If you work outside of your home, chances are you are familiar with OSHA and the guidelines they’ve put in place on workplace safety. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) created in 1970 assists employers and employees to reduce work related injuries and death. OSHA enforces standards and regulations for training employers and employees on proper procedures in the workplace.

OSHA and Aerial Lift Safety

Aerial lifts, boom lifts and other man lift equipment replaced ladders because of their mobility and safer standards. Although safer than ladders and scaffolds, aerial lifts can be dangerous without proper training. OSHA provides safety standards to employers and employees to reduce the risk of a hazardous work environment.Without proper training, falls from lifts, structural failure and other dangerous situations can occur. Here are some of the regulations OSHA puts in place to keep you safe while operating a boom or towable aerial lift –

OSHA’s Proper Training for Aerial Lifts

It goes without saying that you should not operate any kind of aerial lift without proper training. It’s important to have the knowledge and skills to do the following:

  • Proper procedures for handling hazards
  • Knowing and avoiding conditions that are unsafe
  • Definition and recognition of electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling objects from lift
  • Be able to demonstrate training and knowledge of a aerial lift before operating
  • Adhere to manufacturer requirements of specific lifts
  • Perform inspections on all equipment
  • Correct improper operation of lift

These are the basic knowledge and skills that OSHA expects have for any person using an aerial lift to know. OSHA also puts in place retraining if any accidents, hazards or improper operation of a lift occurs.

Before You Operate an Aerial Lift

OSHA also regulates the use of aerial lifts before and during operation.

Before starting an aerial or boom lift, you are required to perform a pre-start inspection. This is done to verify that your boom lift is in working condition. Check various vehicle components such as the battery, leaks, wheels and tires. You also want to check lift components like the emergency controls, hydraulics and loose or missing parts.

If any of these components on the inspection sheet are defective, do not operate the aerial lift until repaired by an expert.

Properly Operating a Boom Lift

Once you begin operation of an aerial, boom or towable boom lift, OSHA has put in place more safety regulations to keep you safe. These regulations help prevent falls, overhead injuries and tip-overs. OSHA includes the following regulations:

  • Make sure entrance gates and openings are closed
  • Always use a body harness or retraining belt
  • Do not exceed weight limits for loading materials
  • Do not operate under hazardous materials
  • Place lift on solid, level ground

For a complete list of pre-start inspections, and what to do during aerial lift operation, visit the OSHA aerial lift inspection sheet.

It’s important to adhere to the rules and regulations that OSHA has put in place when operating an aerial, boom or towable boom lift. Coast 2 Coast Equipment offers a wide selection of new and used towable boom lifts that meet the highest of standards. Contact us today our new and used aerial lifts today.

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