The major causes of injuries and fatalities involving cherry pickers and scissor lifts are falls, electrocutions, and collapses and tip-overs.
Safe work practices for cherry pickers and scissor lifts are:
- Ensure that workers who operate the cherry picker or scissor lift are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment. Test the controls and inspect the aerial lift before use each day. Make sure that all controls are clearly marked as to their function.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices. Maintain and operate the cherry picker or scissor lift to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always stand firmly on the basket floor. Do not sit or climb on the edge or rails of the basket. Never use planks, boxes or other items inside the basket to extend your reach.
- Ensure that all the wheels of the cherry picker or scissor lift are on a solid base. Use outriggers, if provided. Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker(s), tools and materials.
Working near Power Lines
Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet away from the nearest overhead line. In addition, any conductive object that can be contacted must be maintained at least 10 feet from the overhead lines. Conductive objects could be wires, transformers, ducts, pipes or other equipment. Always treat overhead lines as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated. Never lose awareness of the overhead hazard.
Struck-by, Crushed-by, or Caught-in Hazards
Establish and clearly mark a danger zone around the cherry picker and scissor lift. Do not allow workers workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of a a basket. If the basket moves, the worker(s) could become trapped and crushed between the rails and the overhead hazard.
Fall Protection
Do not allow workers to belt off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment while working from an aerial lift. Use a body harness or positioning device with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
