What Goes Up Must Come Down Safely: Aerial Lift Best Practices

Hopping into an aerial lift feels a bit like a theme park ride, but the risks are 100% real. When you’re 40 feet in the air, “winging it” is not a strategy! That’s why nailing these aerial lift best practices is non-negotiable. Whether you’re in a scissor lift or a boom lift, this guide is your plan for getting the job done without any falls, tip-overs, or “uh oh” moments. Let’s get to it!

Before diving into MEWP types, discuss foundational safety principles that apply across all models.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the first step in ensuring safe MEWP operation. Start every MEWP task with a thorough evaluation of the job and the worksite. Ask yourself:

• What’s the required height?
• Are there tools or materials that need lifting?
• What are the potential hazards in the area?

Ground Conditions

Ground stability is critical for MEWP safety.

• Uneven terrain or slopes can destabilize your MEWP, so always operate within the manufacturer’s limits.
• Look for hidden hazards like holes, debris, or unstable surfaces.
• Ensure the ground can handle the weight of the MEWP and its load.

Work Area Hazards

Evaluating the work area ensures safer operations. Keep an eye out for:

• Overhead obstacles like branches, beams, or electrical lines.
• Traffic or nearby workers, use barriers and spotters when necessary.
• Weather conditions, especially wind and rain, can affect stability.

Pre-Operation Checks

Inspecting your MEWP before use can prevent accidents.

• Test controls and safety devices.
• Check hydraulic systems, outriggers, and guardrails.
• Ensure the load is within capacity limits and distributed evenly.
• Inspect personal fall protection equipment if required.

Each type of MEWP comes with unique hazards, so operators must receive specific training for their machines.

Classification by Platform Stability

MEWPs are categorized into two groups based on platform stability:

• Group A: The platform stays within the tipping lines for added stability.
• Group B: The platform extends beyond the tipping lines, requiring extra precautions.

Classification by Mobility

MEWPs are further divided into three types based on mobility:

• Type 1: Must remain stationary while elevated.
• Type 2: Can move while elevated but is controlled from the chassis.
• Type 3: Can move while elevated and is controlled from the platform.

Let’s break down the most common MEWP types and their associated hazards.

Vertical Lifts

Vertical or mast lifts are compact machines designed for tight spaces.

• Typical Applications: Perfect for indoor tasks like maintenance or inventory picking.

Common Hazards:

• • Tip-overs: These lifts are prone to instability on uneven surfaces. Always ensure stable ground.
  • Crushing Hazards: Their small platforms make it easier to collide with overhead structures. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts feature crisscross supports that allow the platform to rise straight up.

• Typical Applications: Handle multiple workers and heavy loads, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

Common Hazards:

• • Tip-overs: Overloading or uneven weight distribution can destabilize the lift.
  • Overhead Crushing: The larger platform increases the risk of hitting overhead structures.
  • Pinching Hazards: The scissor mechanism can pose a risk to nearby workers or equipment.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts like bucket trucks or cherry pickers are designed for extended reach and maneuverability.

• Typical Applications: Ideal for tasks requiring high vertical or horizontal reach.
• Common Hazards:
  • Tip-overs: Uneven ground or improper balancing can cause instability. Use outriggers when needed.
  • Falls: ANSI standards require fall protection, such as harnesses and lanyards, for all Group B MEWPs.
  • Electrocution: Boom lifts often operate near power lines. Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance or de-energize lines if closer proximity is necessary.

Expand Your Knowledge with MEWP Safety Training

This course introduces MEWP safety, but there’s more to learn. For a deeper understanding, consider enrolling in our MEWPs: Safe Operation of Aerial Lifts Training Course. Applying what you’ve learned today will help create safer, more productive work environments for yourself and your team. Stay safe, and keep reaching for new heights!

Common Questions About Aerial Lifts

What is the most common aerial lift hazard?

The most common (and most dangerous) hazards are tip-overs from unstable ground or overloading, falls from the platform, and electrocution from contacting power lines. A thorough pre-work inspection is one of the best aerial lift best practices to prevent these.

What is a MEWP?

MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. This is the official industry term for all types of aerial lifts, including scissor lifts, boom lifts (or “cherry pickers”), and vertical lifts. They are all machines designed to lift people and equipment to a temporary height.

Is fall protection required on a scissor lift?

This is a common question! According to OSHA, fall protection (like a harness and lanyard) is not required on a scissor lift *as long as* the guardrail system is fully intact, the gate is closed, and the operator is standing on the main platform (not on the rails). However, fall protection *is* always required on boom lifts.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Aerial Lifts Safety
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Preventing Falls from Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
• N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) – Aerial Lift Safety Tips