{"id":60060,"date":"2025-03-19T10:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T10:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=60060"},"modified":"2025-11-09T10:15:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T15:15:44","slug":"aerial-lift-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/aerial-lift-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"What Goes Up Must Come Down Safely: Aerial Lift Best Practices"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Hopping into an aerial lift feels a bit like a theme park ride, but the risks are 100% real. When you&#8217;re 40 feet in the air, &#8220;winging it&#8221; is not a strategy! That&#8217;s why nailing these <strong>aerial lift best practices<\/strong> is non-negotiable. Whether you&#8217;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 &#8220;uh oh&#8221; moments. Let&#8217;s get to it!<\/p>\n<h2>Before diving into MEWP types, discuss foundational safety principles that apply across all models.<\/h2>\n<h4>Risk Assessment<\/h4>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What\u2019s the required height?<\/li>\n<li>Are there tools or materials that need lifting?<\/li>\n<li>What are the potential hazards in the area?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Ground Conditions<\/h4>\n<p>Ground stability is critical for MEWP safety.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Uneven terrain or slopes can destabilize your MEWP, so always operate within the manufacturer\u2019s limits.<\/li>\n<li>Look for hidden hazards like holes, debris, or unstable surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure the ground can handle the weight of the MEWP and its load.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Work Area Hazards<\/h4>\n<p>Evaluating the work area ensures safer operations. Keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Overhead obstacles like branches, beams, or electrical lines.<\/li>\n<li>Traffic or nearby workers, use barriers and spotters when necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Weather conditions, especially wind and rain, can affect stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Pre-Operation Checks<\/h4>\n<p>Inspecting your MEWP before use can prevent accidents.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Test controls and safety devices.<\/li>\n<li>Check hydraulic systems, outriggers, and guardrails.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure the load is within capacity limits and distributed evenly.<\/li>\n<li>Inspect personal fall protection equipment if required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Each type of MEWP comes with unique hazards, so operators must receive specific training for their machines.<\/h2>\n<h4>Classification by Platform Stability<\/h4>\n<p>MEWPs are categorized into two groups based on platform stability:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Group A:<\/b> The platform stays within the tipping lines for added stability.<\/li>\n<li><b>Group B:<\/b> The platform extends beyond the tipping lines, requiring extra precautions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Classification by Mobility<\/h4>\n<p>MEWPs are further divided into three types based on mobility:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Type 1:<\/b> Must remain stationary while elevated.<\/li>\n<li><b>Type 2:<\/b> Can move while elevated but is controlled from the chassis.<\/li>\n<li><b>Type 3:<\/b> Can move while elevated and is controlled from the platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Let\u2019s break down the most common MEWP types and their associated hazards.<\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Vertical Lifts<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Vertical or mast lifts are compact machines designed for tight spaces.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Typical Applications:<\/b> Perfect for indoor tasks like maintenance or inventory picking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Common Hazards:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tip-overs:<\/b> These lifts are prone to instability on uneven surfaces. Always ensure stable ground.<\/li>\n<li><b>Crushing Hazards:<\/b> Their small platforms make it easier to collide with overhead structures. Stay aware of your surroundings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Scissor Lifts<\/h4>\n<p>Scissor lifts feature crisscross supports that allow the platform to rise straight up.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Typical Applications:<\/b> Handle multiple workers and heavy loads, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Common Hazards:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tip-overs:<\/b> Overloading or uneven weight distribution can destabilize the lift.<\/li>\n<li><b>Overhead Crushing:<\/b> The larger platform increases the risk of hitting overhead structures.<\/li>\n<li><b>Pinching Hazards:<\/b> The scissor mechanism can pose a risk to nearby workers or equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Boom Lifts<\/h4>\n<p>Boom lifts like bucket trucks or cherry pickers are designed for extended reach and maneuverability.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Typical Applications:<\/b> Ideal for tasks requiring high vertical or horizontal reach.<\/li>\n<li><b>Common Hazards:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tip-overs:<\/b> Uneven ground or improper balancing can cause instability. Use outriggers when needed.<\/li>\n<li><b>Falls:<\/b> ANSI standards require fall protection, such as harnesses and lanyards, for all Group B MEWPs.<\/li>\n<li><b>Electrocution:<\/b> Boom lifts often operate near power lines. Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance or de-energize lines if closer proximity is necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Expand Your Knowledge with MEWP Safety Training<\/h2>\n<p>This course introduces MEWP safety, but there\u2019s more to learn. For a deeper understanding, consider enrolling in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/course\/mewps-safe-operation-of-aerial-lifts-training-course\">MEWPs: Safe Operation of Aerial Lifts Training Course<\/a>.<\/strong> Applying what you\u2019ve learned today will help create safer, more productive work environments for yourself and your team. Stay safe, and keep reaching for new heights!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Common Questions About Aerial Lifts<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the most common aerial lift hazard?<\/h3>\n<p>The most common (and most dangerous) hazards are <strong>tip-overs<\/strong> from unstable ground or overloading, <strong>falls<\/strong> from the platform, and <strong>electrocution<\/strong> from contacting power lines. A thorough pre-work inspection is one of the best <strong>aerial lift best practices<\/strong> to prevent these.<\/p>\n<h3>What is a MEWP?<\/h3>\n<p>MEWP stands for <strong>Mobile Elevating Work Platform<\/strong>. This is the official industry term for all types of aerial lifts, including scissor lifts, boom lifts (or &#8220;cherry pickers&#8221;), and vertical lifts. They are all machines designed to lift people and equipment to a temporary height.<\/p>\n<h3>Is fall protection required on a scissor lift?<\/h3>\n<p>This is a common question! According to OSHA, fall protection (like a harness and lanyard) is <strong>not<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><b>References<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.453\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aerial Lifts Safety<\/a><\/li>\n<li>National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/falls\/aerial-lift\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Preventing Falls from Mobile Elevating Work Platforms<\/a><\/li>\n<li>N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.labor.nc.gov\/aerial-lifts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aerial Lift Safety Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hopping into an aerial lift feels a bit like a theme park ride, but the risks are 100% real. When you&#8217;re 40 feet in the air, &#8220;winging it&#8221; is not a strategy! That&#8217;s why nailing these aerial lift best practices is non-negotiable. Whether you&#8217;re in a scissor lift or a boom lift, this guide is &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":60129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4058,217],"tags":[4563,4565,4567,915,4561,4562,4564,4566,2880],"class_list":["post-60060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-workplace-safety","category-original-infographics","tag-aerial-lift-training","tag-boom-lift-precautions","tag-construction-equipment-safety","tag-fall-prevention","tag-mewp-safety","tag-osha-mewp-standards","tag-scissor-lift-safety","tag-vertical-lift-hazards","tag-workplace-safety-training"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60060"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60060\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62790,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60060\/revisions\/62790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}