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Elevated Work Platforms

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Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) include vertically operated lifts, such as scissor lifts, and boom-supported aerial lifts, such as boom lifts, articulating boom lifts, and telescopic boom lifts (often referred to as “Condors”).

Only individuals who have received appropriate training and authorization may operate elevated work platforms.

These machines are designed to safely position personnel, tools, and limited equipment at elevated work locations. They are not designed to function as cranes or material hoists.

Lighting, camera, diffusion, or other production equipment may only be installed in the platform when specifically permitted by the manufacturer and within the equipment’s rated capacity. If the manufacturer does not provide written approval or operating guidelines for carrying production equipment, it shall not be placed in the platform.

Before Operating

Before using any elevated work platform:

  • Inspect the lift for damage, leaks, loose components, or other defects.
  • Verify that all controls, emergency stop buttons, alarms, and safety devices operate correctly.
  • Ensure the guardrails, entry gate, and platform floor are secure and in good condition.
  • Confirm that required inspections and maintenance are current.
  • Read and understand the manufacturer’s operating manual.
  • Plan the work before raising the platform.
  • Identify overhead obstructions, power lines, structures, trees, and other hazards.
  • Evaluate the ground conditions to ensure the surface is stable, level, and capable of supporting the machine.
  • Remove or avoid holes, soft ground, drop-offs, debris, curbs, or other hazards that could cause the lift to tip.
  • Use wheel chocks whenever operating or parking on an incline, as required by the manufacturer.
  • Never operate near energized electrical conductors. Electricity can arc several feet, making direct contact unnecessary to cause serious injury or death.
  • Establish a safe work area and keep unauthorized personnel clear of the operating zone.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Fall Protection

When required by the manufacturer:

  • Wear a properly fitted full-body harness.
  • Attach the lanyard or self-retracting lifeline only to the designated manufacturer-approved anchor point within the platform.
  • Never tie off to nearby structures, equipment, or overhead objects while inside the platform.

While Operating

During operation:

  • Maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting the platform.
  • Keep both feet firmly on the platform floor at all times.
  • Keep entry gates closed while elevated.
  • Secure tools, equipment, and materials to prevent them from falling.
  • Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated platform capacity, including personnel, tools, and equipment.
  • Distribute loads evenly throughout the platform.
  • Operate controls smoothly and deliberately.
  • Always be aware of pinch points, overhead obstructions, and surrounding personnel.

Never:

  • Stand, sit, or climb on guardrails.
  • Use ladders, boxes, planks, scaffolding, or any object inside the platform to gain additional height.
  • Raise the platform beyond the manufacturer’s rated limits.
  • Use the lift as a crane or to pull, push, or support other equipment.
  • Attach ropes, winches, or lifting devices to the platform unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
  • Allow anyone beneath an elevated platform unless the area has been secured and protected.

Weather Conditions

Do not operate elevated work platforms when:

  • Wind speeds exceed the manufacturer’s rated wind limit (or 25 mph, whichever is more restrictive).
  • Thunderstorms or lightning are present.
  • Heavy rain, snow, or ice creates unsafe operating conditions.
  • Visibility is significantly reduced.
  • Extreme heat or cold affects safe operation of either the equipment or personnel.

Traffic Control

When operating near vehicles or pedestrian traffic:

  • Establish a clearly marked work zone using cones, barricades, caution tape, warning signs, or other approved traffic-control devices.
  • Use flaggers or spotters whenever necessary.
  • Ensure moving vehicles remain outside the equipment’s operating envelope.

Traveling the Lift

Traveling an elevated work platform with personnel in the platform (“towering”) is prohibited unless the equipment is specifically designed for elevated travel and the manufacturer permits it under the existing site conditions.

If travel while elevated is permitted:

  • Keep the platform as low as practical.
  • Travel only on firm, level surfaces.
  • Proceed at the slowest operating speed.
  • Watch carefully for overhead obstructions, holes, slopes, and personnel.

Ground Controls

The operator in the platform shall maintain primary control of the lift whenever practical.

Ground controls shall only be used:

  • At the operator’s request,
  • During training,
  • For testing, or
  • During an emergency when the operator is incapacitated or unable to safely operate the equipment.

Crew members assigned to work with elevated platforms should know the location and operation of the emergency lowering controls before work begins.

Parking and Securing

When work is complete:

  • Fully lower the platform.
  • Turn off the equipment.
  • Remove the key if applicable.
  • Park on stable, level ground whenever possible.
  • Chock the wheels if parked on an incline.
  • Secure the equipment against unauthorized use.

Emergency Procedures

Before beginning work, the crew should review:

  • Emergency lowering procedures.
  • Rescue procedures for an incapacitated operator.
  • Communication methods between the operator and ground personnel.
  • The location of first aid equipment and emergency contacts.

No elevated work platform should be operated unless trained personnel are available who know how to safely lower the platform in an emergency.

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