AERIAL LIFT

This course provides classroom instruction and hands-on training for operators of aerial lifts, including extensible boom platforms, aerial ladders (bucket trucks), articulating boom platforms, and vertical towers. It is designed to meet the operator training requirements of 29 CFR 1926.453 in construction and 29 CFR 1910.67 in general industry, along with the applicable ANSI/SAIA A92 consensus standards. Participants learn safe operating principles with emphasis on the differences between aerial lift types, boom envelope and stability, mandatory fall protection, upper and lower control operation, and elevated work practices, followed by a practical skills demonstration and performance evaluation. Successful completion supports employer certification of the operator for the specific equipment type and workplace.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the controls, instrumentation, and operating characteristics of the aerial lift, and distinguish between extensible boom, aerial ladder, articulating boom, and vertical tower configurations
  • Interpret the manufacturer's load chart or capacity rating and determine safe platform capacity at varying positions
  • Explain boom envelope, stability, and how extension, elevation, and rotation affect tip-over risk
  • Properly don, inspect, and use a body belt or full-body harness with a lanyard attached to the designated anchor point in the platform or basket
  • Perform a pre-operation inspection and properly report defects
  • Operate the aerial lift safely, including travel, positioning, elevating, and lower/upper control transfer
  • Recognize and maintain minimum approach distances from energized power lines
  • Recognize and respond to overhead, roadway, and workplace hazards affecting safe operation

EVALUATION AND CERTIFICATION

Each operator's performance is evaluated in the workplace by a qualified trainer or evaluator. The employer certifies that each operator has been trained and evaluated for the specific make, model, and type of aerial lift. The certification record includes the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.