Aerial/ Scissor Lifts
Tony Cygan
Take your work to new heights—safely and confidently.
Penn State’s Aerial and Scissor Lift Safety Program empowers operators with the knowledge, skills, and oversight needed to work elevated spaces with absolute assurance. Our comprehensive approach clearly defines who must comply, delivers a three‑step certification process that blends classroom learning with hands‑on evaluation, and ensures every operator stays sharp through scheduled reevaluations and retraining when conditions change. Daily pre‑use inspections, annual mechanic reviews, and diligent recordkeeping reinforce a culture of accountability and protection. Whether you're using boom lifts, scissor lifts, or vehicle‑mounted bucket trucks, this program is designed to keep you—and our campus community—safe, supported, and ready to rise.
Program Applicability
The Aerial/Scissor Lift Program applies to University employees who operate aerial or scissor lift equipment as part of their job duties. This program covers equipment used to elevate operators, including articulating boom lifts, man‑lifts or cherry pickers, scissor lifts, extendable or telescoping aerial lifts, and vehicle‑mounted aerial or bucket trucks. The program ensures that employees who use this equipment understand applicable safety requirements and operate lifts safely and responsibly.
Program Requirements
The Aerial/Scissor Lift Program outlines responsibilities for supervisors and employees, along with required training, inspections, and recordkeeping to ensure lifts are operated safely. All individuals involved in the use or oversight of aerial and scissor lifts must follow these requirements.
Supervisors must:
- Be knowledgeable about the Aerial/Scissor Lift Program and how it applies to their areas of responsibility
- Ensure employees comply with all program requirements
- Ensure employees receive required aerial/scissor lift training
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure it is used properly
Employees must:
- Comply with all provisions of the Aerial/Scissor Lift Program
- Complete required training and evaluations
- Conduct required pre‑use equipment inspections
- Promptly report any aerial or scissor lift safety concerns to their supervisor
Training requirements include:
- Completion of a three‑step certification process consisting of classroom instruction, hands‑on training, and hands‑on evaluation
- Successful completion of training and a driving skills evaluation before operating a lift independently
- A documented reevaluation at least once every three years
- Retraining when:
- Unsafe operation is observed
- An accident or near‑miss occurs
- An evaluation shows unsafe operation
- The employee is assigned a different type of lift
- Workplace conditions change and affect safe operation
Inspection requirements include:
- Pre‑use inspections conducted by the operator at the start of each day or shift, including a visual inspection and functional test
- Annual inspections performed by an authorized, qualified mechanic for the specific type of lift
- Recordkeeping requirements:
- Work units must maintain records of training, pre‑use inspections, annual inspections, and equipment maintenance or repairs
Documents and Forms
Program:
- Aerial Scissor Life Safety Program
Procedures:
- N/A
Forms:
- Pre Use Aerial Scissor Lift Inspection Checklist (Appendix A)
- Aerial Scissor Lift Training Certification (Appendix C)
- Aerial Scissor Lift Operator Training Evaluation Form (Appendix D)
Additional Resources
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L – Scaffolds (Aerial and Scissor Lifts fall under this OSHA Subpart)
- 29 CFR 1910.67 - Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platform (Bucket Trucks)
- ANSI A92 Standards – Regarding elevating work platforms