Aerial Lift Safety Program
Montana State University
Aerial Lift Safety Program
MSU Safety and Risk Management Office
Effective Date: 2024
Program Owner: Director, Safety and Risk Management
1. Purpose
This Aerial Lift Safety Program establishes the minimum requirements for the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of aerial lifts, including aerial manlifts (boom lifts) and scissor lifts, on university property. The program aims to prevent falls, tip-overs, collisions, and other accidents consistent with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.67 and 29 CFR 1926.453).
2. Scope
This program applies to all university employees, contractors, and temporary workers who operate, supervise, or work in proximity to aerial lifts on campus. It covers all types of aerial lifts utilized in maintenance, construction, custodial, and groundskeeping operations.
3. Regulatory References
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910.67 – Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms
•OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 – Aerial Lifts (Construction Industry)
•ANSI A92 Series – Standards for Aerial Work Platforms (Reference)
•Manufacturer’s operation manuals and safety guidelines
4. Definitions
•Aerial Lift: A device used to elevate personnel to perform work at height, including boom lifts,
scissor lifts, and cherry pickers.
•Authorized Operator: An individual who has completed required training and is permitted to operate aerial
lifts.
•Competent Person: A person designated by the university who can identify hazards and has authority
to take corrective action.
•Fall Protection System: Equipment such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems used to prevent or
arrest falls.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 MSU Safety and Risk Management
•Develop, implement, and update this safety program.
•Provide training resources and audit program compliance.
•Investigate aerial lift-related incidents.
5.2 Supervisors and Department Managers
•Ensure operators complete required training before use.
•Verify aerial lifts are inspected and maintained properly.
•Enforce compliance with program requirements.
5.3 Operators and Personnel
•Complete required aerial lift operator training.
•Conduct pre-use inspections and report defects.
•Follow all operational and safety procedures.
•Wear required fall protection and PPE.
6. Training and Authorization
•Only trained and authorized employees may operate aerial lifts.
•Training includes hazard recognition, equipment operation, fall protection, emergency
procedures, and manufacturer instructions.
•Retraining is required after incidents, observed unsafe practices, or changes in
equipment or regulations.
•Documentation of training completion must be maintained by the department.
7. Pre-Operation Inspection
Prior to each use, operators must perform a documented inspection including but not limited to:
•Visual check of structural components, welds, guardrails, and platform integrity.
•Operational check of controls, emergency stop, and descent mechanisms.
•Tires, wheels, and outriggers for damage and proper inflation.
•Hydraulic lines and electrical components for leaks or wear.
•Functionality of alarms, horns, and warning lights.
•Verification of operator manuals and load rating plates.
Any defects must be reported immediately; the equipment shall not be used until repairs are completed.
8. Safe Operation Practices
•Always use the aerial lift according to manufacturer’s instructions.
•Wear a full-body harness attached to the designated anchor point unless guardrails
are intact and compliant.
•Maintain firm footing on the platform floor; do not climb on guardrails or use ladders/scaffolds
on the platform.
•Never exceed rated load capacities, including personnel, tools, and materials.
•Do not operate aerial lifts near energized power lines; maintain a minimum clearance
of 10 feet or as required by local regulations.
•Avoid sudden movements, and operate at safe speeds.
•Use outriggers and stabilize the lift as required.
•Avoid using aerial lifts in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain,
or ice.
•Keep the platform clear of debris and obstructions.
•Operators must maintain continuous communication with ground personnel when required.
9. Work Area Safety
•Barricade or mark the lift work area to prevent unauthorized entry.
•Be aware of ground conditions; avoid unstable, uneven, or soft surfaces.
•Never move an elevated lift unless specifically designed for that function.
•Ensure proper lighting for night or low visibility operations.
10. Maintenance and Repair
•Equipment maintenance must be conducted by qualified personnel according to manufacturer
recommendations.
•Maintenance records must be maintained and available for review.
•Do not operate aerial lifts with known mechanical defects or missing safety devices.
•Post-maintenance testing and inspections must be conducted prior to return to service.
11. Incident Reporting and Investigation
•All incidents, near misses, or equipment malfunctions involving aerial lifts must
be reported immediately to supervisors and Safety and Risk Management.
•Incident investigations will determine causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
12. Program Review
This program will be reviewed at minimum every three years or following a significant incident, change in applicable regulations, or introduction of new equipment.
13. Appendices
•Appendix A: Aerial Lift Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
•Appendix B: Aerial Lift Operator Training Record
•Appendix C: Incident Report Form