Aerial Lift Toolbox Talk
Inspect the lift and the ground before elevating, tie off in boom lifts, keep clearance from power lines, stay inside the rails, and never override controls or exit at height without a plan.
Last reviewed by Ben SleemanCredentialed safety reviewer
29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts); ANSI A92 family
An aerial lift moves the fall hazard, the crush hazard, and the electrical hazard around the site with you. The controls travel with the machine: inspection, ground, tie-off, clearance.
Before elevating: walk-around inspection, controls test, and a look at the route and the ground — slopes, soft soil, covers, debris, and overhead obstructions. In a boom lift, wear a harness with the lanyard tied to the manufacturer’s anchor. The basket can whip and eject you even without a collision.
Keep required clearance from energized lines — for most work near distribution lines that means at least 10 feet, more at higher voltages. Stay inside the rails, never climb on them, and never wedge the controls. If the lift sinks, leans, or alarms, lower it and reassess.
Incident example
A mechanical crew drove a scissor lift across a floor opening covered with plywood that was not rated for the load. One wheel broke through, the lift lurched, and a worker was thrown against the rails. The route had been walked in the morning — before the covers were moved by another trade.
Controls to cover
Do the pre-use inspection and function test every shift.
Check the travel route and ground conditions, including covers and slopes.
Tie off to the designated anchor in boom lifts; keep both feet on the floor.
Hold minimum clearance from power lines and use a spotter near obstructions.
Crew discussion
What route will lifts travel today, and who checked it since yesterday?
Where are the overhead hazards — lines, steel, ducts — on this site?
What is the rescue plan if the platform controls fail at height?
3-question quiz
Is a harness required in a boom lift?
Yes — tied to the manufacturer’s designated anchor, not the rail of a nearby structure.
What is the general minimum clearance from distribution power lines?
At least 10 feet, and more as voltage increases.
A floor cover is in the travel path. What now?
Stop and confirm it is rated and secured before driving over it.
Need the OSHA rule behind the talk?
Use the dated OSHA for Construction field guide for current penalty amounts, inspection steps, recordkeeping guidance, and the heat rule’s real status.
Sources and review notes
The safety content, regulatory citations, and downloadable resources completed named credentialed safety review on . Confirm current requirements before relying on them at the jobsite.
Common questions.
Do scissor lifts require tie-off?
Can a lift be moved while elevated?
Keep going
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