When it comes to safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for workplaces across the country. If your company uses aerial lifts, boom lifts, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and other aerial work platforms (AWPs), then you’ll need an OSHA certification for all your workers.
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AerialLiftCertification.com (ALC) provides an affordable, online-accessible solution for your aerial lift training requirements. With our training and certification, we’ll ensure all your AWP and MEWP operators are fully compliant, with initial training and renewal certification for aerial lift training expiration.
But how long is aerial lift certification good for? What happens with aerial lift certification expirations? Here’s what you need to know.
Anytime you hire a new worker to your team, they must be trained and certified before you can allow them to operate the lift. OSHA requires certification for every operator, or you could end up with a fine or other penalty. Certification also ensures your staff know how to do their job safely and avoid accidents on the job. Well-equipped and trained workers help to create a safe work environment for themselves and everyone else around.
However, aerial lift certification isn’t a one-time thing. It requires recertification just like most other licenses. Recertification should be just as much of an area of concern as getting staff certified in the first place. Those wondering how long is aerial lift certification good for may be missing the forest for the trees. Expiration dates are just one of the many facets of OSHA certification to consider.
Aerial lift certification ensures a worker is allowed to operate a boom lift, scissor lift, or any other type of aerial lift based on OSHA specifications. Once a worker earns an aerial lift license, their certification lasts for only a set amount of time. Thus, if an aerial lift worker does not renew their certification, they cannot legally operate an aerial lift. If the worker forgoes renewal training and continues to operate an aerial lift, the risks are significant for both the worker and their employer.
Even though an employee received the initial training and certification to be in compliance with OSHA, they will be out of compliance if they don’t get their certification renewed. Your company will also be liable for allowing any workers to operate a lift without being recertified. Understanding how long does OSHA certification last can help keep you and your colleagues safe on the job.
When it comes to aerial lift certification expiration, you have to make sure your employees are recertified before the 3-year mark. Here are three major reasons why it makes sense to get renewal training before aerial lift certification expiration.
1.Accidents Involving MEWPs and AWPs
One way to answer the question “how long does aerial lift certification last” is three years. Another way is whenever an accident happens. Whenever an accident occurs, OSHA requires all equipment to be properly inspected and workers to get refresher (renewal) training.
2. Potential Hazards are Noted
When new workplace hazards involving aerial lifts are found, refresher training is necessary. Just one of the many hazards to look out for is with power lines when operating AWPs outdoors. Training can help AWP operators understand these hazards, so they can avoid them in the future. Plus, it can help AWP operators prevent aerial lift accidents.
3. OSHA Audits and Inspections
OSHA will investigate accidents – that’s a given. But did you know that surprise visits can happen? If you’re unsure about your current training and compliance situation, refresher and renewal training is a great idea, just to make sure all your workers have the proper paperwork and training credentials to satisfy OSHA audits.
Our Train the Trainer course is an excellent option for any organization hoping to save time and money while developing the skills of its employees. Off-site training can be expensive and time-consuming. With an in-house trainer on hand, you’ll be able to stay on top of upcoming scissor lift certification expiration dates and ensure everyone is in compliance with OSHA regulations.
If you’re still unsure about how long is a scissor lift certification good for, check out the following FAQs:
Aerial lift certification is good for three years.
Renewal training for aerial lift certification is required every three years; this is based on OSHA mandates. So, if your aerial lift certification expiration date is approaching, you should renew your certification right away — or risk non-compliance with OSHA requirements
A scissor lift license renewal is identical to an aerial lift renewal, and it remains active for three years.
If you’ve completed an OSHA-approved training program and received your certification card, it’s important to keep that card in a safe place. After all, it’s proof of your completion of the program and your certification. However, if you do lose your card, don’t worry. You can easily get a replacement from the issuing organization. Just contact them and request a new card. Be sure to have your name, date of birth, and other identifying information on hand so they can verify your identity. They may also charge a small fee for the replacement card. Once you have your new card, be sure to keep it in a safe place so you don’t have to go through the process again!
ALC offers all of our AWP operator certification classes in Spanish, so your entire aerial lift platform workforce can access the training it needs to succeed.
Only certified workers should operate AWPs. Remember, OSHA certification expires every 3 years. Knowing how long does osha certification last is just the beginning. To really stay on top of expiration dates and deadlines, take advantage of courses offered by AerialLiftCertification.com. The self-paced courses ensure that each of your employees has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate AWPs. To learn more about our courses, please contact us online or call us today at (888) 278-8896.
A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker or man lift, is a type of aerial work platform that provides temporary access to inaccessible areas, often at height. It operates with a hydraulic arm that extends outward and upward, with a platform or bucket at the end for the operator. Boom lifts are commonly used in construction, warehouse management, maintenance, and other industries that require high-reach tasks.
Three Main Takeaways about Boom Lifts:
Boom lifts present significant safety concerns. Operators need to be properly trained to handle these machines, which are large, heavy, and capable of causing serious harm if misused.
One of the most significant advantages of boom lifts is their versatility. They’re extensively used in construction, maintenance, film, and many more industries. Their extendable arm and bucket allow users to access hard-to-reach areas, making them invaluable for various tasks.
Routine and proper maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of a boom lift. Regular inspection from certified professionals is necessary to keep the system performing optimally and prevent accidents.
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The Significance of a Boom Lift
A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker or man lift, is a critical piece of equipment in construction and maintenance due to its functionality and safety features. It’s primarily used to safely lift workers to elevated, hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of accidents that ladders or scaffolding might pose. A boom lift promotes efficiency as it can smoothly maneuver and reach heights with versatility and precision, preventing delays in tasks such as painting, cleaning, repairing, or installing fixtures.
Without the boom lift’s lifting and reaching capabilities, certain jobs would be impossible to complete or take considerably more time and effort. Therefore, the boom lift is significant in various industries and is often vital for ensuring project success and safety.
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Safety Tips with Boom Lifts
Operating a boom lift requires careful attention to safety to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of operators and others in the vicinity. Here are some safety tips for operating a boom lift:
Only trained and certified operators should operate a boom lift. Comprehensive training should cover equipment operation, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
Before using the boom lift, conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection to check for any damage, leaks, or malfunctions. Ensure all safety devices, including harnesses and guardrails , are in good working condition.
Set up the boom lift on firm and level ground. Use outriggers and stabilizers as needed to increase stability.
Never exceed the boom lift’s maximum weight capacity. Consider the combined weight of operators, tools, and equipment to stay within the safe limits.
Always wear a full-body harness and attach it to the boom lift’s designated anchor point. Additionally, wear appropriate PPE , including a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and high-visibility clothing.
Ensure the work area is clear of obstacles and people. Keep bystanders and non-essential personnel at a safe distance during operation.
Avoid operating the boom lift during adverse weather conditions such as high winds, storms, or lightning.
Make slow and controlled movements with the boom lift. Avoid abrupt starts, stops, or rapid movements to maintain stability.
Watch for overhead obstacles such as power lines, branches, or other structures. Maintain a safe distance from these hazards.
Never stand or climb on the guardrails or attempt to reach outside the platform while the boom lift operates.
Establish clear communication between the operator and ground personnel. Use hand signals or two-way radios to convey important information.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures for the specific boom lift model you are operating. Know how to lower the platform in case of power failure or other emergencies.
If batteries power the boom lift, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging, storage, and handling of batteries. For fuel-powered lifts, handle fuel safely and keep fuel containers away from ignition sources.
Lower the boom and secure all equipment before moving the lift to a new location. Avoid moving the boom lift with the platform raised.
When not in use, park the boom lift in a designated area and engage the parking brake. Store the boom lift in a secure location.
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How Boom Lifts are Used
A boom lift, a key construction and maintenance equipment piece, is critical in various tasks requiring high-reach applications. It is designed to help workers safely reach elevated and hard-to-reach areas, thus enhancing efficiency and productivity.
A boom lift is typically used for construction, window cleaning, painting, installation, tree trimming, and many other tasks involving high areas. Not only does it maximize safety by reducing the risk of falls, but it also expedites the job by providing a stable platform to work from. The boom lift is more than just a high-reach device. It’s an essential tool that optimizes operational efficiency by enabling tasks to be completed quickly and effectively on a large scale.
One particular advantage is its versatility and flexibility, maneuvering in various directions – up, down, and sideways. Bigger versions of this equipment can extend to great heights, with some models reaching up to 185 feet. It’s important to note that using this equipment requires proper training to ensure the safety of operators and those in the immediate vicinity.
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Examples of Boom Lift Use
Building Maintenance and Repairs: Maintenance crews often employ boom lifts to repair or clean the exterior of tall residential or commercial buildings. For example, if some window panes of a high-rise building need to be replaced or if some outdoor light fixtures need to be fixed, a boom lift would be employed to bring the crew to the appropriate height.
Construction Industry: In a new high-rise structure construction project, boom lifts might transport materials and workers to higher levels of scaffolding. They can lift heavy materials to higher floors, assist with installing windows or ventilation systems, and provide a secure platform for construction workers operating at heights.
Tree Care Services: Tree surgeons often use boom lifts to trim tall trees. A tree surgeon can safely reach the desired height using a boom lift and carry out their work effectively. This process maintains the tree’s health and ensures the safety of people and property beneath it.
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Differences between Boom Lift and Scissor Lift
Feature Boom Lift Scissor LiftMovement
Articulating or Telescopic
Vertical only
Reach
High reach, often up to 185 feet
Lower reach, typically up to 40-50 feet
Direction
Can extend in all directions (up, down, sideways)
Can only move vertically
Platform Size
Relatively larger platform
Smaller platform
Stability
Requires outriggers for stability
Self-leveling, stable on flat surfaces
Use Cases
Construction, maintenance, window cleaning, tree trimming
Indoor maintenance, installation, and tasks in confined spaces
Maneuverability
Less maneuverable due to outriggers and larger size
Highly maneuverable in tight spaces
Typical Applications
Outdoor tasks with the need for high reach and flexibility
Indoor maintenance, warehouse stocking, and low to mid-height tasks
Transportation
May require special transport due to size
Can be easily moved with standard trailers or trucks
Cost
Generally more expensive
Generally more affordable
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker or man lift, is a type of aerial work platform that allows workers to reach high or inaccessible areas. It has a platform or bucket at the end of a hydraulic lifting system attached to a grounded base.
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A: The reach of a boom lift greatly depends on the specific model, but they can typically reach heights anywhere from 30 feet to 180 feet.
A: A scissor lift can only move vertically and is limited to working directly overhead, whereas a boom lift can extend in all directions, providing more flexibility and reach.
A: Only trained and certified professionals can operate a boom lift due to safety precautions. Operator certification usually involves both classroom and hands-on training.
A: Operators should always wear a harness, ensure the lift is on stable ground before ascending, keep the work area clear of people and obstacles, and never exceed the weight limit.
A: Yes, boom lifts can be used indoors, provided there is sufficient space. However, certain boom lifts may require ventilation due to emissions.
A: Boom lifts are commonly used in construction, maintenance, warehouse stocking, painting, tree work, and any tasks that require reaching high or inaccessible areas.
A: It depends on the specific requirements of your project – the height, reach, indoor/outdoor setting and weight limit would determine the type of boom lift required.
A: Boom lifts come in both electric and diesel models. Electric ones are quieter and better for the environment and are typically used indoors, while diesel models are used for construction where more power might be needed.
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