Subscribe To Aerial Pros

Performing equipment inspections is essential for ensuring the safety and productivity of any piece of aerial work platform equipment. One of the challenges lift equipment owners face is knowing how often to perform inspections on their aerial work platforms.

ANSI standards state that routine inspections should be performed frequently, as well as annually. Here’s a breakdown of what tasks should be performed at each inspection point:

Contact Us to Learn More

Frequent inspections

Frequent inspections must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on an aerial platform:

1. That was purchased used.
   • This inspection shall be accomplished unless it is determined that the frequent and annual inspections are current
2. That has been in service for three months, or 150 hours, whichever comes first
3. That has been out of service for a period longer than three months

The inspection shall be made by a person qualified as a mechanic on the specific type aerial platform. The inspection should include, but not limited to, the following:

1. All functions and their controls for speed(s), smoothness and limits of motion
2. Lower controls including the provisions for overriding of upper controls
3. All chain and cable mechanisms for adjustment and worn or damaged parts
4. All emergency and safety devices
5. Lubrication of all moving parts, inspection of filter element(s), hydraulic oil, engine oil and coolant as specified by the manufacturer
6. Visual inspection of structural components and other critical components such as fasteners, pins, shafts and locking devices
7. Placards, warnings and control markings
8. Items specified by the manufacturer
9. Emergency lowering means

Annual inspections

Annual inspections must be performed on the aerial platform no later than thirteen (13) months from the date of the prior annual inspection, and the inspection shall be in accordance with items specified by the manufacturer for an annual inspection.

The inspection needs to be done by a person(s) qualified as a mechanic on the specific type of aerial platform. And, an aerial work platform should not be put into service until any malfunctions and/or problems discovered during the inspection have been corrected.

Learn more about OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down Week May 7th through 11th by visiting: https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/