One type of equipment that is commonly used to perform work at heights is the aerial device, which include extensible boom platforms, aerial ladders, articulating booms, pruning towers, and insulated aerial devices. Although these devices incorporate many safety features, workers are injured or killed on aerial lifts each year. The major causes of injuries and fatalities involving aerial devices are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs.
While both California and federal requirements for aerial lifts have similarities, California’s requirements are much more extensive and detailed. Cal/OSHA addresses the requirements for aerial devices under Article 24. Federal OSHA addresses their requirements in 1910 Subpart F. When necessary, Federal OSHA will also rely on the General Duty Clause for enforcement of any place of employment with recognized hazards that can cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees.
A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:
Exception: Orchard man-lifts manufactured after September 1, 1991, with guardrails 42 inches or higher above the platform floor.
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