Elevated Work Platforms

These guidelines apply to vertically operated elevated work platforms, such as “Scissor Lifts,” and boom-mounted, telescoping, and rotating elevating work platforms, such as “Condors.” Only persons trained in the safe use of elevating work platforms are authorized to operate these devices. 

Aerial/elevating equipment is designed to position people and tools at the worksite. 

• In some cases, lighting, camera, and diffusion equipment may be rigged in the basket but always within the manufacturer’s defined limits. In such cases, additional training is required, and specific aerial/elevating equipment is necessary.
  • If the manufacturer does not provide written guidelines, do not rig the basket with the equipment.

Before operating the equipment:

• Make sure it is in satisfactory condition, inspecting for any possible damage or defects.
• Ensure that all operational controls are fully functional.
• Think through the job to be performed and evaluate the job site location for potential hazards.
  • Ensure that the job site’s surface is stable and will support the equipment and that there are no hazardous irregularities or accumulation of debris that might cause a moving platform to overturn.
    • Use wheel chocks on inclined surfaces.
  • Make certain that the equipment is not near energized, high-voltage sources of any sort. This is prohibited at all times.
    • Electricity from high-voltage lines can arc several feet; direct contact is not necessary to receive a deadly charge.
• Securely attach personal fall protection equipment to the boom basket, tub, or platform to an approved attachment point.

While operating the equipment:

• Use an adequate safety lanyard to attach objects or production equipment that could fall from the aerial basket/platform.
• Do not load the basket, tub, or platform beyond its rated capacity. 
• Do not place ladders, planks, or other objects in or on top of the platform or guardrail to gain greater height.
• Do not sit or climb on the edge of the aerial basket/platform 
• Do not work from aerial work platforms when:
  • Exposed to extreme weather conditions (thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme heat, or cold)
  • Winds exceed 25 miles per hour
  • Where moving vehicles or pedestrian traffic are present, mark the work area around the aerial equipment with flags, signs, traffic cones, or other means of traffic control
• Never leave this equipment unattended if you have stopped it on a ramp, grade, or incline until you have choked at least one tire. 
• Do not attempt to raise the platform/basket beyond its rated maximum height or reach. 
• “Towering” (traveling with a worker in the basket) is NOT permitted. 
• When in operation, aerial platforms shall be solely under the control of the operator in the basket. At no time shall the equipment be moved, lowered, or otherwise controlled from the secondary (ground control) panel unless the operator in the basket requests it or is otherwise incapacitated.