Aerial Lifts and Scissor Lifts

A boom lift reaches up and out. A scissor lift raises its platform on crossing supports. Both can expose people to falls, tip-overs, crushing, falling objects and electricity, but OSHA does not treat them as the same equipment. Identify the actual model and design, not just a rental-company name or the term “manlift.”

Construction aerial lifts are covered by 1926.453. Examples include extensible and articulating boom platforms. General-industry aerial-lift requirements are in 1910.67. The actual work determines the industry coverage; working inside a factory does not automatically make construction work general industry.

OSHA treats scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds. The applicable construction provisions include 1926.451, 1926.452(w) and 1926.454. General-industry scaffolds must meet construction Subpart L through 1910.27(a). Do not use old references to the former general-industry scaffold rule as the current basis.

This is an online safety knowledge course. It does not authorize use of a particular machine, replace observed safe operation or qualify a worker for energized-line work or rescue. Current manufacturer instructions, applicable state-plan rules, worksite hazards and any additional employer requirements must be addressed before assignment. Modern MEWP terminology does not make every ANSI recommendation an OSHA regulation.