This is your complete guide to aerial lift inspections.
In it, you’ll learn:
- The rules for boom and scissor lift inspections (from OSHA and ANSI)
- How often inspections are required
- The different types of inspections
- What’s involved in each type of inspection
- And lots more!
Let’s dive in!
There are at least 3 reasons that aerial lifts need to be inspected.
For one, aerial lifts inspections help to ensure the safety of operators and pedestrians.
After all, aerial lifts can be dangerous if they’re not operationally sound.
Also, aerial lift inspections help improve the longevity of the equipment and reduce costs.
That’s because if defects are found early, they can be repaired before they balloon into more costly issues.
And finally, inspections are required by ANSI and OSHA.
(We’ll cover that more in the next section.)
Two bodies provide the rules for aerial and scissor lift inspections:
- OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- ANSI (the American National Standards Institute)
Not sure what the difference is?
To clear up any confusion, we’ll cover that next.
What’s the Difference Between OSHA Regulations and ANSI Industry Standards?
OSHA regulations are laws.
And that means they’re subject to government enforcement.
ANSI standards, however, are not laws.
Instead, they’re the guidelines for aerial lift design, operation, and safety across the entire industry.
So does that mean you don’t have to follow ANSI’s standards?
Not necessarily.
That’s because OSHA often incorporates ANSI rules by reference.
And that means they can carry the force of law.
So to be sure, you should follow both OSHA and ANSI’s rules on aerial lifts, including inspections.
What Are the OSHA and ANSI Regulations for Aerial Lifts Inspections?
OSHA Boom Lift Safety Requirements
The OSHA regulations for boom inspections can be found in the following standards:
- 1910.67 - Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms.
- 1926.453 - Aerial lifts.
- 1926.502 - Fall protection systems criteria and practices.
What do these standards say exactly?
Basically, OSHA says that you must:
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Test the lift controls before using the equipment to ensure they’re in proper working order (1910.67(c)(2)(i))
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Ensure the boom and outriggers are in the stowed position before moving the lift (1910.67(c)(2)(xii))
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Instruct workers in how to recognize, avoid, and eliminate any hazards they may come across (1926.21(b)(2))
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Inspect personal fall arrest devices to ensure they’re free from wear and damage before using (1926.502(d)(21))
Now, that isn’t all of what OSHA requires for these inspections.
Fortunately, they give more detailed inspection requirements in their handy FactSheet on aerial lifts.
OSHA Scissor Lift Inspection Requirements
It’s important to note that scissor lifts aren’t technically considered aerial lifts.
Instead, OSHA regards scissor lifts as scaffolding.
In an interpretation letter, OSHA states that:
“Although no OSHA provisions specifically address scissor lifts, they meet the definition of a scaffold (§1926.451 – general requirements for scaffolds) in Aerial lifts standards 1926.453 Subpart L.”
This means scissor lifts aren’t subject to the same inspection requirements as boom lifts and other aerial lift types.
Instead, the standards that apply to scissor lift inspections are contained in 1915.71 - Scaffolds or staging and 1926.451 - General requirements (for scaffolding).
Some of the key scissor lift inspection requirements in these standards include:
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Only a competent person should inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects before each work shift (1926.451(f)(3))
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Maintain scaffolds in a safe and secure condition and replace any damaged, broken, burdened, or defective scaffold component (1915.71(b)(5))
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Inspect metal scaffold members and maintain them in good repair and free of corrosion (1915.71(d)(1))
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Only a competent person should inspect ropes for defects before each work shift and after every incident that can affect a rope’s integrity. Replace ropes with affected integrity (1926.451(d)(10))
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Inspect clips and tighten loose ones to the manufacturer’s recommendations before and after each work shift (1926.451(d)(12)(iv))
ANSI Standards for Aerial and Scissor Lifts
The ANSI standards for aerial and scissor lifts can be found on ANSI’s website:
- ANSI/SIA A92.2-1969 - Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms
- ANSI/SIA A92.3 - American National Standard For Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
- ANSI/SIA A92.5 - American National Standard Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms
- ANSI/SIA A92.6 - American National Standard For Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms
Unfortunately, they are not free.
So you’ll need to purchase each standard or a bundle of them to review the specific requirements.
That said, we can still give a brief overview of what they require:
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Aerial lifts must be inspected before using
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Frequent inspections are required
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Annual inspections are required
Obviously, these rules are a little vague.
But don’t worry - we’ll talk more about them in the “How Often Should Aerial Lifts Be Inspected” section below.
Are There Any Other Rules Governing Aerial Lift Inspections?
Yes.
Besides OSHA and ANSI, manufacturers also specify the boom and scissor lift inspection items and how often they should be performed.
And OSHA notes that you need to follow what those specific instructions are:
How do you know where to find the manufacturer’s inspection recommendations?
Check the owner’s manual:
There are 3 main inspection intervals:
- Pre-start inspections
- Frequent inspections
- Annual inspections
Additionally, some boom lifts require additional inspections.
We’ll cover each of these intervals in more detail below.
Pre-Start Inspections
OSHA requires that operators perform a pre-start inspection before using the lift.
At a high level, this should consist of a:
- Visual inspection of the lift
- Inspection of the work zone
- Test of function controls
The purpose of this inspection is to:
- Ensure all parts of the equipment are in safe operating condition
- Identify any required maintenance actions
We’ll cover pre-start inspections in more detail in the section below called “How Do You Inspect an Aerial Lift?”
Frequent Inspections
You’re probably wondering, how often is “frequent”?
The answer is “frequent” inspections are required when:
- The lift was purchased as used equipment unless it is already up-to-date on frequent and annual inspections
- The lift has been in service for 3 months, or 150 hours - whichever comes first
- The lift has been out of service for more than 3 months
Annual Inspections
If you’re wondering “what are the OSHA aerial lift annual inspection requirements?” the answer is that OSHA doesn’t specify.
Instead, annual inspection requirements are promulgated by ANSI.
And recall that OSHA sometimes incorporates ANSI rules into the law.
So, you should follow what ANSI says on the topic.
Now, what does ANSI say about annual inspections?
They say that annual inspections must be performed at most thirteen (13) months after the previous inspection.
Not sure when your aerial lift last had an annual inspection?
You can typically find out when the last inspection was by checking the date posted on the lift:
Additional Inspections
For certain models of boom lifts, additional inspections may be required.
This includes:
- Booms fitted with chain extension and retraction units. For these booms, a two-year inspection for these components is required
- Booms fitted with wire ropes. For these booms, the wire rope must be replaced every 12 years or 7,000 service hours
OSHA states that “competent” persons should be the ones conducting aerial lift inspections.
That begs the question: Who is a “competent” person?
Fortunately, OSHA provides an answer to this question in 1926.450:
“Competent person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
They also give more information in this letter of interpretation.
But in essence, a competent person is someone who has the training and knowledge specific to the equipment’s operation and safety aspects.
So, equipment operators may be considered competent to carry out pre-start inspections.
That said, any repairs along with frequent and annual inspections should be handled by qualified technicians.
And these technicians must be familiar with the particular type of aerial platform or one with similar design characteristics (per ANSI A92.5 section 6.6 and A92.6).
We’re going to assume that you’re reading this article as a boom or scissor lift operator (prospective or current).
So, we’ll limit this section to just the pre-start inspections.
After all, only professional technicians should perform frequent and annual inspections.
Pre-Start Inspections
Boom Lifts
Boom lift pre-start inspection should consist of a:
- Visual inspection
- Function test (for ground and platform controls)
- Work zone inspection
So if you’re wondering “how do you inspect a boom lift?”, you can use this aerial lift pre-use inspection checklist as a guide:
1. Visual Inspection
- All safety manuals should legible and present in the platform storage container
- All decals must be legible and present
- Check for fluid leaks and fluid levels. This should include hydraulic oil, battery fluid, and engine oil and coolant (internal combustion models)
- Ensure the battery is charged (electric models)
- Check components for presence, damage, improper installation, and modifications, including:
- Electrical wires and cables
- Hydraulic tank, hoses, fittings, cylinders, and valves
- Motors and hubs
- Wear pads
- Wheels and tires
- Limit switches and horn
- Any equipped alarms or beacons
- Engine components and fuel tank (internal combustion models)
- Fasteners
- Safety rails and gates
- Structural components for cracked welds, dents, and excessive rust or corrosion
2. Function Test
Ground Control Testing
- Ensure the emergency stop button at the ground controls shuts off power to the lift and prohibits the use of the functions
- Ensure function enable switch works when engaged and not when unengaged
- Check the tilt sensor to ensure the alarm sounds when it's pushed to the side
- Test the auxiliary controls to ensure they work as designed
Platform Control Testing
- Ensure the emergency stop button at the platform controls shuts off power to the lift and prohibits the use of the functions
- Sound the horn to verify it works
- Check the footswitch to ensure functions work when it's depressed and don't when it's not depressed
- Test the steering to ensure it works
- Test the brakes to ensure they stop the lift and hold the machine in place
- Test the drive enable system to ensure it operates as intended
- Check the drive speed limit to ensure the machine moves within its speed limit when the boom arm is raised or extended
- Test the auxiliary controls to ensure they work as designed
3. Work Zone Inspection
Inspect your work area for any conditions that would present a hazard to operating your boom lift, including:
- Drop-offs, holes, bumps, and debris
- Slopes and slippery surfaces
- Overhead obstructions, especially power lines
- Weak flooring that's unable to withstand the machine's weight
- Weather and wind
- Unauthorized personnel
Scissor Lifts
Pre-start inspection items for scissor lifts are nearly the same as for boom lifts.
They should consist of a:
- Visual inspection
- Function test (ground and platform controls)
- Work zone inspection
The items for each should include:
1. Visual Inspection
- All safety manuals should legible and present in the platform storage container
- All decals are legible and present
- Check for fluid leaks and fluid levels. This should include hydraulic oil, battery fluid, and engine oil and coolant (internal combustion models)
- Ensure the battery is charged (electric models)
- Check components for presence, damage, improper installation, and modifications, including:
- Battery packs and connectors (electric models)
- Electrical wires and cables
- Hydraulic tank, hoses, fittings, cylinders, and valves
- Motors and hubs
- Wear pads
- Wheels and tires
- Limit switches and horn
- Any equipped alarms or beacons
- Engine components and fuel tank (internal combustion models)
- Fasteners
- Safety rails, gates, and latches
- Safety arm
- Pothole protectors
- Platform extensions
- Structural components for cracked welds, dents, and excessive rust or corrosion
- Ensure the battery and component side trays are closed and latched before operating
2. Function Test
Ground Control Testing
- Ensure the emergency stop button at the ground controls shuts off power to the lift and prohibits the use of the functions
- Test the up/down platform controls to ensure they work properly
- Ensure the platform descent alarm sounds when the platform lowers
- Test the manual auxiliary lowering lever that it can lower the platform
Platform Control Testing
- Ensure the emergency stop button at the platform controls shuts off power to the lift and prohibits the use of the functions
- Sound the horn to verify it works
- Check the function enable switch to ensure functions work when it's engaged and don't when it's disengaged
- Test the up/down platform controls to ensure they work properly
- Ensure the pothole protectors engage when the platform raises
- Test the steering to ensure it works
- Test the brakes to ensure they stop the lift and hold the machine in place
- Check the tilt sensor operation by driving on raised woodblocks, elevating the platform, and ensuring the lift doesn't move while elevated and tilted (Note: Test this using the platform controls but while standing on the ground)
- Check the drive speed limit to ensure the machine moves within its speed limit when the platform is raised
- Test the pothole protectors to ensure they deploy, can't be moved while deployed, and return to the stowed position
3. Work Zone Inspection
Inspect your work area for any conditions that would present a hazard to operating your boom lift, including:
- Drop-offs, holes, bumps, and debris
- Slopes and slippery surfaces
- Overhead obstructions, especially power lines
- Weak flooring that's unable to withstand the machine's weight
- Weather and wind
- Unauthorized personnel
Conclusion
That’s it: The complete guide to aerial lift inspections.
Now, we’d like to turn it over to you.
Do you operate an aerial lift?
What have you learned about inspecting them?
Or maybe you have further questions?
Please share with us in the comments!