Restoration Insurance: Aerial Lift Safety
The following guide comes from OSHA on aerial lift safety for restoration contractors:
Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment. Test the controls and inspect the aerial lift before use each day. Make sure that all controls are marked as to their function.
Maintain and operate aerial lifts according to the manufacturer's instructions. • Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices. 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.
• Ensure that all wheels of a high 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.
• De-energize and lockout/tag-out aerial lifts before performing any maintenance or repairs.
Working near Power Lines
Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet away from the nearest overhead line. 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. Always treat overhead lines as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated. (Qualified power line and communications workers and qualified line-clearance tree trimmers are trained to work closer than 10 feet to a power line. Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard.
Struck-by, Crushed-by, or Caught-in Hazards
Establish and mark a danger zone around the aerial lift support vehicle. Never move the equipment with workers in the elevated platform unless the equipment has been specifically designed for this operation type. Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams and the basket's rails. If the basket moves, the worker(s) could become trapped and crushed between the rails and the overhead object.
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.
