Monthly Archives: November 2014

New OSHA Regulation Changes Just Around the Corner

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OSHA RegulationsOSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has been very busy lately with regulation updates and tweaks to current rules. And once the New Year rolls in, there will be 2 important rules to keep in mind. These rules affect workplaces in the United States, regardless if they use aerial lifts or scissor lifts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently revised certain record keeping rules, with two key changes going into effect on January 1, 2015:

In a nutshell, the two laws are:

  • 1. The list of industries required to regularly keep OSHA injury and illness records has changed. The new list is based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which is a change from the former requirement of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • 2. How supervisors and workers must report injuries to OSHA has changed. The current requirement of reporting all work-related fatalities within 8 hours still applies. But other work-related in-patient situations like hospitalizations, amputations, electrical shock and other injuries must now be reported within 1 day (24 hours) to OSHA.

OSHA regulation updates are happening all the time. Keeping track of these changes, and making sure your aerial work platform workers are up to date with the latest training, can be a hassle. Why not let CertifyMeOnline.net handle all of this for you? Our training courses take into account all recent (and upcoming) OSHA regulation updates. Your business will be impacted when OSHA updates their rules. Plus CMO offers instruction for scissor lifts, boom lifts, fall protection training and much more.

Keep an OSHA expert in your pocket and leave the worrying to us. The CMO contact page has different ways to reach us. If you’re ready to sign up now, or would like to talk with an aerial lift OSHA specialist, just call (602) 277-0615.

Where Can You Use an Aerial Lift?

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Aerial lifts are used in a diversity of settings and in a number of different industries. From warehouses and construction sites to material handling facilities, an aerial lift can be operated just about anywhere as long as OSHA standards and manufacturer guidelines are followed to ensure it’s used correctly and safely.  However, be sure only to operate the aerial lift on a stable surface to avoid tip-overs and falls.img3

Overhead Power Lines

Aerial lifts can be used near power lines; however, there needs to be at least a 10 foot clearance from the nearest overhead line. OSHA holds this recommendation to reduce the risk for electrocution. This rule should also be followed when working near other overhead objects, such as wiring, pipers, ducts, and other equipment. When using an aerial lift, overhead awareness must be followed at all times.

Proper Clearance

Aerial lifts can be operated when proper clearance is available to avoid injuries. There needs to be adequate clearance around the lift and bucket in all directions to avoid caught ins and crushing. This will also help reduce the risk for objects striking anyone while in the basket. Not to mention, there needs to be enough clearance to safely maneuver the lift and bucket in all directions. Cones and other safety devices should be used to keep the area clear from those who may walk under the lift.

Manufacturer Guidelines

Aerial lifts must only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. If a lift is not compatible with certain surfaces, working conditions, load capacitates, heights, or other factors, don’t take the risk.

In addition, an aerial lift must be operated by those holding proper training and certification. CertifyMeOnline recommends only allowing those certified to operate the lift as they will abide by OSHA standards for safety to avoid errors and negligence that can result in injuries and death.