(Aerial) Elevated Lift Safety Policy

April 2023
 

This document meets the requirements outlined in OSHA Title 29 CFR 1910 Subpart F (Powered Platforms and Manlifts) and the ANSI/SIA A92.3-2006 standards for the safe operation of Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms.

Training

Prior to supervising, operating or manning an aerial/elevated lift, designated employees (including student employees) must be provided equipment-specific training by a certified operator (either in-house or as supplied by the vendor), demonstrate proficiency, and review the manufacturer’s operating manual.

Scissor%20Lift2

Setup Precautions

  • Operational controls, load capacities, and safety features must be clearly marked.
  • The lift will be transported in the lowered position to the intended use site by qualified personnel.
  • The intended use site will be inspected for level, ground condition, debris, utilities, overhead obstructions, or other potential hazards to operation before setting up the lift.
  • A distance of at least 25 feet from electrical power lines will be maintained.  All electrical equipment to be used on the lift will be grounded or secured to prevent contact with the metal platform.
  • The lift will be inspected prior to use, specifically for physical condition, electrical power, hydraulic operation, and the presence of safety devices.  Under no conditions will any manufacturer’s safety device be removed, modified, overridden, or disabled.
  • Inspection for physical condition should include:  missing, damaged or unreadable signage; broken, missing, damaged or loose parts; cuts, punctures, bulges, excessive wear, or low pressure in the tires; cracked welds or seams; hydraulic fluid leaks; low battery power; damaged or loose outriggers or stabilizers; and unresponsive controls.
  • Position and secure all outriggers and stabilizers (if applicable) on a firm, level surface and set the parking brake (if present) prior to use.

Safe Operating Procedures

  • Know the rated work load and maximum allowed height of the lift - do not exceed them.
  • Keep all personnel at least 10 feet away from the base of the platform; under no circumstances should any person be allowed to stand 10 feet of the platform when raised.
  • The lift should be fully lowered and stationary before mounting; never attempt to mount or dismount a moving platform.  Never use hand or foot controls as a hold when mounting or dismounting.
  • Secure all rails, chains, or gates before raising the platform.  
     
    • Additional fall protection equipment is NOT required so long as all safety devices remain in place while the lift is in use.
  • The lift must be operated from the platform controls while in use; only in an emergency may the base control station be used to raise or lower the platform.
  • Keep the platform surface clean and clear of debris while in use to prevent slipping or tripping. 
  • Never use makeshift items to increase your height above the platform surface.
  • Never step onto or attach equipment to the platform railings, or climb outside of the guardrail area.
  • If the lift is to be left unattended, the platform will be lowered, the power turned off, the parking brake engaged, and appropriate steps taken to prevent unauthorized use.

Emergency Procedures

  • A trained employee will be designated to supervise each use of the lift as a ground spotter, and will have the authority to call a shutdown if conditions become unsafe.
  • A hand-portable velocity meter will be used as necessary to gauge wind conditions, with the understanding that most lifts are rated to 25 mph for safe operation.  An initial wind reading will be taken on the ground by the supervisor, then the meter will be used in the lift at height.

If windspeeds exceed 15 mph, the lift will be lowered to half its allowed height;
If windspeeds exceed 25 mph, the lift will be lowered completely and dismounted.

  • If weather conditions become threatening (thunder/lightning), the lift will be lowered completely and not used.

In the event of any emergency, the lift will be lowered immediately and the Amherst College Campus Police contacted at Ext. 2111.