Aerial Lift Inspection

Types of Aerial Lift Equipment

1. Scissor Lift – a widely-used type of aerial lift that goes only straight up vertically
2. Man Lift – also known as personnel/personal lift, has a similar function as Scissor Lift but can only accommodate one person at a time
3. Boom Lift – this aerial lift equipment extends the platform both vertically and horizontally, this offers flexibility and makes hard-to-reach areas a little more accessible

What is an Aerial Lift Inspection?

Aerial Lift Inspection is a pre-use maintenance procedure which helps ensure that the equipment is functioning properly before workers perform a task. This inspection is also essential in determining if there are any hazard-prone areas or hazardous things nearby that could interfere with its safe operation.

Importance of Performing Aerial Lift Inspection

According to the Center for Construction Research and Training also known as CPWR, on average, about 26 workers die yearly while using aerial lifts. The common causes of aerial lifts accidents listed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are as follows:

• Touching power lines/electrocutions
• Lifts tipping over
• Falling from the lift
• Being trapped between the lift and another object
• Other accidents caused by not following safety guidelines

Fortunately, these workplace mishaps can be prevented if aerial lift inspections are done correctly and regularly.

OSHA Aerial Lift Inspection Requirements

Following the number of average annual fatalities in relation to aerial lifts, OSHA released a hazard alert that emphasized the importance of proper training for personnels and following the inspection requirements for using aerial lifts.

One of the initial requirements from OSHA is that lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that these are in safe operating condition, and that only authorized persons shall operate the lift.

They also suggest following the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and including a check of the below components for vehicles;

Vehicle Components

• Leaks of fluids
• Wheels and tires
• Battery and charger
• Lower-level controls
• Horn, gauges, lights, and backup alarms
• Steering and brakes
• Proper fluid levels

Checking the lift itself is also part of the general aerial lift safety inspection. If any of the below components are defective, it should immediately be reported;

Lift Components

• Operating and emergency controls
• Personal protective devices
• Hydraulic, air, pneumatic, fuel, and electrical systems
• Fiberglass and other insulating components
• Missing or unreadable placards, warnings, or operational, instructional, and control markings
• Mechanical fasteners and locking pins
• Cable and wiring harnesses
• Outriggers, stabilizers, and other structures
• Loose or missing parts
• Guardrail systems

Work Zone Inspections

Employers should also look for any work zone hazards and remove them from the vicinity before operating an aerial lift. Some of the items to look for include drop-off holes or unstable surfaces, inadequate ceiling heights, slopes and bumps, debris or floor obstructions, and any other items that could disrupt the smooth operation of the equipment.

It should also be noted that these inspections aren’t just suggestions—OSHA requires all aerial lifts to be inspected before use or else, as mentioned, they can result in workplace accidents and expensive fines for employers.

How to Conduct an Aerial Lift Inspection

As a pre-use requirement, workplaces that utilize any aerial lift device can benefit from having a guide on how to efficiently conduct an inspection. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a daily aerial lift inspection prior to equipment use:

1. Execute a visual inspection of all of the parts of the equipment, check for missing pieces, torn or loose hoses, and replace as necessary.
2. Check for fluid leaks and ensure proper fluid levels for oil, hydraulic, coolant, and fuel.
3. Check for any tire damage.
4. Check wheel lugs for tightness or looseness.
5. Inspect cables and hoses for worn parts.
6. Check for cracked welds.
7. Check for platform rails and safety gage damages.
8. Check for bent or broken structural elements.
9. Check pivot pins for security.
10. All warnings and labels should be legible and in place.
11. Inspect the platform control. Ensure the load capacity is clearly marked.
12. Ensure that platforms are not slippery.
13. Check the hydraulic system pressure. If it’s not in the ideal level of pressure, determine the reason and repair accordingly.
14. Check base controls, platform controls, all switches, and buttons for proper operation.
15. Ensure that the drive controller returns to neutral.
16. Inspect horn, gauges, lights, and back-up alarms and ensure that they are in safe working order.

Clear the workplace zone as well of the following hazards;

1. Drop-offs or holes
2. Any debris, bumps & floor obstructions
3. Overhead obstructions
4. Live wires or energized power line
5. Pedestrian or vehicle traffic
6. Wind or weather conditions that may affect operation
7. Any other hazardous locations

What is an Aerial Lift Inspection Form or Checklist?

Aerial lift inspection form or checklist, or sometimes referred to as aerial lift pre-use inspection checklist, is a tool that workplaces use to manually carry-out inspections before operating an aerial lift equipment. A good aerial lift inspection form, may it be on PDF or digital form, is crucial in successfully determining what to check and look for while conducting the inspection.