03 May Aerial Platform Safety

Aerial Platform Safety

Aerial platforms provide access to elevated work areas that may be difficult or unsafe to reach by other means. However, working from an elevated platform introduces serious hazards, including falls, tip-overs, falling objects, overhead obstructions, electrical contact, and crushing hazards. Proper training, inspection, and operation are essential.

Training and Authorization

Only trained and authorized employees should operate aerial platforms. Operators should be trained on the specific type of equipment they will use, including its controls, operating limitations, emergency procedures, and manufacturer requirements.

Before beginning work, operators should understand the hazards associated with the task and work area.

Inspect Before Use

Inspect the aerial platform before each shift or use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check:

• Operating and emergency controls.
• Guardrails, gates, and access points.
• Tires, wheels, outriggers, and stabilizers.
• Hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components.
• Fluid levels and signs of leaks.
• Safety devices, alarms, and warning systems.
• Fall-protection anchorages when provided.

Do not operate damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Remove it from service until it has been properly repaired.

Inspect the Work Area

Before positioning or operating the platform, look for:

• Holes, drop-offs, slopes, soft ground, and uneven surfaces.
• Debris and other obstructions.
• Overhead structures and crushing hazards.
• Electrical lines and energized equipment.
• Pedestrians, vehicles, and other workers.
• Wind, storms, or other unsafe weather conditions.

Use required outriggers and stabilizers, and never exceed the manufacturer’s rated load capacity, slope limitations, or operating restrictions.

Work Safely on the Platform

While elevated:

• Keep both feet firmly on the platform floor.
• Keep guardrails in place and access gates closed.
• Never climb, sit, or stand on guardrails.
• Never use ladders, boxes, planks, or other objects to gain additional height.
• Avoid excessive reaching or leaning outside the platform.
• Secure tools and materials when necessary to prevent falling objects.
• Keep employees below clear of areas where objects could fall.
• Maintain required clearance from overhead electrical lines.
• Use required fall protection and attach it only to approved anchorage points.
• Travel with the platform elevated only when permitted by the manufacturer and conditions allow safe movement.

Never use an aerial platform as a crane unless it is specifically designed and approved for that purpose.

Maintenance and Modifications

Maintenance should be performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions by qualified personnel. Before servicing the equipment, control or isolate hazardous energy as required.

Never alter or modify an aerial platform in a way that could affect its capacity, stability, operation, or safety unless the modification is properly authorized.

Remember

Aerial platforms are designed to provide a stable elevated work surface, but they are only as safe as the way they are used. Inspect the equipment and work area, stay within operating limits, use required fall protection, and never take shortcuts to gain additional height.