AWP & Telehandler Guidelines

Introduction

The use of aerial work platforms involves potential hazards that can result in fatal injury or major property damage. Reducing risks through personnel training, safe design, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of aerial work platforms is an important part of using this type of equipment safely.

Only properly trained and qualified operators may operate aerial platforms.

Serious Operating Hazards:

• Structural failure or overturning caused by overloading or operating on too great of an incline.
• Instability caused by improper operation, such as driving over obstructions and/or potholes.
• Collision with objects or pedestrians and contact with overhead electrical lines.

Serious Unit Hazards:

• Poor unit maintenance.
• Using equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended or designed.

Guidance in the use of aerial work platforms as it applies to their operation, inspection, and maintenance by anyone who rents, owns, or leases is critical. It also applies to anyone who takes aerial work platforms off-site to conduct business elsewhere.

Note: More specific and concise guidance is provided in official ANSI-SIA A92.5 and A92.6 Aerial Work Guidelines literature.

Hazard Avoidance

• Do NOT drive in a hole or depression!
• Do NOT go beneath the boom or reach inside extended scissors arms of any aerial work platform in use!
• Do NOT enter a work area around an aerial work platform, which has been cordoned off.
• DANGER: Maintain specified distance from electrical lines and apparatus.
• NEVER approach power lines with any part of your machine!
• Use EXTREME CAUTION when venturing near an in-use platform.
• Employees must NEVER GO BENEATH the boom of an aerial work platform when working on it.
• Wear a full-body harness with a lanyard attached to the basket, as recommended by ANSI.
• Always stand firmly on the floor of the basket. Do NOT lean over, sit, or climb on the platform railings.
• Do NOT exceed boom rated basket load limits specified by the manufacturer.
• When outriggers are used, position them on pads and on a solid surface.
• Wheel chocks MUST be installed before using an aerial lift on an APPROVED incline.
• WARNING: NEVER fill the fuel tank with the engine running, while smoking, or near an open flame!
• Only trained and authorized persons shall operate aerial work platforms.
• Read, understand, and follow all warning signs on the machine decal placards.
• Read and understand the manufacturer’s Operator Handbook BEFORE using the machine.

Responsibilities

Each aerial work platform should have a designated “owner” responsible for ensuring its safe use. Supervisors should also oversee equipment use, operator qualifications, and safety compliance.

Training and Development

Only trained, qualified personnel may be authorized to operate aerial work platforms. Authorization requires supervisor concurrence and completion of a Certified Aerial-Access Training Program.

Program Summary

Purchase requisitions involving aerial work platforms must meet OSHA and ANSI certification requirements. Documentation for rental or subcontractor-provided aerial work platforms must also meet safety certification standards.

Qualified operators receive authorization from their supervisor, and a list of authorized operators should be maintained. Extreme caution is required when operating aerial work platforms inside structures.