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Aerial Lift Safety

Learning Objectives Objectives: ► Learn standard operating procedures applicable to aerial lifts ► OSHA regulations pertaining to aerial lifts

Agenda Agenda: ► Standard Operating Procedures for Aerial Lifts ► OSHA Fact Sheet for Aerial Lifts

Standard Operating Procedures for Aerial Lifts ►Section 1

Aerial Lifts ANSI standard definition includes: ► Extensible boom platforms ► Aerial ladders ► Articulating boom platforms ► Vertical towers ► A combination of any of the above ► Scissor lifts do not fall within any of these categories

Characteristics of Aerial Lifts Aerial equipment may be: ► Made of metal, wood, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other material ► Powered or manually operated ► Deemed to be aerial lifts

Modifications Aerial lifts may be "field modified" for other uses if: ► Modification has been certified in writing by the manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity ► Conforms with all applicable provisions of ANSI A ► Modification is to be at least as safe as the equipment was before modification

Ladder and Tower Trucks Requirement for ladder trucks and tower trucks: ► Aerial ladders shall be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking device on top of the truck cab and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder before the truck is moved for highway travel

Standard Operating Procedures Standard operating procedures for extensible and articulating boom platforms: ► Be familiar with the specific unit you are going to use ► Familiarize yourself with the operating controls on each piece of equipment before putting it into use

Authorized Operators Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift: ► Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that such controls are in safe working condition

Fall Protection Employees shall stand firmly on the floor of the basket: ► Shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket ► Shall not use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position ► While working in a bucket or basket, workers must wear fall protection equipment with the lanyard connected to an anchor point on the boom or bucket/basket

Load Capacity Boom and basket load limits: ► Shall not exceed manufacturer specified limits

Positioning The brakes shall be set and when outriggers are used: ► Outriggers shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface ► Wheel chocks shall be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can be safely installed

Movement An aerial lift truck: ► Shall not be moved when boom is elevated with men in the basket –Unless specifically designed for such operation

Controls Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms 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 control ► 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

Overhead Line Work Requirements for aerial lift equipment commonly used in overhead line work: ► When operating near energized lines or equipment, aerial lift equipment must maintain the minimum approach distance unless the insulated portion of the aerial lift is operated by a qualified employee ► If necessary, another worker must be a spotter for the operator to ensure the minimum approach distance is maintained

Energized Lines If the aerial lift could contact energized lines: ► Energized lines exposed to contact must be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact ► Aerial lift must be insulated, and uninsulated portions of the lifts must maintain the minimum approach distance from live parts ► Aerial lift must also be positioned so that uninsulated portions of the lift cannot come within the minimum approach distance from the live parts ► Workers must be protected

Worker Protection Workers must be protected: ► Each piece of equipment must be grounded ► Equipment must be bonded together ► Ground mats must be used around equipment to extend the equipotential zone ► Insulating protective equipment or barricades must be used around the equipotential zone ► An equipotential zone is a work zone in which the worker is protected from electric shock

The OSHA Fact Sheet for Aerial Lifts ►Section 2

OSHA Fact Sheet The major causes of injuries/fatalities involving aerial lifts: ► Falls ► Electrocutions ► Collapses or tip-overs

Proper Training and Inspection Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained: ► Test the controls and inspect the aerial lift before use each day ► Make sure that all controls are clearly marked as to their function

Operate According to Instructions Always stand firmly on the basket floor: ► Do not sit or climb on the edge or rails of the basket ► Never use planks, boxes, or other items inside the basket to extend your reach ► Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices ► Maintain and operate aerial lifts according to the manufacturer's instructions

Positioning Ensure that all wheels of an elevated lift are on a solid base: ► Use outriggers, if provided ► Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline ► Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment ► Allow for the combined weight of the worker(s), tools, and materials

Lockout/Tagout De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lifts before performing any maintenance or repairs.

Working Near Power Lines Any conductive object that can be contacted must be maintained at least 10 feet from overhead lines: ► Conductive objects could be wires, transformers, ducts, pipes, or other equipment ► Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet away from the nearest overhead line ► Always treat overhead lines as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated ► Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard

Struck-by, Crushed-by, or Caught-in Hazards Establish and clearly mark a danger zone: ► Never move the equipment with workers in the elevated platform ► Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, and the rails of the basket

Fall Protection Do not allow workers to belt off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift: ► Use a body harness or positioning device with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker from being ejected or pulled from the basket

Additional Information Sources of more information: OSHA Fact Sheet for Aerial Lifts icane_Facts/aerial_lifts.pdf icane_Facts/aerial_lifts.pdf OSHA Quick Card for Aerial Lifts icane_Facts/aerial_lifts_safety.pdf icane_Facts/aerial_lifts_safety.pdf