Aerial Lifts: What you need to know

An aerial lift (or, aerial device) is any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping and/or articulating, used to elevate or position personnel. OSHA has developed a vehicle-mounted work platform rule that applies to the various types of aerial lifts that utilize a platform such as a personnel basket or bucket. There are various names for this type of lift equipment including “bucket truck,” “cherry picker,” and “snorkel lift.”

The OSHA aerial lift rules for general industry and construction are virtually the same, with minor differences for firefighting equipment and training noted in this analysis. The rules define the components of aerial lifts and cover equipment design requirements, safe work practices, fall protection, electrical system testing, the safety factor for hydraulic and pneumatic components, and welding work.

There are separate OSHA rules for powered platforms for building maintenance and for manlifts.

Hazards of working with an aerial lift include: falling out of the basket; tipping the vehicle due to the use of an overloaded personnel lift basket; overhead power lines; and falling objects from those working on the ground near personnel lift baskets or work platforms.

An aerial lift (or, aerial device) is any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping and/or articulating, used to elevate or position personnel. A “vehicle” is any carrier that is not manually propelled. Aerial lifts may be made of metal, wood, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or other material. Such devices may be powered or manually operated. They are ...