Aerial Lifts

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to define safe operating practices when aerial lifts are used within the company operations.

2. SCOPE
Company name has developed guidelines for the safe operation of aerial platforms and equipment (for example, man-lifts, JLGs, scissor lifts, tower trucks, etc.) and to comply with 29 CFR 1926.453.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors
         It is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure that all employees operate aerial lifts in a safe manner                 in accordance with this procedure, manufacturer's recommendations, and applicable local, state                     and federal regulations.

        Employees
Employees are responsible for complying with this procedure and operating aerial lifts                 in a safe manner.

4. DEFINITIONS

Aerial Lifts - Aerial devices used to elevate personnel above ground level, such as extension boom    platforms, aerial ladders, articulated boom platforms, vertical towers such as scissor lifts, and any combination of these devices. 

REQUIREMENTS

Allow only trained and authorized employees to operate aerial lifts. Conspicuously display the instruction and warning placards and load chart and ensure legibility on each lift. Load limits specified by the manufacturer will not be exceeded. The operator’s manual will be readily available to the operator. 

INSPECTIONS

A competent person will inspect the lift before use and immediately after any incident that may have damaged the lift, using the manufacturer's guidelines. Employees must report any defects to their supervisor immediately. The company will remove defective equipment from service until it is repaired to manufacturer's specifications. Any repairs or modifications to the lift will meet the manufacturer's specifications.

The competent person will also inspect the work area surface to ensure it is reasonably level, stable, and free from hazards, such as covered excavations or debris that could cause tipping. The lift controls will be plainly marked as to their function. Authorized operators will test each control every day before use.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When traveling, the operator will ensure the boom is in the lowered position with the turntable locked. All rough terrain travel will be conducted in the “SLOW” mode. The foot switch will not be removed, blocked, disabled, or modified in any manner. If aerial platforms are equipped with outriggers, they will be fully extended before personnel are lifted. 

An observer will monitor all movement to insure proper clearance and stability when the lift operates in congested areas or when the operator does not have full visibility. Special attention must be given to ground conditions and grating. When load bearing capacities of grates is unknown, steel plating or alternative means will be utilized to support the aerial lift.

All personnel will wear approved fall arrest equipment that is attached to the platform attachment point while occupying the lift. Personnel will stand on the floor of the platform, not on boxes, planks, railings, or other devices.

The aerial lift will not be used for material transport, except for small pieces required for the job at hand. All materials and tools will be contained totally within the work basket; the load rating of the lift will not be exceeded.

Aerial lifts will not be operated near electrical power lines unless the lines have been de-energized or adequate clearance is maintained in accordance with the following chart, excerpted from 29 CFR 1926.550.

Voltage Range	Minimum Distance
Less than 50kV	10 feet
50K to 200kV	15 feet
200KV to 350kV	20 feet
350KV to 500kV	25 feet
500KV to 750kV	35 feet
750KV to 1OOOkV	45 feet

Except in case of emergency, ground controls will not be operated without

permission of personnel occupying the platform.

TRAINING

           

            The supervisor or other designated individual will train employees on the

            safe use of aerial lifts and will include the following:

-          Recognition of and preventative measures for the safety hazards associated with their tasks.

-          General recognition and prevention of safety hazards associated with the use of

      the work platform .

-     Elements of the emergency action plan describing procedures to be utilized in the       event of a failure of the power supply unit or other emergencies that may arise.

-     The proper use of the lift and proper handling of any materials on the lift.

-     The maximum intended load and the load carrying capacity of the lift.