Aerial lifts (general industry) - Washington

Washington has adopted federal OSHA standards and incorporates most by reference. The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) administrative code generally incorporates the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 92.2 and 92.5 standards, as well as 29 CFR 1910.67, for aerial lift safety requirements.

A summary of state-specific requirements is as follows:

Design and construction (WAC 296-869-2005)

• Aerial lifts manufactured before July 1, 2006, must meet design and construction requirements of ANSI A 92.2-1969, Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms.
• Aerial lifts manufactured on or after July 1, 2006, must meet the design and construction requirements of the newer ANSI A92.2-2001, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices.

Modifications (WAC 296-869-20010)

• Washington code follows ANSI 92.2-2021 regarding modifications to aerial lifts. No modification may be made that would compromise the safe operation, stability, intended use, or integrity of the equipment. Modified equipment must be at least as safe as it was prior to modification, and changes to any insulated portion of the equipment must not reduce the insulating value.

Owners and renters (WAC 296-869-20015)

• Owners must meet requirements of Section 8 of ANSI 92.2-2001, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices.
• Renters, lessors, and lessees must follow requirements listed in Section 11 of ANSI 92.2-2001, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices.

Operator requirements and training (WAC 296-869-20020 through 20025)

• Only trained and authorized personnel may be permitted to operate aerial lifts. Training requirements outlined in the Washington code follow the ANSI 92.2-2001 standard. Following training, operator trainees must operate the aerial lift under the supervision of a qualified person to demonstrate proficiency. If evaluation of the operator trainee indicates proficiency has not been attained, retraining may be necessary.
• If an operator is required to operate a lift with which they are unfamiliar, the operator must be trained regarding:
  • Location of operations manuals;
  • Purpose and function of all equipment controls;
  • Safety devices and operating characteristics that are specific to that equipment.

Operator prestart inspection, workplace survey (WAC 296-869-20030 through 20035)

• An operator must conduct an inspection of an aerial device prior to operation, according to the ANSI 92.2-2021 standard. Any issues must be examined by a qualified person to determine whether there is a safety hazard. If an unsafe issue is discovered, the unsafe item must be repaired or replaced before use.
• Prior to beginning work, the operator of an aerial lift must check the workplace for hazards.

Boom-supported elevating work platforms (WAC 296-869-30015 through 60045)

Washington’s administrative code regarding boom-supported elevating work platforms largely follows ANSI A92.5-1992. Some things to know include:

• Equipment must meet the design and construction requirements of the ANSI standard;
• A manufacturer must provide instructions and markings that meet the requirements;
• Manuals must be provided and must be stored in a weather-resistant location on the equipment.

Other requirements that closely mirror the ANSI A92.5 standards include those for:

• Equipment inspection, repair, maintenance, and service;
• Fueling and battery charging;
• Training;
• Recordkeeping;
• Misuse other than intended purpose;
• Determining hazardous locations;
• Proper set up;
• Driving and travel speed;
• Elevating, lowering, and working from the platform; and
• Reporting malfunctions or unsafe conditions.