Personnel Responsibilities

When it comes to aerial lifts, all employees, whether directly or indirectly involved, are accountable for safety.

Operators

Operators have the following responsibilities:

• Complete safety trainings,  and on-site and hands-on trainings specific to the lift that will be used

• Read and understand applicable manuals

• Inform everyone going up on the lift of safe practices

• Follow guidelines, safe practices, and manufacturer recommendations

Management

Managers and Supervisors of lift operators have the following responsibilities:

• Document the names of individuals who have completed aerial lift training and the type of lift they have been trained on

• Document who has provided the aerial lift training (both name and organization)

• Ensure operators fulfill their responsibilities

• Ensure lifts are inspected prior to operation and any hazards discovered are addressed

• Ensure lifts undergo regular maintenance by qualified professionals

• Document inspections and maintenance

Responsible Party

The responsible party is appointed by the employer to write and implement the aerial lift safety program. At SUU the responsible party is Safety and Risk Management within Facilities Management. Safety and Risk Management is responsible for the following:

• Authorization and safety of lift operators and lift operations

• Provide for aerial lift trainings, lift inspections and maintenance

• Maintain training and inspection records for a minimum of 5 years

Types of Lifts

While there are many types of aerial lifts, SUU owns and operates four different types. Shown here, they are from left to right: Extensible Boom Platform, Articulating Boom Lift, Scissor Lift, and Elevated Work Platform. Each type has a few key characteristics and operating requirements.

Extensible Boom Platform

Extensible boom platforms have telescoping booms. Most of SUU's extensible boom platforms are very large machines and are usually used outdoors. These lifts must be operated only on level ground. If applicable, use stabilizers or outriggers. Additional fall protection is required.

Articulating Boom Lift

Articulating boom lifts have multiple hinged boom sections making them very dexterous. The JLG crawler lift is the one example of an articulating boom lift here at SUU. Operate only on level ground with the outriggers in use. Additional fall protection is required.

Scissor Lift

Scissor lifts often have a larger platform than other lifts which allows them to raise more than one person at a time. These are the only lifts that can be moved while the platform is raised. OSHA compliant guardrails on the platform qualify as fall protection.

Elevated Work Platform

Elevated work platforms are comparatively simpler machines. They are designed only to raise the platform vertically. Once raised the machine is stationary. OSHA compliant guardrails on the platform qualify as fall protection.

General Requirements

No lift should ever be modified without written permission from the manufacturer. Fall protection is required any time work on a lift is being done 10 feet or more above a lower level. Fall protection may include guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or other OSHA compliant systems. All fall protection systems should be anchored to the platform, NOT to any adjacent structure. By following all guidelines and precautions the chance of a fall is minimized.

Prior to Operating

Before operating an aerial lift there are inspections and hazards assessments to complete.

Site Hazards

Make sure the work site is prepared for work to be done with a lift. Here are a few things to check:

• Check if the terrain is level and stable enough to support the lift

• Notice any potential obstructions that might get in the way of the lift and remove them if possible

• Consider any pedestrian or vehicle traffic on site and post warnings of possible falling objects

• Check the weather

  • Aerial lifts are not to be operated in high winds or thunderstorms

• Look out for any other possible hazards

Lift Inspections and Testing

Before operating a lift remember to look it over and test it for any of the following:

• damaged, worn, or missing parts or structure

• fluid levels and leaks

• electrical and harness issues

• faded or illegible warnings and labels

• dysfunctional controls or alarms

• bad wheels or tires

• faulty brakes or stabilizers

• anything else the manufacturer recommends inspecting

Any lifts found to be defective in any way should be locked out, tagged out, and reported to your supervisor and Safety and Risk Management.