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Aerial Lift Certification – The First Step to a Safe Workplace
Aerial Lift Certification gives workers the confidence and knowledge to operate equipment safely. In addition, high-quality programs help employers maintain compliance with OSHA and ANSI national and industry standards.
A member of staff who is experienced with the specific type of MEWP and with reference to the manufacturer’s manual should conduct a daily inspection of the equipment. This includes a visual inspection for physical damage and safe travel routes to the work area.
When workers use aerial lifts, it’s important that they follow safety standards. Accidents can occur if a worker doesn’t take the proper precautions, such as wearing a hard hat and safety glasses or pulling back long hair. Workers should also make sure they’re properly dressed for the weather and working conditions.
Another vital part of safety is ensuring that the vehicle itself is in good condition before starting work. Workers should inspect the machine for things like leaks, broken parts and other safety hazards. This is important because it can help prevent accidents and ensure that the equipment works correctly.
Workers should also be careful not to overload the machine, and they should always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for the lift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have guidelines for this, as well. For example, a worker should not belt-off to adjacent structures or poles while in the bucket, and they should not exceed the load-capacity limits by more than 100 pounds.
In addition, workers should make sure that they’re following local traffic control measures if they’re working on public roads. Depending on the area, this may include setting up barriers or signs to keep cars and pedestrians safe. Workers should also make sure that they’re not using the lift near live electrical wires. This can lead to electrocution if the lift comes into contact with them.
A final part of safety is ensuring that workers know how to handle an emergency situation. Aerial lifts have emergency stop buttons, both on the platform and at the base, that can be activated in case of a malfunction or hazard. Workers should be trained in how to use these buttons and what the signals mean. They should also be taught to keep a safe distance from overhead objects and to check for power lines before entering an area.
Creating a safety-oriented culture in the workplace is vital to reducing accidents and injuries. This can be achieved by offering training courses on how to use aerial lifts safely and by encouraging employees to speak up if they have any concerns.
Job Satisfaction
Aerial lift certification is the first step to a safe and productive work environment when working from elevated positions. This type of training is intuitive and helps employees gain a deeper understanding of the equipment they will be using on a daily basis. It also teaches them about the various aspects of the mobile elevating work platform, such as safety manuals, PPE requirements, operation guidelines and much more. This ensures they are not only aware of ANSI compliance and OSHA regulations, but that they will have the knowledge to use their boom lift or scissor lift effectively.
There are many benefits to having your team get their boom lift and aerial lift training certification. One is that you will be able to stay compliant and avoid fines from OSHA. Another is that your team will be more informed and able to make better decisions at work, which can lead to safer outcomes for everyone involved. Finally, having your team go through this type of training can help reduce workplace accidents and injuries and save you money on insurance claims in the long run.
During the aerial lift training course, 3-E Safety Services, LLC will come to your jobsite or rental facility, conduct the classroom portion and then allow the students to complete hands-on practical exercises on the actual lift(s) that they will be operating. We will then provide the necessary course completion cards to each student that have successfully completed both the classroom and practical portions of their training class.
Before each use of the lift, your maintenance team should inspect the machine for any potential issues, such as fuel leaks, loose or faulty parts and other mechanical deficiencies. They should also survey the surrounding area and note any potential hazards, such as energized equipment or unstable terrain. Finally, they should determine the load capacity of the lift by adding up all the workers that will be on the platform and any tools or materials that will be needed.
ANSI standards require that all occupants of an aerial work platform receive training, even those who will not be operating the controls. In addition to this, all occupants should be surveyed for any conditions that could compromise their ability to operate the lift safely. This can include weather conditions, noise levels, distractions and general complacency.
Reduced Liability
Aerial lifts are complex pieces of equipment, and they come with many risks. Getting your team certified in aerial lift training will arm them with the knowledge to spot potential safety concerns and take corrective action. This will help to reduce accidents, downtime, and costly repairs. It will also help to ensure that your team is operating a safe lift and will not be fined by OSHA for violating standards.
An important element of reducing risk is to properly inspect the lift before each use. This includes a survey of the work area to spot any potential hazards (like live electrical wires), as well as checking that all controls, warning devices, and machine components are in good working order. It is important to keep a log of all inspections to be sure your team is following proper maintenance schedules and that all safety rules are being followed.
The certification process also includes a thorough review of the nuances specific to each type of lift. There are several different types of MEWPs, and each one requires a slightly different set of skills to operate. Taking the time to be properly trained for your specific lift will make each jobsite safer and more productive.
A variety of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards classify the different kinds of lifts. ANSI A92.5, for example, covers most scissor lifts and other varieties of platforms that elevate by means of extending arms. This ANSI standard especially stresses stability and operator inspection. It also specifies testing requirements for the incline on which a machine may be operated and outrigger interlocks for machines that require outriggers for stability.
Taking an accredited aerial lift certification course will cover all of these topics, as well as other important ones. The courses are easy to navigate and offer a free certificate of completion when the test is passed. They are available online, and you can take them at your own pace. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the quizzes and final exam, so you will never feel pressured to rush through the class.
Increased Job Opportunities
In a city like NYC, where jobs are in high demand, employers are more likely to hire applicants with certified aerial lift certification who can demonstrate their knowledge of workplace safety standards. This includes knowing how to properly operate a MEWP (Motorized Elevating Work Platform), and having an understanding of how it fits into an overall workplace safety plan.
Having an OSHA aerial lift certification means that employees can use these machines without worrying about operational or maintenance errors that could cause injuries. Aerial lifts are often used for construction, working on power or phone lines, to perform safety inspections, window washing, and tree or orchard care. These devices offer greater efficiency compared to ladders and scaffolding and can reach more heights than a standard ladder. They can also be equipped with additional safety features such as man baskets and body harnesses.
Aerial lift certification training covers many crucial topics, including model-specific MEWP operations, safety procedures, and hazard recognition. It also emphasizes the importance of following ANSI and OSHA safety regulations, as well as adhering to manufacturer guidelines.
Employees must also be aware of the different types of work platforms, the varying operating capacities, and the environmental requirements for each type. Other requirements for safe MEWP usage include ensuring that the operator has the necessary permits and licenses to operate in the area, complying with traffic control measures, and adhering to noise regulations.
Ultimately, the benefits of having an OSHA aerial lift certification far outweigh the risk associated with not having one. Those with this certification can apply for a wider variety of jobs, and they can expect to be offered higher salaries.
Taking the time to complete an OSHA aerial lift training course and getting your certificate means that you can apply for a wide range of positions in major metro areas and smaller communities across the country. You can also make a stronger impression during an interview by having a copy of your certificate to show your dedication to workplace safety. This will not only prove that you can follow all of the necessary safety protocols but that you are willing to put the needs of others above your own.