lines. Conductive objects could be wires, transformers, ducts, pipes or other equipment. Always

treat overhead lines as energized, even if they are

down or appear to be insulated. (Qualified power

line and communications workers and qualified

line-clearance tree trimmers are trained to work

closer than 10 feet to a power line. See OSHA’s

Tree Trimming Fact Sheet and Quick Card.)

Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard. 

Struck-by, Crushed-by, or 

Caught-in Hazards

Establish and clearly mark a danger zone around

the aerial lift support vehicle. Never move the

equipment with workers in the elevated platform unless the equipment has been specifically designed for this type of operation. Do not

allow workers to position themselves between

overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and

the rails of the basket. If the basket moves, the

worker(s) could become trapped and crushed

between the rails and the overhead object.

Fall Protection

Do not allow workers to belt off to an adjacent

pole, structure or equipment while working from

an aerial lift. Use a body harness or positioning

device with a lanyard attached to the boom or

basket to prevent the worker from being ejected

or pulled from the basket.

• Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are

properly trained in the safe use of the equipment. Test the controls and inspect the aerial lift

before use each day. Make sure that all controls are clearly marked as to their function.

• Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices. Maintain and operate aerial lifts according to the manufacturer's

instructions. Always stand firmly on the basket

floor. Do not sit or climb on the edge or rails of

the basket. Never use planks, boxes or other

items inside the basket to extend your reach.

• Ensure that all wheels of an elevated lift are on

a solid base. Use outriggers, if provided. Set

the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an

incline. Do not exceed the load limits of the

equipment. Allow for the combined weight of

the worker(s), tools and materials.

• De-energize and lockout/tagout aerial lifts

before performing any maintenance or repairs. 

Working near Power Lines 

Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet

away from the nearest overhead line. In addition, any conductive object that can be contacted

must be maintained at least 10 feet from overhead

FactSheet

Using Aerial Lifts 

The major causes of injuries and fatalities involving aerial lifts are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs. Aerial devices include boom-supported aerial

platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks, aerial ladders and vertical

towers (OSHA regulates scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds, not as aerial devices).

Safe work practices for aerial lifts include:

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does

not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA

standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made

available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY)

number: (877) 889-5627.

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DSG 10/2005