Aerial Lift Safety Regulations and Guidelines

Date: 2025-08-28

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to ensure everyone understands the safety procedures and regulations for operating aerial lifts, so we can prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment.

Introduction

Today we will discuss the safety regulations and guidelines for operating aerial lifts or elevated work platforms (EWPs). This toolbox talk aims to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety by highlighting key hazards and control measures.

Key Points

• Intended Use: Aerial work platforms should only be used to lift personnel, their tools, and materials for the job. They are designed for assignments at workplaces above head height, such as ceilings, roof structures, and buildings. Uses or alterations to the aerial work platform must be approved by Snorkel. [2]
• Pre-Start Inspection: Before each shift, a pre-start inspection must be performed. The aerial platform should not be used unless the operator is trained and authorized. [10]
• Entering and Exiting the Platform: Always maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting the platform. For example, use two hands and one foot when climbing into the platform. [1] [14]
• Slip and Fall Prevention: Ensure that the platform, shoes, and steps are free from oil, mud, grease, and other slippery substances to prevent slips and falls. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
• Personal Fall Protection: Always ensure that all occupants wear personal fall protection equipment. [16]
• Securing the Lift: When leaving the aerial lift, lower the platform to the stowed position and remove the key from the ground control to prevent unauthorized use. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Hazard Identification

• Operating near power lines: Electrocution or serious injury due to contact with energized conductors. [10] [9] [11] [12] [13]
• Exceeding platform capacity: Tip-over or structural failure of the aerial lift, leading to falls and serious injuries. [10]
• Operating on uneven surfaces: Instability and potential tip-over of the aerial lift. [14]
• Failing to secure tools and materials: Tools and materials falling from the platform, striking workers below. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [14]
• Operating in high winds: Loss of control and potential tip-over of the aerial lift. [10]

Control Measures

• Maintain Minimum Safe Approach Distance (MSAD) from power lines.: Refer to ANSI/SIA A92.6-2006 & CSA B354.2-01 requirements for specific distances based on voltage. [9] [11] [12] [13]
• Ensure the aerial lift is operated on a firm, level surface.: Avoid slopes, drop-offs, and uneven terrain. [15] [20] [16] [17] [18] [19]
• Secure all tools and materials in the platform.: Use appropriate containers or tie-downs to prevent items from falling. [6] [7] [8]
• Do not exceed the maximum allowable manual force.: The maximum allowable manual force is limited to 45 lbs (200 N) of force per occupant, with a maximum of 90 lbs (400 N) for two occupants. [10]
• Wear appropriate fall protection.: All platform occupants must wear a fall restraint or fall arrest device connected to a fall protection anchor as required by national or local regulations and standards. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Hard Hats: Always wear approved headgear to protect against head injuries from falling objects or impacts.
• Eye Protection: Use safety glasses or face shields to protect your eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards.
• Foot Protection: Wear appropriate foot protection to prevent injuries from slips, trips, and falling objects.
• Fall Protection Harness: Use a full body harness with a lanyard attached to an approved anchor point within the platform. Inspect the harness and lanyard before each use.

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of an emergency, push the emergency stop button to deactivate all powered functions. [1]
2. If an alarm sounds while the platform is elevated, stop and carefully lower the platform. Move the machine to a firm, level surface. [1]
3. In the event of an accident or breakdown, refer to the emergency operation procedures in the operator's manual. [1]

Questions and Answers

• Q: What qualifications do I need to operate an aerial lift?

A: Ensure that you have completed the required training and are authorized to operate the specific type of aerial lift you will be using.

• Q: How often should I inspect the aerial lift?

A: Check the operator's manual for decal listing and replace those that are missing or not legible. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

• Q: What should I do if I find damage or a malfunction during the inspection?

A: Never use a machine that is damaged, not functioning properly, or has damaged or missing placards and decals. [1]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always conduct a thorough pre-start inspection before operating the aerial lift. [1]
• Maintain a safe distance from power lines and other overhead obstructions. [9] [11] [12] [13]
• Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE, including fall protection. [3] [4] [6] [8]
• Operate the aerial lift only on firm, level surfaces and within its rated capacity. [15] [20]

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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