions must be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging
areas.
• Employees charging and changing batteries shall be authorized to do the work, trained in the
proper handling, and required to wear protective clothing, including face shields, long sleeves,
rubber boots, aprons, and gloves.
Maintenance
• Any aerial lift not in safe operating condition must be removed from service. Authorized
personnel must make all repairs.
• Repairs to the fuel and ignition systems of aerial lifts that involve fire hazards must be
conducted only in locations designated for such repairs.
• Aerial lifts in need of repairs to the electrical system must have the battery disconnected
before such repairs.
Responsibilities
Departments Utilizing Powered Industrial Trucks
• Must implement and administer the Aerial Lift Safety program.
• Review the Aerial Lift Safety program annually for compliance and effectiveness.
• Verify that all employees who operate or work near aerial lifts are properly trained.
• Maintain written records of operator training on each model of aerial lift and the name of
the trainer.
• Maintain written records of all inspections performed by the aerial lift owner, including the
date any problems found, the date when fixed, and the name of the person performing the
repairs.
• Maintain written records of the name and purchaser of each aerial lift.
• Make recommendations for revisions if necessary.
• Establish expected operating conditions for aerial lift and send to OHS to review prior to
operation.
Supervisors
• Coordinate employee training, and certify that all operators receive annual training including,
but not limited to, the items listed in the training section of this document.
• Ensure that only trained and qualified individuals use aerial lifts.
• Verify employee compliance with the principles and practices outlined in the
Aerial Lift Safety Program.
• Provide specific operational training for each aerial lift.
• Observe the operation of aerial lifts, and correct unsafe practices.
Operators
• Read the Aerial Lift Safety Program.
• Complete the Daily Pre-Use Inspection Checklist before operating any aerial lift.
• At least annually review the procedures outlined in this document.
• Observe the operation of the aerial lift, and report unsafe practices to your supervisor.
Environmental, Health and Safety
• Annually review and update the Aerial Lift Safety Program as necessary.
• Provide orientation and initial training as requested by university departments and/or
contractors.
• Provide the general safety training requirements for program.
• Monitor the effectiveness of program by receipt of copies of inspection checklists.
• Evaluate designated areas for aerial lift use.
• Define appropriate eyewash facilities for battery changing/charging areas.
• Observe the operation of aerial lifts, and report unsafe practices to the appropriate supervisor.
Training Requirements
• Employees who are authorized to operate aerial lifts must receive training prior to engaging in
their duties, and at least every three (3) years thereafter. The training is to ensure that the
Aerial Lift Safety Program is understood.
• The supervisor will also ensure that authorized aerial lift operators have acquired the necessary
practical skills required for safe operation.
• Training is offered by Environmental, Health and Safety and the department in possession of the
lift. The department will perform an operational training with each employee to determine if
operators have the knowledge, training, and skills necessary to use the aerial lift. Operational
training will consist of a combination of general safety instruction, practical/operational training
(demonstrations performed by the trainer, and practical exercises performed by the trainee),
and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
• All operational training must be conducted under close supervision.
Initial Training
• Receive instruction on the intended purpose and function of each control.
• Prior to operating any Aerial Lift the trainee will read and understand the manufacturer's
operating instruction(s) and aerial lift procedures, or receive training by a qualified person on
the contents of the manufacturer's operating instruction(s) and users safety rules.
• Be informed of the Aerial Lift operating limitations and restrictions as defined by the
manufacturer.
• Understand by reading or having a qualified person explain all decals, warnings, and instructions
displayed on the Aerial Lift.
• During operational training, trainees may operate an aerial lift only under the direct supervision
of authorized trainers, and where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other
employees.
• All training and evaluation must be completed before an operator is permitted to use an aerial
lift without continual and close supervision.
Annual Training – must include at least the following
• Review of the Aerial Lift Inspection & Maintenance Record
• Updated information on new equipment.
• Review of university written program.
Training Records
• Each department must maintain a record of all individual training, including:
o Subject of training.
o Date of training.
o Name of individual trained.
o Name of supervisor or Occupational Health and Safety person providing the training.
o Training records must maintained by the department for a minimum of 3 years.
Program Evaluation
• The aerial lift program shall be evaluated on an annual basis utilizing the protocols set forth by
Occupational Health and Safety. The evaluation team will consist of a department
representative and a designee from Environmental, Health and Safety. Environmental, Health
and Safety will define the scope of the evaluation. The final report will be developed by the
department representative and EHS utilizing the information received during the evaluation. The
deficiencies determined in the report will be documented and corrective action plans will be
developed.
Example of Aerial Lifts
Appendix A
Aerial/Scissor Lift Hands-On Operator Training Evaluation Form
Trainee Name: Work Unit:
Evaluator Name: Department:
Equipment Manufacturer: Date:
Model:
NOTE: Hands-On Operator Training must be completed for
each type of aerial lift utilized.
Step Evaluation N/A Pass Fail
1. Pre-use
equipment
inspection
Including but not limited to: safety devices,
air/hydraulic/fuel system for leaks, cable/wiring
harnesses for damage, loose/missing parts, tires
and wheels, placards/warnings/and control
markings, outriggers/stabilizers and other
structures, guardrail system, other items as
specified in owner’s manual.
2. Inspect
Worksite
Including but not limited to: drop-offs or holes,
slopes, bumps and floor obstructions, debris,
overhead obstructions and electrical hazards,
inadequate surface and support to withstand all
load forces, wind and weather conditions,
presence of bystanders, other unsafe conditions.
3. Function test
of lower
control station.
Done to determine if there are any malfunctions.
4. Utilize fall
protection
equipment
Face the machine. Maintain 3 point contact with
ladder/hand rails (two hands, one foot OR two
feet, one hand).
5. Function test
of bucket /
platform /
basket control
station.
Done to determine if there are any malfunctions.
6. Drive and
creep / inch
forward and
reverse.
Move approximately 10 feet in a driving mode.
Creep approximately 5 feet. Verify unit balance
and stability.
Step Evaluation N/A Pass Fail
7. Turn vehicle
360 degrees
right and left.
Minimum disturbance of aerial lift platform. Verify
unit balance and stability.
8. Boom up &
down, in & out.
Fully extend, fully raise. Minimum disturbance of
aerial platform. Verify unit balance and stability.
9. Rotate/swing
boom 360
degrees in
each direction.
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify
unit balance and stability.
10. Tilt
platform in
each direction.
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify
unit balance and stability.
11. Turn off
machine using
emergency
stop function.
Locate and use emergency stop function.
12. Park and
shutdown
aerial lift.
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify
unit balance and stability.
13. Dismount
safely. Face
the machine
when
dismounting.
Maintain 3 point contact with ladder/handrails (two
hands, one foot OR two feet, one hand)
14.
Deploy/setup
and store
outriggers.
Follow manufacturer’s guidance. Refer to owner’s
manual.
15. Comments Must be included for all “Failed” tasks. If task is failed the evaluator
must explain what was done incorrectly and have the trainee repeat
the task until it is completed correctly.
Trainee
Signature
Evaluator
Signature
Appendix B
PRE-USE: AERIAL / SCISSOR LIFT INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Equipment Make/Model: _________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________
□ Owner’s manual legible and stored inside the container located on the
platform.
□ All decals legible and in place.
□ Fluid levels checked. (Hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, etc)
□ Structural and other critical components present and all associated
fasteners and pins in place.
□ Battery packs in place, properly connected and not leaking.
□ Compartment covers in place.
Check the following components or areas for damage, modifications, and improperly
installed or missing parts:
□ Electrical components, wiring, and electrical cables
□ Hydraulic power unit, reservoir, hoses, fittings, cylinders, and manifolds
□ Drive and turntable motors and torque hubs
□ Boom wear pads
□ Tire and wheels
□ Limit switches, warning alarms, and horn
□ Nuts, bolts, and other fasteners
□ Gauges
□ Beacon and lights
□ Fall Protection Devices (railing, gates, toe boards, anchor/connecting
points, etc)
Check entire machine for:
□ Cracks in welds or structural components
□ Dents or damage to machine
Equipment operation:
□ Test all controls for proper operation
Comments:____________________________________________________________
Month:_________________________ Year:__________________