Key Points to Remember

Aerial lifts are useful but can also be hazardous.

Only operate an aerial lift if trained and authorized.

Inspect equipment and the work area before each use.

Understand and follow safe work practices, including wearing fall protection.

Be especially careful around power lines.

Boom Supported Lifts

A boom supported aerial work platform has a platform that can be positioned completely beyond the base and is used to position personnel, necessary tools and materials at elevated work locations. Boom supported aerial work platforms are power operated (motorized) with primary functions controlled from the platform. Examples: boom-lifts, Aerial lift, Man-lifts, Aerial Platforms, Articulated Booms, and Cherry Picker.

Aerial/Boom Lift Operator Safety Training

Before Operation

Before operation the operator

shall:

1. Read and understand

the manufacturer’s

operating instructions

and user’s safety rules.

2. Understand all labels,

warnings and

instructions.

3. Ensure all occupants of

the aerial platform wear

appropriate personal

safety equipment.

Required Features

Each boom-lift is required to have the following features:

Upper and lower controls

Platform that includes guard rail w/toe board

A load capacity plate

Passive (automatic) brake which will hold the unit on any slope it is capable of climbing

An operator's manual

Emergency stop devices, located at the upper and lower control stations, which stop all powered functions that affect platform movement

Fall Protection for Aerial Lifts

Aerial Lifts (articulating &

telescoping boom lifts)

Articulating aerial lifts,

which have a hinged

boom, require additional

fall protection due to the

potential of being bounced

out of the bucket

Telescoping aerial lifts,

that only go straight up

and down, do not require

additional fall protection

Type: Straight Mast Booms

Seventy-five percent of all boom-lifts are of the straight mast boom-lift type, with a normal load capacity of 500 lbs to 1000 lbs. These lifts can be powered by gasoline, propane, gas/propane, or diesel engines. There are primarily used for: painting, rough-in construction, electrical installations, piping installations, sand blasting operations, building maintenance, and any other applications where workers and their tools need to get up in the air to perform their work. It is also referred to as telescopic boom-lifts.

Some Articulated boom-lift

Articulated boom-lifts provide the ease to get "up and over" obstacles so as to place personnel and their tools at specific work locations. The load capacities range from 300 lbs to 1000 lbs (articulated boom-lift ranges from 500 lbs to 1000 lbs). Standard platform widths range from 4', 5', or 6'.It can be powered by gas, gas/propane, diesel, or electric DC motors. Primary use involves industrial equipment maintenance, construction applications, warehousing and inventory storage, cleaning, etc.

Employer’s Responsibilities

The employer is required to:

• provide every employee with training;

• maintain the boom-lift in a safe operating condition;

• purchase boom-lifts that conform to ANSI and CSA standards.

boom-lift Operator’s Responsibilities

The boom-lift operator is: Directly responsible for the safe operation of

the lift at all times.Required to complete a pre-shift inspection of

the lift and immediately report any problems.To ensure all personnel on the platform are

wearing safety gear, as required, at all times.Required to complete a workplace inspection

prior to lift operation in order to check the work area for possible hazards and immediately report any problems.

Identify the boom-lift Parts

It is very important to know the correct part names of a boom-lift. Click on the numbers to check your answers.

Parts Overview

It is imperative to know the correct parts of a boom-lift. This is very crucial when reporting problems.

Steering Wheels and Axle

The steering control for the boom-lift is located at the upper controls. Always make certain you re-orient your platform position relative to the base. This means the steer and drive functions will operate in reverse when the unit's platform is not extended over the drive wheels.

Tires

There are three possible types of tires for the boom-lift.Pneumatic – tires filled with compressed airLiquid Filled – tires filled with some kind of liquid

compound instead of airMono-filled – tires which are filled with a liquid compound

that solidifies into a solid over time, usually from one to three days. The tires will not go flat, they are much heavier than air filled tires and add to the counter weight system of the boom-lift.

If the tires have to be replaced, it must match the original in type, tread design, and filling. Any variation could cause loss of traction or loss of counterbalance which could result in loss of control of the boom-lift.

Counterweight System

The counterweight system includes the counterweight itself, the turntable assembly (which includes all parts for the motor), the structural components (which make up the base frame), plus the tires and wheels.

The center of gravity of the counterweight system is utilized to counterbalance the center of gravity created by the load of the elevating assembly and platform assembly plus the workmen, their tools and equipment.

Simply put, the purpose of the counterweight assembly is to keep the boom-lift in the upright position when the unit is operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember: all aerial work platforms are generally intended to be used on a flat level surface!

Lower (Emergency) Controls

The Lower controls should only be used during the following conditions: During pre-shift checkout of functions from the lower controls. To override the upper controls to gain access in the event of an

emergency. (upper controls will not work) Only after you have been given permission to operate a function by the

operator. To override the upper controls to gain access in the event of an

emergency. (upper controls will not work) By a qualified mechanic during the process of performing necessary

repairs and/or maintenance on the boom-lift.

The lower (emergency) controls must be accessible from the

ground level. It is located on or near the base frame of the

unit.

Review the operator's manual to identify the exact location. All

of these controls will be of the type that automatically returns

to the "off" or "neutral" position when released if they are used

to control any movement of the lift. IMPORTANT NOTE:

Lower controls can override the upper controls.

Platform Overview

The platform section on the boom-lift is equipped with many safety features such as guardrails (which will be covered under the fall protection section). Let's go over a few details concerning the platform.

Platform Section

The upper control station is located on the platform section. It is where all of the functional controls for the boom-lift can be activated. During practical training, the controls will be reviewed in detail.

Platform Section, Con’t.

On the platform section is a dead-man safety control footswitch. In order to activate any of the boom-lift upper controls, the dead-man safety control footswitch must be continually activated before the upper controls will function.

Platform Section, Con’t.

Whenever a worker is on the platform section, he/she is to remain on the inside of the platform with their feet firmly planted as per manufacturer's instructions.

Fall Arrest Systems

• Fall arrest systems include:

– Full-body harness

– Lanyards

– Rope grabs

– Lifelines

– Lifeline anchorage points

– Riggings

Fall Arrest Systems

• Know the application limits of the system being used (see manufacturer recommendations)

• Proper anchoring and tie-off techniques

– Never attach yourself to unstable anchors

• Deceleration distance and elongation of lanyards

– Make sure that the lanyard is not too long (include stretch distance)

Fall Protection: When and Why

Fall protection is required due to the potential for being bounced out of lift or from climbing out of the basket. A harness is required to be worn when on the platform you must be and be tied off at all times. Remember to inspect the harness prior to use!

Tie-Off Points on Platform

Safety lanyard tie-off ring is usually located in the area close to the operator control station.

Guardrails on the Platform Section

Guardrails are another type of fall protection. Guardrails are not to be used as a ladder, by standing on them in order to gain greater height.

The purpose of the toe-boards is to keep loose debris, tools or materials from falling off of the platform to the ground.

It is the operator's responsibility to make sure all personnel in the platform are wearing fall protection devices and that their lanyards are securely fastened to the tie-off ring.

Aerial Lifts, cont.

Operating Procedures Overview

The following sections are important to understand before operating a boom-lift.

• Center of Gravity

• Fulcrum Point

• Rated Work Load, or Load Capacity Rating

• Center of Gravity

• Sideslope & Grade

We will review each item in more detail.

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity of an object is the point about which all forces of gravity are equal. As the boom-lift is operated, the center of gravity on a boom-lift changes position. Changes occur when the platform is moved in or out, up or down, forwards or backwards, and rotating left or right. Any inclined (sloping or graded) surface also affects the combined center of gravity.

Fulcrum Point

The boom-lift works on the simple principle of loads balanced over a set of two wheels, the fulcrum. Depending on which set of tires the operator platform is set over, they become the fulcrum. The fulcrum point changes as the platform is elevating and swinging into position.

Fulcrum Point on Articulated Booms

As you raise, lower, extend, swing, or activate any boom function the fulcrum point, as well as the center of gravity changes as the platform changes its position. Sometimes this change is little and sometimes the change is a lot. The important issue for you to understand and always keep in mind as you operate the boom-lift, is that all of the inter-related boom-lift forces are always changing.

Fulcrum Point Example

Another example of the change in fulcrum point.

Platform Section

Always consult the load chart indicators prior to your loading the platform to make sure you are operating the boom-lift within its safe operating limits.

Multiple Ratings

Some boom-lifts have multiple ratings. On the PLATFORM ELEVATING ASSEMBLY, the multiple rating chart will show the alternative configurations of elevating assembly retracted versus extended; and elevated versus lowered.

ALTERNATIVE RATED WORK LOADS: when the rated work load of the varying configuration depends on the location of the platform in relation to the base, the manufacturer shall display the appropriate related work load of the configuration of the operator at the control station.

Rated Work Load or Load Capacity Rating

Maximum allowable weight load includes personnel, their tools and their materials.

As long as you are (1) within the unrestricted load capacity limits, (2) are operating on level ground that will support the units weight and (3) you employ any necessary safety devices you can operate the lift at any height safely.

Unrestricted rated work load capacity decals will always be located at each entrance into the platform and at the operator control stations. You should always verify these decals are in place during your pre-shift inspection.

LOAD CAPACITY – is a specific load carried at a specific

distance from the fulcrum wheels and spread evenly over

the operator platform.

UNRESTRICTED LOAD CAPACITY – is the maximum

allowable weight load allowed in and spread evenly, over the

operator platform.

• Rated workload is clearly displayed

• Multiple configurations with multiple ratings

– Outriggers extended vs. not extended

– Large work platform vs. small platform

– Boom elevated vs. boom lowered

– Boom retracted vs. boom extended

Load Capacity

• Driving interlocks prevent moving until lift is lowered

• Outrigger interlocks limit lift height until stabilizers are extended

• Tilt interlocks prevent raising the lift when the base is on a slope

Interlock Devices• Driving interlocks

prevent moving until lift is lowered

• Outrigger interlocks limit lift height until stabilizers are extended

• Tilt interlocks prevent raising the lift when the base is on a slope

Sideslope and Grade

boom-lifts are generally intended to be used on a flat level surface. The Owner's Manual will tell you the limits which will affect the operation of your unit.

Driving on a 15% grade to get to the worksite is acceptable but the boom-lift should be operated on a flat level surface. When traveling over a long distance it is advisable to lock the turntable (if the boom-lift is equipped with one, the University's is not equipped with this device), keep the boom mast retracted and keep the operator platform at or below the horizontal position with the ground. Do not drive the boom-lift on grades or sideslopes exceeding those specified on caution placards or indicated in the Operator's Manual.

Safe Operating Practices Overview

The operation of any boom-lift is subject to certain hazards that can only be protected against by the intelligence, care, and common sense of the operator.

Is it POSTED?

Overhead Hazards

• ASSUME all electrical parts and wiring are ENGERGIZED unless known otherwise.

• Avoid contact with 0 to 300V

• Over 300V to 50KV the Minimum Safe Approach Distance is 10 feet. The distance increases as the voltage increases.

• Trees

Operating Practices Dos Do limit travel speed according to conditions of ground surface, congestion of the

worksite, visibility, slope, grade, location of personnel, or any other factors causing hazards of collision or injury to personnel.

Do maintain a clear view of the path of travel when elevated. Do maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles when elevated. Do maintain a safe distance from obstacles, debris, drop-offs, holes, depressions, ramps,

and other possible hazards when elevated. Do shutdown and cease operation of the lift in the case of any suspected malfunction(s)

of the unit, or of any potentially hazardous conditions(s), or hazardous (environment) location(s) which may be encountered. Report the potential problem(s) to the appropriate people and make sure any problem(s) have been corrected before proceeding.

Do ensure the outriggers, stabilizers, extendible axles, or other stability enhancing safety devices are used as required by the manufacturer of the lift.

Do make sure all personnel maintain a firm footing on the platform floor while working from the platform and wear appropriate PPE.

Do use special precautions when other equipment and/or vehicles are present. Warnings such as, but not limited to, flags, roped-off areas, flashing lights, and barricades shall be used.

Do take care to prevent rope, electric cords and hoses from becoming entangled in the boom-lift.

Do cease operations if the platform or elevating assembly becomes caught, snagged or otherwise prevented from normal motion by an adjacent structure or other obstacles such that control reversal does not free the platform. All personnel shall be removed from the platform before attempts are made to free the platform using ground controls.

Operating Practices Don’ts

Don't stunt drive or horseplay.Don't use planks, ladders or any other device on the boom-

lift platform to achieve any additional height or reach.Don't alter or disable any interlock or other safety device.Don't position the boom-lift against another object to

"steady" the platform. Don't use the boom-lift as a crane.Don't operate the boom-lift from a position on trucks,

trailers, railway cars, floating vessels, scaffold, or similar equipment unless the application is approved in writing by the manufacturer.

Don't alter or modify the boom-lift unless you have written permission to do so by the manufacturer.

Remember When Refueling

Here are a few things to remember when refueling the boom-lift:

Never fill the fuel tank of a lift with the engine running.

Never smoke or have the lift near an open flame when filling the fuel tank.

Be sure to use the correct type and grade of fuel.

Never mistakenly put fuel into the hydraulic tank.

Ground the fuel funnel or nozzle against the filler neck to prevent sparks.

Be sure to replace the fuel tank cap.

Government Required Inspection

Government requires that boom-lifts be inspected. boom-lift Pre-Shift Inspection ReportAt the start upWhen the boom-lift is out of your sight

Workplace Pre-Shift Inspection ReportBefore you move the boom-lift into the areaAt the start of workAnytime you are away from the lift

Copies must be kept on fileNew sheet for each time checkedThese reports will be gone over in detail during the Practical

Training portion.

• Equipment must be inspected, maintained, and repaired according to manufacturer’s instructions

• Unsafe equipment must be removed from service

• All repairs must be made by qualified personnel

Maintenance

• Controls both in lift and on vehicle

• Controls within easy reach of operator

• Controls plainly marked as to function

• Lower controls can override lift controls

• Except for emergencies, lower controls only operated with permission from worker in lift

Controls

Equipment Inspections

• Look for:– Cracked welds– Hydraulic leaks– Damaged control cables– Loose wire connections– Tire damage

• Check electrically insulated items

• Perform a control check and lift test

• Correct unsafe items before using lift

• Conduct inspection

• Put on fall protection

• Ensure load is within rated capacity

• Make sure vehicle is on a solid surface

• Designate employee to watch

Before Elevating The Lift

Look for:

• Un-tamped earth fills

• Ditches, drop-offs, or holes

• Bumps and floor obstructions

• Debris

• Overhead obstructions and high-voltage conductors

Work Area Inspections

Vehicle Setup

• Set brakes

• Chock wheels

• Position outriggers on solid surface

• Never move truck with boom elevated and worker in lift

Working in the Lift

• Always stand firmly on the lift floor

• Don’t sit or climb on the edge of the lift

• Never use a ladder

• Never use a plank between the lift and another structure or work surface

• Always keep fall protection lanyard attached

Before Moving the Vehicle

• Make sure:

• Boom is properly cradled

• Outriggers are in stowed position

• Wheel chocks removed

• Travel path is clear, firm, and level

• Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of the path of travel

• Watch out for pedestrians

• Maintain a safe distance from ground obstacles

• Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstructions

• Limit travel speed

Safety While Driving

• Keep at least 10 feet away from power lines

• Report defects or malfunctions immediately

• Never disable a safety device or interlock

• Prevent ropes, cords, and hoses from entangling with lift

• Before lowering the lift make sure the area underneath is clear

• Never engage in stunt driving or horseplay

Safe Work Practices

• Warn operators when too close to power lines

• Don’t touch equipment if lift is close to power lines

• Watch for falling objects

• Be careful when lift is lowered

• Know emergency response procedures

Working Safely On the Ground

Safe Work Practices:Make the Safe Choice

Fall protection for lift

operators is:

Aerial lifts must be inspected:

Before moving a vehicle,

the boom should be:

Workers on the ground near

aerial lifts must wear:

a. Optionalb. Required

a. Weeklyb. Daily

a. Extendedb. Cradled

a. Hard hatsb. Gloves

• Do you understand:

• Fall protection requirements?

• Inspection procedures?

• Vehicle setup rules?

• Safe work practices for employees in the lift and on the ground?

• Safe driving rules for vehicles equipped with aerial lifts?

Safe Work Practices Show me those SWP

Aerial Lifts, cont.

The competent person should:

• Restrict operation of aerial lifts or forklift vehicles to trained and authorized personnel.

• Use only commercially built personnel baskets designed for lifting workers.

– Follow the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) and or CSA standards for using personnel lift baskets.

• Make certain that homemade boxes lifted by a forklift are not used—homemade boxes are unacceptable.

Aerial Lifts, cont.

Aerial Lifts, cont.

When in the lift:

• Always stand on the floor of the basket.

• Do not sit or climb on the edge of the basket, lean over the edge, or climb out of the basket.

• Do not use a ladder or other objects to increase reach.

Aerial Lifts, cont.

When operating the lift:

• Stay at the controls at all times.

• Do not move the vehicle while a person is in the elevated basket.

• Only use the equipment when it is on stable and level ground.

• Maintain the required minimum clearance of 10 ft. (3 m) from power lines carrying 50 kilovolts or less.

Saved By The Harness