The construction process for government contracts involves using extensive machines and equipment. Ladders and scaffolds are the most common equipment that have been used for ages. However, safety is the biggest concern while working on the construction site using ladders or scaffolding.
Every year, several workers face serious injuries while falling from ladders. An aerial lift is one of the ideal alternatives and the best solution to reach high places that are not possible with ladders. Due to the numerous injuries resulting from falls from ladders, contractors are increasingly employing aerial lifts on construction worksites.
Important OSHA Safety Rules for Aerial Lift Operation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines and rules regarding workplace safety, particularly regarding injuries due to falls. An aerial lift is a name given to any vehicle-mounted device that helps workers, contractors, and SSHOs (Site Safety and Health Officers) reach elevated platforms.
The aerial lifts popularly used during construction are boom lifts and scissor lifts. The boom lifts can operate sideways, but there is a concern of entanglement with power lines. On the contrary, the scissor lift travels straight up and down, but there is a concern of tipping over.
The federal government construction projects are no ordinary projects and require extensive work. Aerial lifts have replaced conventional ladders and scaffolding on many USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) projects. The two main reasons are easy mobility and flexible reach that can be extended to various elevated positions on the worksite.
However, each year, hundreds of workers suffer fatal injuries even while using aerial lifts. OSHA has noticed the increasing number of fatalities and injuries involving aerial lifts and has developed specific safety and training courses. The training programs aim to inform employers and workers about safety concerns associated with the use of aerial lifts. Some of the common safety issues that can happen while working on an aerial lift are
- Fall from lifts or elevated platforms.
- Falling objects
- Tripping over
- Electrocutions
- Entanglement with wires
- Contact with overhead objects
Why is the Aerial Lift Safety Course Essential
eCertify is one of the most recognized institutions offering courses essential for managing government construction projects. The Aerial Lift Safety course is purposefully developed for onsite workers, lift operators, SSHO, and superintendents who will perform tasks using an aerial lift.
The online safety course complies with all the safety parameters defined by OSHA for government construction projects. The essential modules or lessons that an individual will get to learn include
- The details and types of aerial lifts
- Knowing about the safety precautions
- Risks associated with aerial lifts, such as falls
- Identify and avoid unsafe conditions
- How to inspect aerial lift and other safety measures
- Steps to minimize, control, and remove hazards
The Aerial Lift Safety course is essential for all those working on the worksite where aerial lifts will be used in the construction process. The course is 2 hours long, but since it is online, you can take breaks and complete it at your own comfort and convenience.
You have to take short quizzes at the end of each lesson to complete the course. Additionally, to obtain a certification, you must secure 70% or more marks.
The Aerial Lift Safety certification enables individuals to operate various types of lifts, including scissor lifts and boom lifts. The license to operate the lift is valid for 3 years after getting the certification. Renewal of the certification is mandatory; without it, it is not legal to operate the lift.
OSHA has specified various steps in aerial lift training. The steps are crucial and developed keeping in mind potential situations such as an accident occurring during the lift use. Some of the measures that SSHO and those working with aerial lifts need to consider and follow are
- Ensure that the workplace where the aerial lift is positioned is flat and solid ground.
- Ensure that the area around the lift is clear to prevent entanglements.
- Only trained and certified employees or workers have to operate the lift
- Wearing a harness at all times with a lanyard
- Do not lean over the guardrails
- Analyzing the weather, particularly when the lift is extended high, and it is windy
- It is better to avoid using the lift when there are gusty winds and rain
- Frequent maintenance and inspection of the aerial lift
- Not exceeding the maximum load capacity
- The hydraulic, electrical, and air systems must be checked
As the construction industry evolves, so is the safety equipment to prevent unfortunate accidents and injuries. The trend is using wearable devices, such as sensor clips, that can inform the individual of potential falls.
Bottom Line
Regardless of the time, place, or weather, aerial lift operators need to receive proper training and certification. eCertify is one place offering affordable online Aerial Lift Safety courses. You can easily know about the OSHA safety guidelines and other operational details. The course enables employers, SSHOs, and supervisors to comply with OSHA’s requirement for a safe work site environment.
OSHA has strict regulations for worksite safety and states that workers operating the aerial lift must have the necessary training and certification.