4.2 Aerial Lifts

These guidelines provide standard operating procedures for the use of aerial lifts (see glossary).

Managers and supervisors are responsible to review these guidelines and make reasonable efforts to ensure that they are followed.

• When operating aerial lifts under, over, or near electric power lines, maintain the following minimum clearances:

  • 10 feet (3 m) for lines rated at 50 kilovolts (kV) or less.

  • A minimum of 10 feet (3 m) for lines rated in excess of 50 kV. It is recommended that an additional inch (2.5 cm) of distance be added for each kilovolt in excess of 50 kV.

• Aerial lifts should be secured by locking the device in the lower traveling position before the lift is transported.

• Lift controls should be tested each day prior to use to ensure that the controls are in a safe working condition.

• Only trained persons may operate an aerial lift. A supervisor or other qualified individual will determine the level of training necessary to operate a lift. All training should be documented.

• Employees should always stand firmly on the floor of the lift and should not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or on the guardrails.

• Planks, ladders, or other extension devices should not be used on an aerial or scissor lift.

• When working from an aerial lift, employees must wear fall-protection or fall-restraint equipment and attach a lanyard to an approved attachment point in the basket. Fall protection is not required in scissor-type lifts unless the basket is not completely enclosed or fall protection is specified by the manufacturer.

• Do not exceed the load limit specified by the lift manufacturer.

• Brakes should be set, and outriggers, when used, should be positioned on pads or a solid surface. Wheel chocks should be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline.

• Contractors should not be allowed to use or operate Church-owned aerial lifts.

• Operators of aerial lifts should read and be familiar with all manufacturer instructions and recommendations.

• An aerial lift may not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with a person in the basket unless the equipment is specifically designed for this type of operation.

• Articulating boom and extendable boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers, should have both platform (upper) and lower controls. Lower controls should be able to override the upper controls. Lower controls should not be used unless the employee in the lift has given permission, except in the case of an emergency.

• Do not use an aerial lift if wind velocity exceeds 30 miles per hour (48 kmph).

• When using a forklift designed to lift personnel in a safety platform:

  • Secure the safety platform firmly to the lifting carriage or forks.

  • Provide a way for personnel on the platform to shut off power to the forklift.

  • Provide protection from falling objects.

• Areas beneath aerial lifts are hazard areas for falling objects and should be controlled by barricades or other means to prevent unauthorized entry into the area.

• Volunteers should not be allowed to operate aerial lifts unless they have the same level of experience and training as the employed staff, as determined by a supervisor.