Aerial Lift Program

Aerial Lifts Program

Purpose and Objective 

The company is committed to the prevention of accidents and injuries in the workplace. This document will outline the requirements for the safe operation of aerial lifts. 

This policy applies to all aerial lifts utilized by the company. 



Definitions 

Aerial lift: Any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulating, or both, which is used to propel personnel. 

Articulating boom platform: An aerial device with two or more hinged boom sections. 

Anchorage: A secure point of attachment to be used with personal fall protection equipment. 

Extensible boom platform: An aerial device (except ladders) with a telescopic or extensible boom. 

Platform: Any personnel-carrying device (basket or bucket) which is a component of an aerial device. 

Rated work load: The designated capacity of the aerial platform as specified by the manufacturer. 


Responsibilities 

Management 

Management shall implement, support and enforce the Aerial Lifts Program. 

Supervisors are responsible for being familiar with this program and for complying with the following requirements: 

  • Ensuring that employees adhere to the requirements of this program 
  • Verifying that all aerial devices are properly operated by trained personnel 
  • Validating that all aerial lift devices are designated and constructed in conformance with the applicable requirements of the American National Standards for “Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms” ANSI A92.2-1969 



Employees 

  • Following the work practices described in this program, including the use of appropriate protective equipment 
  • Attending all training required by this program 
  • Immediately reporting any unsafe conditions or concerns related to aerial lift safety to their supervisor 

 


Aerial Lift Safety 

The operation of aerial lifts can be highly hazardous and must be conducted by qualified and trained individuals who understand the risks involved. 

Aerial lifts may only be “field modified” for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer, provided the modification has been certified in writing by the manufacturer or by an equivalent entity, and must be at least as safe as the equipment before modification. 

The following requirements apply to aerial lifts: 

  • Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use in order to determine that such controls are in safe working conditions. 
  • Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift. 
  • Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded. 
  • Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift shall not be permitted. 
  • Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket and shall not sit or climb onto the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position. 
  • An approved fall restraint system shall be worn when working from an aerial lift. The fall restraint system must be attached to the boom or basket. 
  • Brakes must be set and outriggers (when used) must be positioned on pads or a solid surface. 
  • Wheel chocks shall be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline. 
  • Aerial lifts shall have a working back-up alarm that is audible above the surrounding noise level and a vehicle will be backed up only when an observer (spotter) signals that it is safe to do so. 
  • The minimum clearance between electrical lines and any part of the equipment (i.e., crane or load) shall be 10 feet for lines rated 50 kV or below. 
  • All employees who operate an aerial lift device shall be trained in the safe operation of the specific device they will operate. Training must conform to all OSHA requirements. 


 

Auditing 

The company requires the Aerial Lifts Program to be audited periodically to ensure compliance with company and OSHA standards. 


Training Requirements 

The company will provide the following training: 

  • Initial training prior to the assignment of the use or operation of an aerial lift 
  • Training will be specific to the type of aerial lift used 
  • Training will include the following: 
  • The purpose and use of the equipment 
  • Safe operation guidelines 
  • Pre-start inspection 
  • Responsibilities associated with the malfunction of the lift 
  • Factors affecting stability 
  • Applicable rules and regulations 
  • Operator warnings and instructions 
  • Proper use of fall protection equipment 
  • Hands-on operation 







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