blog about Guide to Selecting and Safely Using Aerial Lifts

Imagine a skyscraper construction site where workers move efficiently at dizzying heights. Behind this efficiency lies various types of construction elevators. Selecting the appropriate elevator not only enhances productivity but also ensures workplace safety. With numerous options available, how does one make an informed choice? This comprehensive guide examines different types of construction elevators, analyzes their advantages and disadvantages, and provides detailed safety protocols for optimal high-altitude work environments.

Construction elevators, also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs) or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), are powered mobile devices that elevate personnel to various heights. Essentially, they consist of machines equipped with platforms or baskets that transport workers to otherwise inaccessible elevated work areas. While scissor lifts and boom lifts both fall under the AWP category, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classifies scissor lifts as "mobile scaffolds."

The market offers diverse aerial work platforms tailored for specific job requirements. These primarily fall into two categories:

• Scissor Lifts: Utilize intersecting metal support structures to elevate personnel directly above the lift's base.
• Boom Lifts: Employ movable arms to raise workers vertically while allowing horizontal extension.

Within these broad categories exist numerous specialized variants designed for specific applications.

Electric scissor lifts operate on battery power, offering clean, quiet operation ideal for indoor environments. Unlike diesel-powered alternatives, they produce no exhaust emissions and typically use pneumatic rather than hydraulic lifting mechanisms. This makes them lighter, easier to maintain, and more compact with tighter turning radii for enhanced maneuverability.

However, electric models have lower weight capacities and reduced stability due to their lighter construction, limiting operation to level surfaces.

Best Applications: Indoor maintenance, warehouse operations, window cleaning, and interior renovation projects.

Advantages:

• Zero emissions for indoor use
• Quiet operation
• Compact size with excellent maneuverability
• Lower maintenance costs

Limitations:

• Reduced lifting capacity
• Requires level surfaces
• Limited battery life

Diesel-powered models feature heavier construction with hydraulic lifting mechanisms, enabling greater heights, larger platforms, and increased weight capacity. The added mass from diesel engines and hydraulic systems enhances stability but reduces maneuverability.

These loud, exhaust-producing units are strictly for outdoor use unless specially designed for rough terrain. They excel at tasks like signage installation, bricklaying, exterior cleaning, and painting.

Advantages:

• Superior lifting capacity
• Greater working heights
• Enhanced stability
• Extended operation without recharging

Limitations:

• Noise and emissions
• Reduced maneuverability
• Higher maintenance requirements

Specialized fuel-powered scissor lifts equipped with heavy-duty tires, four-wheel drive, positive traction control, and leveling outriggers can operate on uneven ground. These are ideal for landscaping, construction sites with irregular topography, mining operations, and power line maintenance.

Advantages:

• Adaptability to rough terrain
• Powerful performance in challenging conditions
• Enhanced safety features

Limitations:

• Higher purchase cost
• Increased maintenance expenses

Also called knuckle boom lifts, these feature multiple arm joints that rotate and extend, providing exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces and around obstacles.

Best Applications: Equipment maintenance, overhead piping/cable installation, and interior/exterior decoration work.

These truck-mounted articulating boom lifts are commonly used for power line maintenance, tree trimming, and agricultural work (hence the name "cherry picker").

Unlike articulating models, telescopic lifts extend linearly from a rotating turntable. They sacrifice some maneuverability for greater vertical reach (up to 210 feet) and heavier load capacity. The tallest MEWPs are telescopic models designed for wind turbine maintenance or high-rise firefighting.

Best Applications: High-rise construction, bridge work, stadium maintenance, and external building projects.

According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, aerial work platforms account for 2-3% of annual construction fatalities. Common causes include:

• Electrocution from overhead power lines
• Ejection from baskets during collisions or sudden movements
• Basket cable or arm failures
• Tip-over accidents

Boom lifts represent 70% of AWP fatalities, while scissor lifts account for 25%. Regardless of type, the safest equipment follows OSHA safety protocols.

1. Equipment Inspection: Conduct thorough pre-use checks for fluid leaks, loose/missing parts, guardrail stability, brake function, and battery charge. Never operate faulty equipment.

2. Fall Prevention: Secure platform gates, use fall arrest systems, avoid leaning over rails, and alert nearby personnel/vehicles to prevent collisions that could cause ejections.

3. Tip-over Prevention: Observe load limits, use terrain-appropriate equipment, utilize all stabilizers, and heed manufacturer wind speed recommendations. For boom lifts, avoid excessive extension or overload.

OSHA mandates specific training for all powered platform, lift, and vehicle-mounted work platform operators in both general industry and construction settings. Training must cover:

• Hazard identification and prevention
• Emergency procedures for power/equipment failures
• Safe operation and inspection protocols
• Proper use of personal fall protection systems

Equipment-specific training is required when switching between different lift types. Authorized OSHA training providers offer comprehensive courses covering both theoretical knowledge and machine-specific operation.