ISA Aerial Lift Specialist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Working height definition

Working height is the maximum height the platform floor reaches plus the manufacturer's stated reach above the platform, usually about 1.8 m (6 ft). It is not the same as platform height.

MEWP group A versus B

Group A lifts move the platform vertically only, such as scissor lifts. Group B lifts extend beyond the chassis footprint, such as boom lifts. The group affects travel-when-elevated rules.

Type 1, 2, and 3 travel

Type 1 cannot travel when elevated except within its footprint. Type 2 can travel elevated with platform controls. Type 3 can travel elevated with controls at the chassis or base.

Insulated bucket truck limits

The insulating boom section and bucket liner protect only when clean, dry, and undamaged. Voltage rating and test intervals come from the manufacturer and applicable standards; never assume protection.

Platform rated capacity

The maximum total load the platform may carry, including occupants, tools, materials, and attachments. Capacity may decrease with platform extension or jib use, so check the placard.

Elevated travel rule

Unless the lift is rated for travel while elevated, lower the boom and platform before moving. Keep the platform over the chassis footprint when driving to reduce tipping risk.

Fall protection in boom lifts

Boom lift occupants wear a full-body harness attached to the manufacturer's designated anchor point. The lanyard must be short enough to prevent falling over the guardrail.

Fall protection in scissor lifts

Scissor lift occupants typically do not need fall arrest when the gate is closed and guardrails are intact. The manufacturer's manual governs, and a restraint system may be required.

Minimum approach distance

The closest permitted distance between an energized line and any part of the lift, load, or operator. Values depend on voltage and on whether the worker is qualified.

Unqualified person line distance

OSHA 1926.1408 Table A requires 20 ft for lines up to 350 kV for unqualified persons, with greater distances for higher voltages. The lift operator is generally unqualified.

Qualified person MAD 50 kV

OSHA 1910.269 Table R-6 sets the phase-to-phase minimum approach distance at 10 ft (3.05 m) for 50 kV and below for qualified employees, with added distance above that.

Line contact response

If the lift contacts a line, stay in the platform and warn others away until the line is de-energized. If fire forces exit, jump clear and shuffle or hop away.

Pre-use inspection scope

A walkaround check of structure, welds, hoses, leaks, tires, battery, and decals, plus fluid levels and a function test of controls, emergency stop, tilt alarm, and emergency lowering.

Function test items

Test platform and ground controls, emergency stop, horn, tilt and overload alarms, leveling, steering, brakes, travel speed limits, outrigger interlocks, and the emergency lowering system.

Inspection intervals

Pre-use inspection each shift, frequent inspection at manufacturer intervals (often monthly), annual comprehensive inspection by a qualified person, and inspection after any incident or repair.

Defective lift handling

Tag out the lift, remove it from service, and record the defect in the maintenance log. Never operate a lift with an inoperative safety device.

Tilt indicator use

The tilt indicator shows whether the chassis is within the manufacturer's slope limit, often around 5 degrees or less. Confirm level before elevating the platform.

Outrigger set-up rule

Fully extend outriggers or stabilizers onto pads sized for the ground bearing capacity. Interlocks should prevent boom operation when outriggers are not properly set.

Ground bearing pressure

The load per unit area the lift imposes on the ground, including machine weight and rated load. It can be several times the empty machine pressure; verify slab or soil capacity.

Spotter duties

The spotter guides travel, watches for overhead obstructions and pedestrians, and keeps communication with the operator. The spotter stays out of the lift's travel path.

Wind limit rule

The manufacturer's rated wind speed is a maximum, not a target. Stop when gusts exceed the rating or when the platform becomes hard to control with the load or canopy.

Site survey items

Check overhead lines and voltage, slope, drop-offs, trenches, soft fill, buried utilities, floor load ratings, clearances, traffic, and wind exposure before setting up the lift.

Risk assessment sequence

Identify hazards, evaluate severity and likelihood, apply controls in order (eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, PPE), then re-evaluate before work and after any change.

Overhead line priority

Overhead power lines are the leading cause of fatal aerial lift incidents. Treat every line as energized until the utility confirms de-energized and grounded status in writing.

Rescue plan requirement

A rescue plan identifies the retrieval method, rescuer, and equipment before the lift goes up. Ground-level emergency lowering is the first-line rescue for platform failure.

Suspension trauma risk

A worker hanging motionless in a harness can lose consciousness quickly. Prompt rescue and medical evaluation are required; do not leave the worker suspended.

Rigging and lift platforms

Never tie rigging lines or loads to the platform or boom. The lift is not a rigging anchor, and side loads can tip or damage it. Rig from the tree or a separate anchor.

Canopy hazard inspection

Before entering the canopy, check for deadwood, hangers, bee or wasp nests, poison ivy or oak, and unstable leaders. Position the boom through a clear path.

Tree-side positioning

Account for the tree's lean, root flare, and disturbed soil. Avoid setting outriggers on roots or near the stump where the ground may be weak.

OSHA aerial lift citations

29 CFR 1926 Subpart L covers construction aerial lifts, 1910.67 covers vehicle-mounted platforms in general industry, and 1910.269 covers power generation and distribution work.

ANSI/SAIA A92 series

A92.20 covers design, A92.22 covers safe use, A92.24 covers training, and A92.2 covers vehicle-mounted rotating work platforms. These standards define lift design and operator training.

Operator training requirement

OSHA requires training for each type of lift the operator uses, including familiarization with that model's controls, capacity, and limitations. Retraining follows incidents or unsafe operation.