Aerial Lift Safety in British Columbia

Working with aerial lifts puts you high above the ground—often on unstable or uneven surfaces. Whether you’re using a scissor lift or a boom lift, every action matters. One misstep can lead to a fall, a tip-over, or serious injury.

In British Columbia, safety regulations are strict for a reason. Aerial lifts are powerful machines. Without proper training and procedures, they can become a serious hazard.

Here’s what you and your crew need to know to stay safe and meet WorkSafeBC standards.

Know What You’re Operating
Every aerial lift is different. Treat them that way.
Before using any lift, confirm:

• The model and type (scissor, articulating boom, telescoping boom, vertical mast)

• The platform height and weight capacity

• Specific controls, including emergency lowering systems

• Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Do you know how your machine behaves at full extension? Are you trained on that exact model? If not, don’t operate it.

Always Perform a Pre-Use Inspection
Check the lift before every shift. This isn’t optional—it’s required under WorkSafeBC regulation.
Look for:

• Leaks (hydraulic, fuel, oil)

• Damaged tires or wheels

• Loose bolts, broken welds, or bent guardrails

• Missing safety pins or control labels

• Faulty lights, alarms, or limit switches

• Dead batteries or low fuel

Document the inspection and tag out the lift if any defects are found. If it feels unsafe, it probably is.

Evaluate the Work Area
Don’t raise the platform without scanning your surroundings.
Check for:

• Power lines or overhead obstructions (at least 3 metres / 10 feet clearance)

• Ground conditions (soft soil, ice, debris, potholes)

• Slopes, curbs, or uneven surfaces

• Weather conditions—wind, rain, snow, or fog

Boom lifts especially are vulnerable to wind. Many have a maximum wind tolerance of just 28 mph (45 km/h). If you’re unsure, don’t elevate.

Use Fall Protection Correctly
Fall protection isn’t just about wearing a harness. It’s about wearing it properly and connecting it to the correct anchor point.
Follow these steps:

• Wear a CSA-approved full-body harness

• Inspect it before each use for cuts, fraying, or damage

• Connect to the designated anchor inside the platform (not the guardrail)

• Adjust straps snugly—if it’s too loose, it’s useless

A 2022 WorkSafeBC report found that 25% of aerial lift accidents involved improperly used or missing fall protection. Don’t add to that statistic.

Stabilize Before You Elevate
If the machine isn’t stable, you’re not safe.
Before going up:

• Make sure the surface is flat, level, and strong enough to support the load

• Deploy outriggers if your lift has them, and place cribbing if needed

• Don’t raise the lift on a slope unless the manufacturer allows it

• Never override safety alarms like tilt sensors or weight alerts

If an alarm goes off, it’s telling you something is wrong. Respect the machine’s limits.

Know the Platform’s Capacity
Every aerial lift has a maximum rated load. This includes:

• The weight of the operator(s)

• Tools

• Building materials or other equipment

Find the platform capacity on the manufacturer’s plate. Most scissor lifts are rated for 500–1,200 lbs, while boom lifts can vary widely. Going over that number can affect the lift’s balance and increase the risk of tipping.

Don’t Travel While Elevated—Unless Trained and Permitted
Some scissor lifts and boom lifts are designed to move while raised. Many are not.
Only travel while elevated if:

• The manufacturer’s manual says it’s allowed

• The ground is flat and free of obstacles

• You’re trained and comfortable doing it

If the lift isn’t built for it, moving it while raised can cause sudden instability and tip-overs. Even minor slopes can be dangerous.

Avoid Distractions and Unsafe Behavior
Aerial lifts demand full attention.
Avoid:

• Using a phone or other device while elevated

• Reaching too far beyond the guardrails

• Standing on rails, ladders, or objects to gain extra height

• Making modifications to the lift or platform without manufacturer approval

Keep both feet on the platform floor at all times. If you can’t reach something, reposition the lift.