Employees appreciate having new responsibilities that break up the routine of their work. Aerial Lift Certification also looks good on resumes, boosting workplace morale and providing opportunities for advancement.
The best aerial lift training combines both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. This dual approach ensures that operators will adhere to all of the required safety measures.
Safety
Aerial lifts are used in the construction industry to hoist workers and equipment into elevated working positions. These powerful machines can pose significant risks if they are not operated properly. In fact, they can cause serious injuries or death when operators fail to follow proper safety measures and guidelines. This is why a comprehensive safety checklist is so vital to prevent accidents and injuries on the job. Aerial lift certification training courses arm new and experienced operators with the skills and knowledge they need to operate these powerful machines safely.
A checklist for aerial lifts is an effective tool to ensure that all aspects of the machine are in good condition and ready for use. The checklist should cover everything from the platform height to the presence of protective gear, including harnesses and lanyards. It should also include a verification of the weight capacity of the aerial lift. The checklist should also include a visual inspection of the area around the machine to make sure that there are no obstructions or other hazards.
Creating an inspection checklist for aerial lifts is an excellent way to prevent work-related injuries and deaths in the workplace. The checklist should be tailored to the specific make and model of the machine in use, so that it is easy to read and understand. The checklist should include a list of potential problems, such as missing or damaged parts, that need to be fixed. It should also cover any areas that need to be inspected for safety hazards, such as power lines and overhead obstructions.
In addition to a thorough checklist, it is important to train employees on the safe operation of aerial lifts. It is also a good idea to periodically review OSHA regulations and local laws. Regular safety meetings are another effective way to reinforce safe operating procedures and promote a culture of compliance. Finally, it is a good idea to keep detailed records of all training and certifications for aerial lift operators. This documentation is helpful in case of a future inspection or accident.
Compliance
Regulatory compliance is a priority for aerial lift certification agencies. They strive to ensure that all operators have been properly trained and certified on their specific model of equipment, which requires a thorough understanding of the nuances of operation. Training courses often focus on both the occupational nuances of working with aerial lifts as well as the technical details of operating them. In doing so, they help to ensure that workers are prepared for any contingencies that may occur on the jobsite.
Training also covers important safety protocols for using aerial lifts, such as treating all power lines and wires as if they are energized, and wearing body harnesses or restraining belts. These precautions can ultimately save lives. Additionally, it is important that workers follow proper maintenance and inspection practices for their machines.
Aerial work platforms (also known as man lifts) are designed to elevate a single worker or small team to elevated work areas, making them ideal for jobs like window cleaning and electrical work. These devices must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and retraining is required every three years.
Each machine is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines before each day of use, and at the beginning of each shift. This includes visual and functional tests of the equipment. The operator must document the inspection, and keep it in a reserved weather proof storage location on the lift.
In addition to providing a safer workplace, aerial lift certification can result in greater productivity and efficiency. Uncertified operations can halt productivity and cost companies money due to delays in completing tasks. By prioritizing safety, and ensuring that all operators have been fully trained on their equipment, companies can avoid fines and other penalties.
Aerial lifts can make it much easier for employees to perform a variety of jobs, but they come with their own set of unique hazards. These risks can include falling, getting hit by objects, and getting stranded. By requiring workers to have an aerial lift certification, and by following important safety protocols, companies can minimize the risk of these hazards.
Job Opportunities
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire skilled workers or an employee searching for a new job, the benefits of aerial lift certification extend far beyond meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirements. Embedding the proper knowledge of boom lifts and scisor lifts into the culture of any workplace is an effective way to foster a safe work environment, promote operational expertise, and reduce potential hazards for everyone on site.
While it’s common to see workers utilizing aerial lifts in construction settings, this equipment can be found in a variety of industries and professions. As such, obtaining an OSHA-compliant boom lift certificate opens the door to a variety of lucrative jobs, from those in the construction industry to positions with companies that use the equipment.
In addition to providing a robust set of credentials, these programs are designed to teach workers about a variety of crucial topics pertaining to the operation and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including ANSI requirements, operating guidelines, safety manuals, PPE recommendations, common hazards, and much more. This intuitive training session enables employees to be fully prepared for their roles, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid unforeseen risks.
There are several types of MEWPs, with different styles and configurations requiring specific procedures for their safe operation. For example, a boom lift may have an extending arm that moves on a straight vertical axis while a cherry picker features an articulated arm. Consequently, it’s necessary to obtain separate training for each type of vehicle used at the workplace.
Once the training process has been completed, a person can print their operator card to prove they are qualified to operate a MEWP. Afterward, they can apply their knowledge of the equipment to their daily responsibilities and maintain a high level of safety standards for themselves and those around them. Those without this qualification are subject to fines and other legal implications, as well as risking the health of individuals on their sites. The cost of a MEWP certification is small in comparison to the costs associated with non-compliance and accidents.
Liability
Aerial lifts can be safer and more efficient than ladders or scaffolding, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Often, an accident involving an aerial lift happens when the machine isn’t operated according to ANSI standards or the manufacturer’s recommended practices. It’s possible that a manufacturer or dealer might be held liable for such an incident, but there are other factors to consider as well.
For example, some lifts are attached to vehicles that move at high speeds. For example, aerial ladders that are mounted on fire trucks are subject to different safety requirements than other types of mobile elevating work platforms because they are essentially vehicle-mounted ladders. If the accident happened because the vehicle was moving while employees were on it, then the vehicle operator and/or the fire truck company might be liable for the injuries.
Another common type of accident involves a scissor or boom lift that isn’t adequately maintained. Often, companies that use these machines won’t invest the time and money necessary to keep them in good working condition. As a result, they may neglect to make necessary repairs or fail to perform an adequate pre-operation inspection before each use.
This can put employees in serious danger, especially if the machine malfunctions while workers are on it. It’s not uncommon for a worker to operate a poorly-functioning machine several times without making any repairs, simply because they don’t want to risk losing their job.
Whether or not a lift operator is certified, it’s important that they do a Pre-Operation Inspection before each use. This is a walk-around visual inspection of the machine that includes looking for things like physical damage, safety devices, warning signs, and other potential problems.
In addition to defining various types of lifts, the ANSI standards also stress the responsibilities of the manufacturer, dealer, lessor, user, and operator. These responsibilities often overlap, and it’s not uncommon for a person to assume more than one of these roles at a given point in time. For example, a manufacturer may also sell their equipment to a rental company who in turn rents it out to end users.