Employees who work with equipment like aerial lifts can become injured or even killed if they don’t obtain the appropriate training. Certification is vital to arming employees with the knowledge needed to operate and inspect these machines.
Additionally, undergoing the certification process gives employees novel responsibilities that can break up the monotony of routine job tasks and increase overall workplace satisfaction. This article will cover the basics of aerial lift certification for boom and scissor lift equipment. Click Aerial Lift Certification to learn more.
The certification requirements for aerial lift operators include completing a training course and passing an exam. This training course typically consists of classroom instruction and hands-on practical training. It covers identifying different lift types, safety hazards, and implementing proper operating procedures. It also addresses electrical hazards, as the machinery can come into proximity with overhead power lines. In addition, it covers the proper use of personal fall arrest systems.
The examination includes a written test and a practical evaluation. Once successful, the participant receives an operator’s certificate. The certificate is valid for three years. It is necessary to keep the certification up-to-date by attending periodic refresher courses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employees working on elevated work platforms receive the required training to ensure their safety. This includes aerial lifts, cherry pickers, and other MEWPs.
Those who do not receive the required training risk losing their job, hefty fines, and increased workplace risks. Operating a MEWP without certification violates ANSI standards, and puts others at risk of injury or death. Those who are certified can complete projects quickly and efficiently, while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Aerial lifts are used in many industries and professions, including construction, maintenance, and repair. They offer a more comfortable, productive, and efficient way to reach high areas than scaffolding or ladders. They are ideal for construction, telecommunications, landscaping, and many other jobs. To operate an aerial lift safely, the operator must be aware of the basic ANSI and OSHA safety rules. In addition, they must inspect the equipment before each use. This inspection must focus on both the vehicle components and the lift platform, including checking the motor, controls, brakes, tires, and other critical parts of the equipment.
Obtaining a certification for an aerial lift operator allows them to meet the requirements of their employer and maintain compliance with ANSI standards. The process is simple and straightforward. Those who want to become certified can take an online training course and pass the related test. Once successfully completed, the trainee can print their certificate of completion immediately. This document contains everything OSHA requires, and is an excellent piece of professional level proof that the worker has passed the examination.
Training Requirements
Aerial lifts are essential pieces of equipment on worksites across a variety of industries. They often take the place of ladders and scaffolding and offer a more flexible, safe alternative to climbing up structures. However, because they are sophisticated machines, they require the right training for operation. Failure to undergo the proper training can lead to legal penalties, fines and workplace accidents. Luckily, certified operators can help reduce the likelihood of these incidents by adhering to strict safety protocols and creating a safer working environment.
The first step in gaining aerial lift certification is to complete a training program. The ideal program will cover general safety protocols and procedures as well as specific nuances of each type of lift. These include how to properly stabilize a vehicle in various environments, identifying and mitigating hazards, emergency response protocols, and more. These programs can be taken online or at a physical location and typically include end-of-module quizzes and a final exam.
In addition to completing a comprehensive training course, certified aerial lift operators must also inspect the equipment before each use. These inspections should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and cover all components, including the motor elements, hydraulic arm, platform, and operator’s cabin. Inspections should be conducted by a qualified individual who is familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions and ANSI standards.
In addition to performing regular inspections, certified aerial lift operators must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for each job site. This includes safety glasses, hard hats and gloves. They should also always operate the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and within its operational limits. Additionally, they must always follow OHSA and ANSI safety guidelines when operating the lift. Finally, they must maintain detailed records of their training and certifications to ensure compliance. In the event that an accident occurs while working with an aerial lift, they must submit a report to their employer. This helps create a safe work environment for employees and minimizes liability issues.
Certification Tests
Those who are not trained to operate aerial lifts risk significant fines and work-related accidents, which could lead to fatalities. This is a serious risk to take, and all employers should require that their employees receive proper training to use the equipment.
Aerial lift certification consists of a written test and a hands-on evaluation. The written test covers the nuances of operating these kinds of machinery, such as safety and operational hazards, as well as inspection procedures. It also provides an overview of OSHA and ANSI standards, including requirements for specific types of lifts.
This test is a good way to assess the skills and knowledge of new operators before they complete their hands-on assessment. The trainer can then verify that they are ready to operate the lift before assigning them to a project. A trainer can also offer refresher courses for those who are rusty on the basics of the machine. This can keep everyone on the right track and help to ensure that they are fully trained to handle the responsibilities of their position.
Once a new operator is given the go-ahead to complete the hands-on evaluation, they will need to be supervised by an experienced person who has the required certification to operate the equipment. This could be a certified operator, supervisor/manager or safety officer. This person must ensure that the trainee is able to understand and follow all of the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. The trainer must also ensure that the trainee is able to inspect the lift before and after each shift using the checklist in Appendix A. This will include the condition of the platform and any safety features, as well as all controls that can be overridden.
Aerial lifts are some of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the construction industry. As many as 30 American construction workers die annually because of mishaps with these machines, and many of those deaths could be prevented by ensuring that operators are fully certified. While it may seem like an inconvenience to make sure that all your workers have this important certification, the consequences of not having it are far worse.
Obtaining Certification
Aerial lifts, or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), are essential pieces of equipment in many workplaces, especially those that require workers to perform tasks at height. However, these heavy machinery can be dangerous in untrained or inexperienced hands. Each year, dozens of employees lose their lives in accidents involving these machines. This is why it is so important to prioritize training and certification for your employees.
Aside from making your company OSHA compliant, there are other benefits of certifying your workforce to operate aerial lifts. These include increased job satisfaction and productivity, and the ability to offer employees opportunities for growth. In addition, certified operators tend to be more skilled and confident in their abilities, leading to faster and more efficient completion of projects. Lastly, committing to training and certification can help your company gain a positive reputation and potentially qualify it for lower insurance premiums or other benefits.
Getting your employees certified to operate a boom lift or scissor lift is easier than you might think. Using an online course, like CMO’s, means that your team can take the course on any digital device, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. This allows them to learn the material at their own pace, and most complete the course in about an hour. Afterwards, they can immediately download their certificate and begin operating your lifts safely and efficiently.
Once they have completed the theory portion of their training, your employees will need to undergo a practical evaluation to ensure they can actually use the equipment safely and effectively. This includes a written exam and a hands-on test of their skills on the machine. Aside from evaluating their knowledge and skills, these tests also check whether an operator can comply with local safety regulations, such as the need to follow traffic control measures when working near public roadways.
By prioritizing safety and ensuring that all employees are trained to use aerial lifts, you can prevent injuries and costly accidents at the workplace. These accidents can be extremely dangerous for both employees and others on the site, and can even result in fatalities.