OSHA Focal Points Series Aerial Lifts Provided By

“OSHA Focal Points” Series Aerial Lifts Provided By: Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation

Lesson Overview Purpose: ◦ To provide workers with essential need-to-know information about the hazards associated with aerial lifts. Topics: ◦ ◦ ◦ Uses of aerial lifts? Fall protection? What are the hazards? What are the precautions? Inspection checklists? 2

Why use an aerial lift? To reach overhead areas They are safer than ladders But safety precautions must be followed! Photo credit: JLG, Inc. 3

Must you wear fall protection? The answer is “perhaps” Scissors Lifts: ◦ Scissor lifts are considered “mobile scaffolds” by OSHA. ◦ Fall protection may not be necessary or required unless the railing has been removed. ◦ Consult the manufacturers instructions. Aerial Lifts: (articulating & telescoping booms) ◦ Fall protection is required due to potential for being bounced out of lift or from climbing out of the basket. 4

Aerial lift hazards: To be used by trained and authorized operators only. The operator must: ◦ Read and understand all caution and danger warnings and operating manual. ◦ Perform daily maintenance inspection. ◦ Have all worn or damaged parts replaced. ◦ Fasten entry gate/chain/bar. ◦ Use work platform only on hard level surfaces. 5

Aerial lift hazards (continued): TIP-OVER HAZARDS: ◦ Do not: drive near drop-offs, holes, or loading docks raise platform on uneven or soft surfaces drive onto uneven or soft surfaces when elevated raise platform on slope or drive onto slope when elevated raise platform in windy or gusty conditions stand on railing to reach work area travel to job location with lift in elevated position use lift with railing removed use lift on uneven or sloped surface use near power lines, junction boxes, etc. 6

Aerial lift hazards (continued): ELECTROCUTION HAZARDS: Aerial lifts are not insulated Maintain safe clearances from electrical power lines and apparatus Don’t allow for platform sway, rock, or sag when working near power lines ◦ 20’ minimum clearance if voltage is unknown ◦ Follow Table A in Subpart CC if voltages are known Work platform does not provide protection from contact with or proximity to energized conductors 7

Aerial lift hazards (continued): OTHER HAZARDS: Do not: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ overload use without railings and entry gate in place use if work platform is not working or parts are damaged use near moving vehicles stand or sit on guardrails use under the influence of alcohol or drugs override safety devices leave unattended with key in switch use ladder or other device to increase working height use with improperly inflated tires, or damaged wheels or tires 8

Aerial lift checklist items: INSPECT AND/OR TEST AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SHIFT: Operating and emergency controls Safety devices Personal protective devices Tires and wheels Air, hydraulic and fuel system for leaks Loose or missing parts Cable and wiring harness Placards, warnings, control markings and operating manual Guardrail system Battery fluid level, hydraulic and coolant levels 9

Aerial lift hazards (continued): BATTERY CHANGING - CHARGING HAZARDS: Keep flames and sparks away. DO NOT smoke near batteries. Wear protective apron, gloves, and goggles when working with batteries. Immediately flush eyes with cold water if electrolytic acid is splattered into them for no less than 15 minutes. Turn Emergency Power Disconnect Switch to “OFF”. Connect charger AC plug to proper voltage source. Normal charging will take 10 -14 hours. DO NOT leave charger unattended for more than two consecutive days. Severe overcharging and battery damage will result if charger fails to turn off. Disconnect charger from power source. 10

General maintenance: Before attempting any repair work, disconnect battery ground negative (-) lead. Properly position safety bar if the scissors assembly is raised. DANGER Do not reach through scissors assembly without safety bar properly positioned (lockout/tagout). Preventative maintenance is the easiest and least expensive type of maintenance. 11

Where to get more help? Consult the manufacturer’s operator manual. www. osha. gov https: //www. osha. gov/Publications/aerial-lifts-factsheet. pdf 12