Routine inspections and consistent maintenance are non-negotiable when it comes to bucket truck safety.
The ANSI A92.2 is the primary industry standard for vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial devices. It defines the responsibilities of manu- facturers, owners, operators, and employers, and places a heavy emphasis on safe operation, opera- tor training, routine maintenance, and structured inspection schedules, which include: • Frequent Inspection and Test — Conduct- ed on daily to monthly intervals • Periodic Inspection or Test — Conducted on one to twelve month intervals • Major Structural Inspection — Conducted after the first fifteen years of service and then at intervals of every ten years after • Post Event Inspection or Test — Conduct- ed after any accident or event in which the aerial lift is subjected to excessive loading or stress These inspections are all aimed at identifying wear, preventing equipment failure, and ensur- ing the structural integrity of the boom, bucket, and hydraulic systems. OSHA regulations work alongside ANSI by re- inforcing the legal responsibilities of employers and operators. OSHA requires that only trained personnel operate aerial lifts, as outlined in 1910.67(c)(2)(ii) . Operators who are proper- ly trained understand inspection procedures, recognize hazards, and know how to identify mechanical or hydraulic issues.
Before extreme or freezing temperatures ar- rive, it’s important to go ahead and schedule or conduct your maintenance and inspection services ahead of time. “It’s always a good idea to schedule your main- tenance around wintertime,” said John Dean, national account sales manager at Custom Truck One Source . “This makes sure that if there’s a problem, it can be taken care of before everything’s covered in grime, dirt, and frozen sawdust.” Not to mention, ANSI and OSHA both require regular inspections on specific intervals – and for good reason. THE ANSI Z133 AND A92.2 STANDARDS AND OSHA REGULATIONS Bucket truck safety is governed by two indus- try standards: ANSI Z133 and OSHA. Together, they lay out the requirements for how bucket trucks must be designed, maintained, inspect- ed, and operated to ensure the highest level of safety in the field. The ANSI Z133 standard specifies several safe- ty requirements for the use of bucket trucks – primarily focusing on fall protection, electrical hazard awareness, annual electrical testing, and safe operating practices. Z133 states that inspections shall be done but doesn’t necessari- ly explain how – that’s when you turn to A92.2.
20 | Winter 2026 ArborTIMES ™
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