AERIAL LIFTS AND PLATFORMS 

    General

   This Code of Safe Practices is for operations involving:

a.        vertically operated elevating work platforms or "scissors lifts"
b.        boom mounted telescoping and rotating elevating work platforms or "condors",
c.       forklifts with attached work platforms.

1. Never operate aerial elevating work platforms unless you have been trained and certified in the safe operation of these work platforms. Certification can be fulfilled by completing the industry wide training program sponsored by the Contract Services Administration Trust Fund (CSATF). Training qualification and certification credentials will be accepted from participating studios and authorized training agencies.
2. Do not use this equipment if you feel dizzy, ill, or unsteady in any way.  Do not use while under the influence of prescription drugs.
3. Make sure all labels and placards are legible and in good condition. Read and understand them. Report discrepancies to you supervisor.
4. Clear all personnel when the platform is being raised or lowered.
5. Do not sit or stand on guardrails or use guardrails to carry materials.  Do not allow overhang of materials when elevating platform.
6. Work only within the platform guardrail area and do not attempt to increase the working height by any other means. Do not lean out over the railings to work.
7. Do not release the levelers or outriggers while the platform is elevated.
8. Do not use lift to do work which would result in horizontal force being applied to the work platform.
9. Do not use without chain rail/guardrail in place.
10. Do not use near moving vehicles.
11. Always charge batteries in well-ventilated areas free of sparks and open flames.
12. Do not exceed manufacturer's load capacity.
13. Always inspect equipment prior to operation for condition, security, damage, and defects. This includes making sure all operational controls are in proper functioning condition.
14. Evaluate the job to be done against the job site location for potential hazards.
15. Do not operate an aerial elevating work platform within 10 feet of an energized, high voltage source unless danger from accidental contact with the source has been effectively guarded against. Increase clearances with increased voltages.
16. The operation of aerial platforms OVER energized, high voltage sources of any kind is prohibited at all times.
17. See to it that the jobsite's surface is stable and will support the equipment, and there are no hazardous irregularities or accumulation of debris which might cause the moving platform to overturn.
18. Soft surfaces or soundstage flooring with pits or weight restrictions may require grip track (to spread the load) or outriggers (to add stability). Always observe stage floor load restrictions.
19. Survey the route to be used, check for overhead obstructions, traffic, holes in the pavement, ground, or shoulder, ditches, slope of the road, etc.

  Operation

1. SAFETY HARNESSES - always wear \an approved safety harness with lanyard when using an aerial/elevating work platform.
2. Attach the safety lanyard securely to the boom, basket, tub, or platform.
3. Never tie off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment while working from basket, tub, or platform.
4. Attach the safety lanyard in a manner that prevents a free fall of more than four feet.
5. Do not load the basket, tub, or platform beyond its rated capacity.
6. Do not attempt to raise the platform/basket beyond its rated maximum height or reach.
7. Never attach aerial baskets, tubs, or platforms to, nor support them by, any adjacent structures.
8. Never place ladders, planks, or any other objects in or on top of the platform (or guardrail) to gain greater height.
9. Do not climb or sit on the edge of the basket/platform.
10. Reset the brake system whenever workers are being elevated in the vehicle.
11. Make sure that outriggers are on solid footing and  equipped with hydraulic holding valves or mechanical locks at the outriggers.
12. Operate all controls slowly for  smooth platform movement.
13. Never operate lower level controls at the base of the platform when workers are in the basket, except in emergencies.
14. Never use boom mounted, telescoping or rotating aerial platforms as cranes.
15. Always travel in the full-down or stowed position for maximum stability.
16. If the lift manufacturer approves traveling with the platform in a raised position ('towering"), use extreme caution and a very low speed.  Always pay attention to overhead hazards and your travel path.
17. Do not wear "Climbers", pole climbing equipment, while performing work from an aerial device.
18. Where traffic or moving vehicles are present, mark  the work area around the aerial equipment by flags, signs, traffic cones, or other means of traffic control.
19. Perform remote control operation only from the side of the aerial platform: never from in front of, or behind the vehicle.