Aerial Lift Safety Plan

  1. Purpose

This safety plan establishes requirements for the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of aerial lifts to prevent injuries, fatalities, and property damage associated with their use. It aligns with applicable OSHA/KDOL standards and best practices.

 

  1. Scope

This plan applies to all employees, students, contractors, and authorized personnel who operate, supervise, or work near aerial lifts owned, leased, or operated by the organization.

 

  1. Definitions

Aerial Lift: Any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel, including:

  • Extendable boom platforms
  • Aerial ladders
  • Articulating boom platforms
  • Vertical towers

 

  1. Responsibilities

Supervisors

  • Ensure only trained and authorized personnel operate aerial lifts
  • Enforce compliance with this safety plan
  • Ensure inspections are completed and documented
  • Remove defective equipment from service

Operators

  • Perform pre-use inspections
  • Operate equipment safely and within limits
  • Report hazards, defects, and incidents immediately

Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)

  • Provide training and oversight
  • Conduct periodic audits
  • Update procedures to maintain compliance

 

  1. Hazard Identification

Common hazards associated with aerial lift use include:

  • Falls from elevated platforms
  • Falling objects
  • Tip-overs
  • Ejection from platform
  • Structural failure
  • Electrocution
  • Entanglement
  • Contact with overhead or nearby objects

 

  1. Training Requirements

Only trained and authorized personnel may operate aerial lifts.

Training must include:

  • Hazard recognition (electrical, fall, falling objects)
  • Safe operation procedures
  • Load capacity and equipment limitations
  • Pre-use inspection procedures
  • Manufacturer requirements
  • Demonstration of operational competency

Retraining is required when:

  • An accident or near-miss occurs
  • Workplace hazards change
  • A different type of lift is introduced
  • Unsafe operation is observed

 

  1. Pre-Operation Requirements

7.1 Pre-Start Inspection

A pre-start inspection must be conducted before each shift.

Vehicle Components

  • Fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, fuel, coolant)
  • Leaks
  • Tires and wheels
  • Battery and charger
  • Controls, gauges, alarms
  • Steering and brakes

Lift Components

  • Operating and emergency controls
  • Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems
  • Guardrails and safety devices
  • Structural components and fasteners
  • Cables and wiring
  • Outriggers and stabilizers

Defective equipment must be removed from service and tagged out until repaired.

 

7.2 Work Zone Inspection

Inspect the work area before and during operation for:

  • Drop-offs, holes, unstable surfaces
  • Slopes, debris, obstructions
  • Overhead hazards (power lines, ceilings)
  • Weather conditions (wind, ice)
  • Nearby personnel or traffic

 

  1. Safe Operating Procedures

8.1 Fall Protection

  • Always stand firmly on the platform floor
  • Keep gates closed
  • Do not climb or lean on guardrails
  • Do not use ladders or planks in the lift
  • Wear a harness with lanyard attached to approved anchor point
  • Do not tie off to external structures

 

8.2 Operation and Load Handling

  • Do not exceed rated load capacity
  • Include personnel, tools, and materials in load calculations
  • Do not use lift as a crane
  • Do not carry oversized materials
  • Do not travel with lift elevated unless allowed by manufacturer
  • Do not override safety devices
  • Follow all manufacturer limitations

 

8.3 Electrical Safety

  • Maintain at least 10 feet clearance from energized lines
  • Treat all power lines as energized
  • Ensure de-energization when working nearby
  • Do not rely solely on insulated lifts for protection

 

8.4 Stability and Positioning

  • Use outriggers on stable, level surfaces
  • Set brakes when deployed
  • Use wheel chocks when necessary
  • Establish work zone protections (cones, barricades)

 

8.5 Overhead Hazard Protection

  • Maintain awareness of overhead obstructions
  • Avoid positioning between hazards
  • Monitor clearance continuously

 

  1. Maintenance and Equipment Control
  • Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules
  • Only qualified personnel may perform repairs
  • Maintain inspection and maintenance records
  • Tag and remove defective equipment from service

 

  1. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  • Stop work immediately
  • Use emergency lowering controls if needed
  • Contact emergency services
  • Secure the area
  • Report the incident to supervision and EHS

 

  1. Applicable Standards

This plan aligns with:

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.67
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453
  • OSHA fall protection standards (1926.502)
  • ANSI A92 series standards

 

  1. Program Review

This plan shall be reviewed annually or when:

  • Regulations change
  • Incidents occur
  • Equipment or operations change

 

  1. Documentation Requirements
  • Training records
  • Inspection logs
  • Maintenance records
  • Incident reports

 

  1. Enforcement

Failure to comply with this safety plan may result in:

  • Removal of operating privileges
  • Disciplinary action
  • Contract termination (for contractors)