Boom Lift Safety Program

The Boom Lift Safety Program establishes requirements for the safe selection, inspection, positioning, operation, travel, and maintenance of boom lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, and other boom-type aerial work platforms. Boom lift operations can expose employees to serious hazards, including falls, tip-overs, electrocution, overhead power lines, crushing and entrapment, struck-by incidents, unstable ground, collisions, falling objects, and equipment failure. The program emphasizes proper equipment selection, worksite hazard assessments, pre-use inspections, trained and authorized operators, and compliance with manufacturer operating limitations. The program addresses boom lift safety, aerial lift operation, fall protection, full-body harnesses, designated anchorages, platform capacity, outriggers and stabilizers, ground conditions, elevated travel, electrical clearances, overhead hazards, entrapment and crushing hazards, traffic control, and pedestrian safety. Operators must inspect equipment before use, maintain safe clearance from electrical hazards and obstructions, remain within rated capacities and operating limits, and never bypass safety devices. Requirements also address wind and severe weather, emergency lowering and rescue, equipment maintenance and repairs, operator training and retraining, inspections, and recordkeeping to help prevent boom lift accidents and fall injuries.