Aerial and Scissor Lifts
Online Course

Aerial and scissor lifts play an important role in construction and many other industries. These versatile lifts come in several types with various applications and operating hazards. This course will teach you how to maximize worksite safety while working on or around aerial and scissor lifts.

Only trained persons may operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts. This awareness-level certificate course complies with training requirements for aerial lifts and related scaffolding equipment found in OSHA standard 1926.454. It does not provide an OSHA-accepted certification or certification card.

Aerial and Scissor Lifts Course Details

Satisfies Training Standards for:

Designed for:

Workers Who Operate Aerial Lifts, Scissor Lifts and Other Scaffolding Equipment

Format:

100% Online Course

Provides:

Digital Certificate of Completion

Aerial and Scissor Lifts Training Benefits

Benefits of our training course include:

• 100% Online
• Covers OSHA Scaffolding Standards 1926.451 – 1926.454
• Up to 90 Days to Complete the Course
• Instant Certificate Download
• Unlimited Test Attempts
• Bulk Discounts Available

Who Needs Aerial and Scissor Lifts Training?

Only trained individuals may operate mobile scaffolds, including aerial lifts and scissor lifts. This course teaches the important safety and operating principles contained in OSHA standard 1926.454.

Mobile scaffolds of all kinds allow workers to extend their vertical range and perform tasks far above the ground. Aerial lifts and scissor lifts are used in all kinds of jobs.

You may need training if you work in:

• Construction
• Utility line installation
• Tree trimming
• Warehouse operations
• Facility maintenance
• Videography
• Window washing
• Building inspections
• House painting
• Fire and rescue
• Demolitions

This OSHA-compliant training isn’t just designed for lift operators. If you work on or around any of the scaffold structures described in 1926.452(w) or 1926.453, this course is for you.

Testing Requirements

The Aerial and Scissor Lifts course includes five end-of-module quizzes and one comprehensive final exam. You must pass each assessment before you complete the course. You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass each quiz and the exam.

The final exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from all course topics. You must earn a score of at least 70%. If you fail the final test, you can repeat the exam at no additional cost.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of the Aerial and Scissor Lifts course, you will be able to:

• State the importance of aerial and scissor lift safety
• Define aerial and scissor lifts and give examples
• List recommended safety procedures for before and after using an aerial or scissor lift
• List specific precautions for preventing trips and falls, tip-overs, catapulting, electrocution and injuries due to contact with obstructions while the lift is in use

Course Outline

Aerial and Scissor Lifts training includes one hour of fully narrated safety instruction for all kinds of powered scaffolding equipment. The course is divided into five lesson modules.

You will learn how to safely work with and around these lifting devices. Study pre-use inspection procedures, potential hazards during operation and guidelines for securing equipment after use.

Module 1: Introduction to Aerial and Scissor Lift Safety

Topics covered in Module 1 include:

• Types of accidents and hazards
• Trips, falls and catapulting
• Tip-overs
• Electrocutions and contact injuries
• OSHA standards for aerial lifts: CFR 1926.453 and 1926.454
• OSHA standards for scissor lifts: CFR 1926.451, 1026.452(w) and 1926.454

Learning objectives include:

• List the most common types of accidents and hazards related to aerial and scissor lifts
• Identify the OSHA standards that apply to aerial and scissor lifts

Module 2: Types of Aerial and Scissor Lifts

Topics covered in Module 2 include:

• Aerial lift types and examples
• Scissor lift examples
• Choosing the right lift

Learning objectives include:

• Define aerial lifts and give examples
• Define scissor lifts and give examples
• List situations or conditions under which various types of lifts should be used
• List the criteria for choosing an aerial or scissor lift for a particular job

Module 3: Safety Procedures Before Use

Topics covered in Module 3 include:

• Getting properly trained
• Completing a pre-use inspection
• Why inspections are important
• Vehicle components
• Lift components
• What to do if the equipment fails inspection
• Surveying the area

Learning objectives include:

• Explain the importance of receiving proper training before using an aerial or scissor lift
• Describe the importance of and procedures for inspecting aerial and scissor lifts and surveying the area before use
• Explain how keeping lifts in good condition promotes workers' safety and avoids costly equipment repairs

Module 4: Safety Precautions During Use

Topics covered in Module 4 include:

• Preventing trips, falls and catapulting
• Using fall protection and fall restraint
• Preventing tip-overs
• Preventing electrocution and contact injuries

Learning objectives include:

• List precautions for preventing trips and falls, catapulting, electrocution and contact injuries while using an aerial or scissor lift
• State the OSHA requirements for fall protection or fall restraint for workers using aerial or scissor lifts
• Explain how to prevent aerial and scissor lifts from tipping over during use

Module 5: Safety Procedures After Use

Topics covered in Module 5 include:

• Securing components
• Securing access
• Checking manufacturer guidelines

Learning objectives include:

• Identify the aerial and scissor lift components that must be secured after use
• Describe how to limit or prevent unauthorized access to the equipment
• Explain the importance of following manufacturer guidelines for a specific aerial or scissor lift

Aerial and Scissor Lifts FAQs

What is an aerial lift?

OSHA classifies aerial lifts as any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel. Equipment ranging from telehandlers to cherry pickers fall into this class of workplace lift.

• Extendable boom platforms
• Aerial ladders
• Articulated boom platforms
• Vertical towers
• Combination vehicles

Are scissor lifts considered aerial lifts?

No. OSHA considers scissor lifts to be a form of mobile scaffolding. Mobile scaffolding, while functionally similar to an aerial lift, is a separate class of equipment under OSHA safety standards.

What is the OSHA standard for aerial and scissor lifts?

Standards for both aerial lifts and scissor lifts are in Subpart L of OSHA’s construction standard (Part 1926).

Specific standards relating to these devices include:

• 1926.451: Contains general requirements for scaffold safety
• 1926.452(w): Provides specific additional requirements for mobile scaffolds, including scissor lifts
• 1926.453: Explores the definitions and safety standards for all types of aerial lifts
• 1926.454: Details the training requirements for workers who operate on or near scaffolds, including aerial lifts and scissor lifts

This Aerial and Scissor Lifts course explores all relevant standards and complies with OSHA training requirements for these devices.

Does Aerial and Scissor Lifts training expire?

No. Your digital certificate of completion has no expiration date. However, you should periodically repeat this training course to refresh your safety knowledge. Your employer may also require you to repeat Aerial and Scissor Lifts training under certain circumstances.

How often is Aerial and Scissor Lift training required?

You should repeat this course every three years to stay up to date on best practices and changing safety standards.

Employers may also require retraining if any of the following occurs:

• A workplace incident involving an aerial lift or scissor lift
• Hazards related to aerial or scissor lifts are discovered on the jobsite
• You start working with or around a different type of lift or mobile scaffold
• Your employer observes improper use of an aerial or scissor lift

Does OSHA require Aerial and Scissor Lifts training?

Yes. Under 1926.454, employers must train all workers who operate or work with aerial and scissor lifts.

Required topics include:

• An explanation of electrical, fall and struck-by hazards
• Recognizing and avoiding unsafe working conditions
• Procedures for dealing with hazards
• Safe operating procedures (including load capacity)
• Skills and knowledge needed to operate an aerial lift or mobile scaffold
• Pre- and post-operation safety inspections
• Manufacturer instructions and safety requirements

This training course contains all mandatory safety instruction in five audio-narrated lesson modules.

Does this Aerial and Scissor Lifts course provide OSHA certification?

OSHA does not approve training courses or certify lift operators. This training course complies with all OSHA training standards found in standard 29 CFR 1926.454 related to aerial lifts and scissor lifts.

Upon passing the final exam and finishing the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. Your certificate indicates that you have completed the safety training necessary to operate these lifting devices on your jobsite.

Is there an age requirement to take this course?

No. There is no age requirement. Workers of any age may complete this course and earn a certificate of completion.

How long does Aerial and Scissor Lift training take to complete?

This course contains one hour of training instruction over five modules. All lesson content is fully narrated.

During the course, you must successfully complete five quizzes and pass a 20-question final exam.

You may start and stop the course at any time. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to complete the course.

Can I complete this course online?

Yes. Our training program is 100% online. You can complete all course material from any internet-connected device. Study from your computer, laptop, tablet or phone at any time, day or night.

OSHA Education Center courses offer 24/7 access to lessons, quizzes, activities and exams. You never need to travel to a classroom to complete a class or take a test. Complete your training when and where you want.

Related Courses

• OSHA Forklift Certification
• Telehandler Safety Training and Certification
• Pallet Jack Safety Training and Certification
• Scaffold Safety Awareness
• OSHA Competent Person: Scaffolding
• OSHA Competent Person: Fall Protection
• OSHA Fall Prevention Training
• Work Zone Safety
• Recognizing Electrical Hazards

Additional Links and Resources

• Aerial Lifts Fact Sheet | OSHA
• Fact Sheet: Using Aerial Lifts | OSHA
• Hazard Alert: Working Safely with Scissor Lifts | OSHA
• Falls in the Workplace: Aerial Lifts | NIOSH
• Scaffolding: Aerial Lifts eTool | OSHA