Aerial Lift and Scissor Lift Training: What OSHA Requires (Overview)

This overview summarizes federal OSHA rules for employers in general terms. It is not legal advice; read the linked regulations and check state-plan OSHA rules where you work.

Boom lifts (aerial lifts)

• In construction, 29 CFR 1926.453 says only authorized persons may operate an aerial lift, lift controls must be tested each day before use, and a body belt or harness with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket must be worn. Belting off to an adjacent pole or structure is not permitted.
• In general industry, 29 CFR 1910.67 covers vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms and requires that only trained persons operate them.

Scissor lifts

• OSHA considers scissor lifts mobile scaffolds rather than aerial lifts. In construction they fall under the scaffold rules, 29 CFR 1926.451–452, which include guardrails and mobile-scaffold stability requirements.
• Scaffold training requirements are in 29 CFR 1926.454. OSHA's scissor-lift publication (OSHA 3842) describes fall protection, stabilization and positioning hazards.

Industry standards

Manufacturers and many rental yards follow the ANSI/SAIA A92 family of standards for mobile elevating work platforms, which address operator training and familiarization. Ask your rental yard whether they provide familiarization on the specific model you rent.

Sources

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 – Aerial lifts
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.67 – Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.454 – Scaffold training requirements
• eCFR 29 CFR 1926.452(w) – Mobile scaffolds
• OSHA – Working Safely with Scissor Lifts (OSHA 3842)
• OSHA interpretation (2000) – aerial lifts vs. scissor lifts

General information only, not legal, safety-certification or insurance advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the rental yard's terms.