Safety and risk management

Aerial lifts provide a safe and reliable platform for workers to perform job tasks when used
correctly. When not used properly, aerial lifts can present a serious hazard to workers. This lesson
 highlights the specific types of aerial lifts, it's hazards and measures to prevent injuries or fatalities. 

Aerial lifts if used safely and properly can make a difference in your daily operation.


Introduction To
AERIAL LIFTS


‘Aerial Lifts’ is an overarching term used for multiple types of lifts, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and personnel lifts.


Aerial lifts are used to elevate workers to various heights to perform a variety of work-related tasks, including: painting, drywall installation, and maintenance.


Aerial lifts are mobile making them easy to deploy to a number of jobsites, plus they involve minimal setup time.


Introduction

Boom lifts are an important component of the proper deployment and completion of many construction projects.


Boom Lifts


Also known as a "cherry picker", owing to its origins, where it was designed for use in orchards where it lets the picker stand in the transport basket to pick fruit high in a tree with relative ease.


Boom lifts allow for both **horizontal ** and vertical reach and are mainly used for outdoor jobs, industrial tasks and construction projects.


Boom lifts allow for a higher reach than scissor lifts but typically have a smaller work platform.


Boom Lifts

Scissor lifts provide a safe and reliable platform for workers to perform job tasks when used safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions


Scissor Lifts


Scissor lift is an equipment that provides a safe, steady enclosure and a vertical rising platform that helps workers accomplish tasks at high elevations.


This type of lift can only reach a shorter height and only moves up and down, but can lift multiple workers at once, making it a more logical and affordable option for projects where height is not a concern.


Scissor lifts present hazards similar to scaffolding when extended and stationary, using the lift safely depends on considering equipment capabilities, limitations and safe practices


**Hydraulic **
Powered by hand-operated or engine-driven hydraulic systems. It’s relatively easy to operate, and doesn’t require much training, but are slower to operate in colder weather. Best suited for projects where speed and horsepower are not priorities.


Diesel
Distinguished by it’s cross-braced system that allows it to reach a height of 30 feet, or even as high as 60 feet.It’s powered by traditional diesel fuel, which makes it noisy and emit fumes into the environment and are usually reserved for outdoor use.


Electric
An alternative to diesel counterpart, electric scissor lifts feature a silent, powered drive mechanism which provides a cleaner solution for indoor spaces, and are also less bulky making them optimal in smaller spaces.


Rough Terrain
Designed exclusively for outdoor terrain, it comes equipped with a high weight capacity, heavy duty tires, and additional safety mechanisms like fall restraints and arrestors. This makes them ideal for work sites with uneven surfaces and slopes, as well as projects that take place in inclement weather.


Pneumatic
Uses air pressure as it’s lifting mechanism and does not emit hazardous fumes or by-products into the environment, making it a more sustainable option when looking to minimize carbon footprint.


Test and inspect controls and components before each use.
Ensure that guardrail systems are in good working condition
Verify that brakes once set will hold the scissor lift
in position.
Make sure you are trained to use scissor lifts before operating it.


How to Ensure Scissor Lifts are Safe To Use


Scissor Lifts

Personnel lifts gives you the ability to move about and reach medium height levels with ease.


Personnel Lifts


Personnel lift is typically designed for one person, which is why it is commonly referred to as one-man lifts.


Personnel lifts are often used indoors because of their compact size and are only about 2 to 3 feet wide, having a height reach anywhere from 12 to 47 feet.


Personnel lift are made for 1-2 persons and usually have a weight restriction of up to 400 pounds.


Personnel lifts are used for indoor remodelling and maintenance projects or any other type of job where a lift can be used instead of a ladder.


Which of these are true?


Warehouse
Commonly used as part of the day to day operation from maintenance such as changing lights to picking and organising stocks.


Maintenance
Aerial lifts are commonly used for general maintenance such as painting ceilings, changing lights, washing interior windows etc.


Churches
Chruches have high ceilings, architectural beams, and seating and needs personnel lift to reach the highest points for lighting, maintenance, A/C duct cleaning, emergency light batteries, ceiling repairs or the popular LED lighting retrofit.


Schools
Schools use personnel lifts when decorating for dances, prom, or a theatre  production.


Construction
Personnel lifts are primarily used for lifting workers to hard-to-reach areas and even making fine finishing details.


New

free course

Aerial Lifts

Aerial Lifts Lessons

Course overview

The full course includes

Explore more

EdApp is easy to use and free for you and your team. No credit card required.