Aerial lifts (MEWPs — Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) cause dozens of fatalities every year, most from tip-overs, ejection, or contact with energized lines. OSHA 1926 Subpart CC governs their use, and ANSI A92 provides the industry standard.
What Every Aerial Lift Needs
- Pre-use inspection by operator before each shift
- Daily inspection documented (typically part of operator's shift log)
- Periodic inspection (annual for most equipment)
- Operator trained AND authorized for THIS specific machine type
- Written work plan for tasks near energized lines
- Fall protection PFAS worn and connected to correct anchorage
- Emergency lowering procedure known and equipment functional
Common Aerial Lift Types
- Scissor lift — vertical elevation only, base stability determines wind rating
- Boom lift (articulating) — horizontal + vertical, watch platform sway near lines
- Boom lift (telescopic) — extended reach, higher risk of side loading
- Bucket truck (line truck) — utility work, dielectric rating for energized work
- One-man lift — limited height/reach but common on interior work
Inspection Checklist Essentials
Every pre-use inspection should verify:
- Operating manuals present and accessible
- Capacity plates readable
- Warning decals in place
- Emergency stops functional
- Ground controls operational
- Platform controls operational
- Fluid leaks — hydraulic, engine, coolant
- Tires — pressure, damage, wear
- Structural — welds, boom, chassis
- Fall protection anchorage points intact
- Tilt/level indicators working
- Battery, fuel, or power source
What's In The Forbes MEWP Pack
- Aerial lift daily inspection checklist
- Scissor lift specific checklist
- Boom lift specific checklist
- Bucket truck specific checklist
- MEWP operator training log
- Aerial lift JHA template
- Near-energized-line work permit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fall protection in a scissor lift?
OSHA 1926.453(b)(2)(v) requires fall protection in an aerial lift with a boom. Scissor lifts technically don't have booms and aren't required to have PFAS by strict reading. However, ANSI A92.20 (which OSHA references) and best practice require guardrails plus lanyard on scissor lifts. Most contractors require full PFAS regardless.
Can I ride in the basket of a boom lift being moved?
Only if the boom lift is designed for pick-and-carry (some are, most aren't). Check the manufacturer's manual. Moving a boom lift with the platform elevated is a leading cause of tip-overs and is prohibited on most models.
What's ANSI A92 and why does it matter?
ANSI A92 is the industry consensus standard for MEWP design and use. OSHA cites it as the recognized standard for aerial lifts. The 2018 revision (A92.20, A92.22, A92.24) significantly updated training, inspection, and use requirements. If your program predates 2018, it's outdated.
Do I need a written work plan for aerial lift work near power lines?
Yes. OSHA 1926.1408 requires a documented plan for crane and derrick work within 20 feet of energized lines (up to 350 kV). Aerial lifts fall under similar requirements. Minimum approach distances must be documented and enforced.
How often is annual inspection required?
Annual inspection is required by manufacturer and ANSI A92 for all MEWPs. Documentation typically stays with the machine (in a weatherproof container on the chassis). Missing annual inspection docs = equipment out of service.
Can I use a boom lift to lift materials?
Only if the manufacturer specifies material handling capability AND the total weight (personnel + materials + tools) is within rated capacity. Never sling materials from the basket railing or use the basket as a crane.