Elevated Work Platforms

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These guidelines apply to vertically operated elevated work platforms or “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 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
  • Prior to operating it, inspect the equipment for satisfactory condition, damage and defects. Inspect all operational controls to make sure they are functioning properly
  • Before operating the equipment, think through the job to be performed and evaluate the job site location for potential hazards
  • The operation of aerial devices / work platforms near energized, high-voltage sources of any sort is prohibited at all times. Electricity from high voltage lines can arc several feet; direct contact is not necessary to receive a deadly charge
  • Take appropriate measures to 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 which might cause a moving platform to overturn
  • Use wheel chocks on inclined surfaces
  • Securely attach personal fall protection equipment to the boom basket, tub or platform to an approved attachment point
  • 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 platform / basket beyond its rated maximum height or reach.
  • “Towering” (traveling with a worker in the basket) is NOT permitted.
  • Aerial platforms, when in operation, 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 makes a request that it be done, or the operator is ill or otherwise incapacitated.
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