Aerial Work Platforms: Safe Operation of Scissor and Boom Lifts

This training identifies the safe operating procedures for scissor lifts and boom lifts. These elevated work platforms allow workers to safely perform various tasks and maintenance operations at heights that could not be reached by ladder.

Various lift styles are designed for different applications and site conditions, but they all have one thing in common: the potential for serious injury or death when operated unsafely. Injuries can include electrocution, falls, crushed body parts, and tip-overs.

This course details procedures that prevent these types of incidents. Topics include the stability factors, preventing a tip-over, the inspection process, safe operating procedures, and using the proper PPE and fall protection.

Anyone working with or around scissor and/or boom lift elevated work platforms.

• Training and Authorization
• Stability Factors
  • Leverage
  • Weight capacity
• Safety Tips to Prevent a Tip-Over
  • Slopes and surface conditions
  • Inspecting the travel path & work area
  • Other tips for maintaining stability
• Pre-Operational Inspection
• Testing Control Functions
• Safe Operating Practices
  • Mounting a vehicle
  • Safe driving procedures
  • Overhead obstacles and power lines
• PPE and Fall Protection
  • Use of harnesses and lanyards
  • Avoiding falls from platforms

• Be familiar with training and authorization procedures.
• Know factors that affect stability of scissor and boom lifts.
• Prevent tip-overs.
• Follow the pre-operational inspection procedures.
• Utilize the testing control functions.
• Practice safe operating procedures.
• Utilize PPE and fall prevention strategies.