Aerial Lift Safety in Construction : Aerial Lift Safety in Construction
Deaths from Aerial Lifts in Construction : Deaths from Aerial Lifts in Construction From 1992-99, there were 26 deaths per year from lifts in construction.
18 per year from boom-supported lifts
8 per year from scissor and other vertical lifts
This is 3% of all deaths in construction
Causes of Death from Aerial Lifts in Construction, 1992-99 : Causes of Death from Aerial Lifts in Construction, 1992-99
Deaths from Aerial Lifts in Construction, by Trade, 1992-99 : Deaths from Aerial Lifts in Construction, by Trade, 1992-99
Boom-Supported Lifts : Boom-Supported Lifts Electrocutions – almost all due to overhead power lines
1/2 of electrocutions involved body contact with overhead power lines
One-third involved overhead power lines contacting lift booms or buckets
Falls
1/2 of fatal falls involved ejection from the bucket after worker or lifts was struck by vehicles, cranes or objects.
1/6 occurred while transferring to or from the bucket at a height
Collapses/tipovers
2/5 of deaths involved collapse of boom
Almost one-third were due to tipovers.
1/4 involved collapses of bucket
Boom-Supported Lifts (Cont.) : Boom-Supported Lifts (Cont.) Caught in /between
Most involved the worker getting caught between the bucket edge and a roof joist or beam.
Struck by/against
Mostly involved workers being struck by collapsing materials, girders, etc.
Scissor Lifts : Scissor Lifts Falls
1/5 of deaths involved ejections, after being struck by object
Cause of fall unknown in 3/5 of deaths
Other causes included removal of chains, standing on or leaning over railings
Tipovers
Caused almost 1/3 of scissor lift deaths
Mostly while elevated over 15 feet
1/4 of tipovers occurred where lift hit a hole or curb while moving
Electrocutions
1/2 involved overhead power lines
Renting an Aerial Lift : Renting an Aerial Lift Get maintenance history of aerial lift
Get operator’s manual and maintenance manual (if separate)
Ensure a detailed maintenance check is done before rental
Make sure operator controls are easily accessible and properly marked
Operator Training : Operator Training Training must be done by a qualified person experienced with the particular lift model
Training must include:
Nature of electrical, fall, and other hazards involved in operating
lift
Precautions for dealing with hazards
Rated load capacity for the lift (including workers, tools,
materials, bucket liner, etc.)
Manufacturer requirements, as outlined in operator manual
Demonstration of skill and knowledge in actual operation of the
aerial lift
Qualified Person Definition : Qualified Person Definition OSHA 1926.450(b)
A qualified person .…by extensive knowledge, training, and experience can….solve….problems related to the subject matter….
Maintenance Requirements : Maintenance Requirements Training of mechanics should be done by qualified person experienced with lift model
Maintenance should include:
Knowledge of manufacturer’s maintenance requirements
Frequent inspections of aerial lift by qualified mechanic
At least annual detailed inspections by qualified mechanic
Insulated aerial lifts have special electrical test requirements
De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lift before conducting maintenance and repairs
Before Operating Aerial Lifts : Before Operating Aerial Lifts Do not modify aerial lift without written permission
Check safety devices, operating controls before each use
Check area in which aerial lift will be used for:
Level surface (Do not exceed manufacturer slope recommendations)
Holes, drop-offs, bumps, debris, etc.
Overhead obstructions and overhead power lines
Stable surface
Other hazards
Set outriggers, brakes, wheel chocks
Preventing Electrocutions by Power Lines : Preventing Electrocutions by Power Lines Non-electrical workers must stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
Electrical workers must de-energize/insulate power lines or use proper PPE/equipment.
Use insulated buckets near overhead power lines
Regularly check insulation on buckets
Preventing Tip-Overs : Preventing Tip-Overs Do not exceed manufacturer rated load capacity limits
Do not travel to job location with lift in elevated position.
Set up proper work zone protection when working near traffic
Positioning of lifts
Do not drive near drop-offs or holes.
Do not raise platform on uneven or soft surfaces.
Do not drive onto uneven or soft surfaces when elevated.
Do not raise platform on slope or drive onto slope when elevated.
Do not raise platform in windy or gusty conditions.
Avoid excessive horizontal forces when working on elevated scissor lifts
Fall Protection : Fall Protection OSHA regulates aerial lifts as scaffolds Fall protection is required on boom lifts (full body harness with lanyard or body belt with 2-foot lanyard as restraint device)
Must be tied of to an approved anchor point (5000lbs per person)
Always close entrance chains or doors
Stand on floor of bucket or lift platform
Do not climb on or lean over guardrails
In summary the dangers of lifts are;ElectrocutionFallsCollapses/tipoversCaught in/betweenStruck by/against : In summary the dangers of lifts are;ElectrocutionFallsCollapses/tipoversCaught in/betweenStruck by/against