Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management

Definitions

(Per OSHA Standard 1910.67, 1926.453)

• An aerial device, by definition, includes any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulating, or both, which is used to position personnel.
• An articulating boom platform, by definition, is an aerial device with two or more hinged boom sections.
• An extensible boom platform, by definition, is an aerial device (except ladders) with a telescopic or extensible boom. Telescopic derricks with personnel platform attachments are considered to be extensible boom platforms when used with a personnel platform.
• A mobile unit, by definition, is a combination of an aerial device, its vehicle, and related equipment.
• A platform, or elevated platform, by definition, is any personnel-carrying device (basket or bucket) which is a component of an aerial device.
• A vehicle, by definition, is any carrier that is not manually propelled.
• A vertical tower, by definition, is an aerial device designed to elevate a platform in a substantially vertical axis.

General Use Requirements

• ANSI/SIA A92.5-1992 (Boom Supported Elevating Work Platforms), including Appendix items, specify the design and construction requirements for aerial lift devices.
• Aerial lift devices are used to elevate personnel to job sites above the ground. These include extensible boom platforms, aerial ladders, aerial ladder trucks, articulating boom platforms, vertical towers, and any combination of these devices.
• Aerial lift devices may be constructed of metal, wood, fiberglass, reinforced plastic (RFP), or other materials.
• Aerial lift devices may be "field modified" for use other than those intended by the manufacturer, provided the modification has been approved, in writing, by the manufacturer or by an equivalent authority, such as a nationally recognized testing laboratory, to be in conformity with ANSI/SIA A92.5-1992 requirements, to be at least as safe as the equipment prior to modification.
• Aerial lift devices and personnel working near electrical power lines must meet the requirements contained in the OSHA Standard 1910.333 (c) (3), Subpart S-Electrical, Selection and Use of Work Practices (e.g. de-energizing procedures; grounding overhead lines; required work distances relative to overhead electrical power lines; unqualified and qualified employees working in the vicinity of overhead electrical power lines; and vehicular and mechanical equipment in the vicinity of overhead power lines). Consult with New River Light and Power Company officials prior to performing work near energized power lines. See OSHA Standard 1910.333 (c) (3) for details.
• Aerial Lift Safety Program

General Aerial Lift Device Use Practices Include:

• On ladder trucks and tower trucks, secure aerial ladders in the lower traveling position by locking the device on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder prior to moving the truck. Insure outrigger devices (if equipped) are properly stored prior to moving.
• Set the brakes and position the outrigger devices (if equipped) on pads or similar solid surfaces and install the wheel chocks before using aerial lift equipment (especially on inclines).
• Do not move aerial lift trucks with employees located in the elevated work boom position, except for equipment specifically designed or certified as "field modified" for this type of operation.
• Insure that aerial lift devices equipped with working elevated platforms contain both elevated platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls are located in or beside the elevated platform, within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls are designed to override the upper controls.
• Check to be sure that controls are plainly marked as to their function.
• Test lift controls each day prior to use to insure safe working conditions.
• Insure loads and distribution on working platforms and platform extensions are in accordance with manufacturer's rated capacity and do not exceed rated load limits. Affix stickers to vehicle that indicate manufacturer's rated load capacity of the working elevated platform and/or elevated platform extensions.
• Insure all personnel in the working elevated platform are wearing appropriate personal protective devices at all times (e.g. hard hats to protect from overhead falling objects, being struck with nearby objects, struck by flying objects; safety shoes/boots; goggles/safety glasses with side shields/hard hat with shield; gloves; other protective clothing).
• Insure that each employee uses an appropriate body belt/harness and lanyard device attached to the boom or basket or other appropriate passenger device as fall protection when working from an aerial lift device.
• Insure that only trained and authorized employees operate aerial lift devices.
• Keep feet firmly on the floor of the basket or elevated platform at all times.
• Do not sit, climb or position yourself on the edge of the basket or elevated platform.
• Do not use planks, ladders or other devices as substitute work positions.
• Do not operate lower controls unless permission has been obtained from the employee(s) in the elevated platform, except in case of an emergency.
• Do not position the aerial lift device against another object to steady the elevated platform.
• Do not use aerial lift devices as a crane or other lifting device.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices from trucks, scaffolds, or similar equipment unless approved in writing by the manufacturer.
• Limit travel speeds of aerial lift devices according the conditions of the ground surface, congestion, visibility, slope, location of personnel and other factors that may cause hazards to other nearby personnel.
• Shut down the aerial life device engine prior to fueling. Fuel engines or charge fuel cylinders in well ventilated areas free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.
• Charge batteries in well ventilated areas free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.
• Be sure to maintain a clear view of the path of travel, maintain a safe distance from other obstacles, debris, drop offs, holes, depressions, slopes and other hazards. Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles (including overhead electrical power lines).
• Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited.
• Do not position booms and elevated platform devices in an attempt to jack the wheels off the ground.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices on grades, side slopes or ramps that exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.
• If elevated platforms or elevated work areas become caught, snagged or otherwise do not operate properly, remove personnel from the platform prior to freeing the elevated platform using ground controls.
• Do not alter the insulated portion of an aerial lift device in any manner that might reduce its insulating effectiveness.
• Insure the area surrounding the elevated platform is clear of personnel and equipment prior to lowering the elevated platform.
• Perform inspections of aerial life devices per manufacturer's, ANSI/SIA and other regulatory agency schedules. Make repairs immediately.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices with noted, reported deficiencies until repairs are made and equipment is authorized for use.
• Perform electrical system safety tests on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.5-1992 requirements.
• Inspect hydraulic and pneumatic system components (Bursting Safety Factor) on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.5-1992 requirements.
• Conduct welding operations on aerial lift devices per Automotive Welding Society (AWS) Standards.

Training - Employees Using Aerial Lift Devices will be trained in:

• Employees authorized to use aerial lift devices will receive training in accordance with manufacturer's operating instructions and routine maintenance requirements (as appropriate) prior to actual operation.
• Employees authorized to use aerial lift devices will receive hands on training on the actual aerial lift device (or duplicate model) he/she will be expected to operate prior to actual use.
• Training will be under the direction of a qualified, competent individual capable of determining an employee's proficiency in knowledge and actual operation of the aerial lift device.
• Only properly trained and authorized employees are permitted to operate aerial lift devices. Employees will be given and display, when requested, cards, certificates or other form of identification that denotes successful completion and authorization to operate specific aerial lift devices.
• Records Retention
• Departments will retain initial employee training records for individuals authorized to operate specific aerial lift devices for a minimum of 3 years. Subsequent refresher and other specialized training records will be maintained for a similar period. Previous employee training records may be replaced with copies of subsequent and other specialized training records.
• Departments will retain written records of initial and subsequent inspections performed on each aerial lift device for a minimum of 3 years. Subsequent inspection records will be maintained for a similar period. Previous inspection records may be replaced with copies of subsequent inspection records.
• Departments will retain written records of repairs performed on each aerial lift device for a minimum of 3 years. Records will include the date of repair, a description of the work accomplished and identification of persons performing the repair. Previous repair records may be replaced with copies of subsequent repair records.
• Departments will retain written records of all paperwork in connection with authorized "field modifications" made with respect to specific aerial lift devices.