Inspections are all aimed at identifying wear, preventing equipment failure, and ensuring the structural integrity of the boom, bucket, and hydraulic systems.
When it comes to aerial lift inspec- tions, OSHA divides them into three categories: • Pre-start inspections — Conducted at the start of every workday and requires the operator to check both the vehicle and lift components before operation. • Routine use inspections — These are ongoing checks performed throughout the workday as condi- tions change. • Annual inspections — Compre- hensive evaluations performed by a qualified mechanic. This profes- sional assesses the vehicle and lift’s structural integrity, hydraulics, electrical systems, and safety fea- tures in great detail. These inspections ensure the bucket truck is closely monitored and fully assessed, providing a safe and efficient worksite for all.
In the wintertime, specifically, the chassis is the key area that operators should focus on in their inspections first, according to Dean. “This is because the chassis is going to be more susceptible to winter con- ditions than most of the aerial lifts,” he said. “The chassis needs to be covered first, making sure that the mainte- nance schedules are up to the manu- facturer’s specifications.” But should a defect be found during an inspection or at any given time, both OSHA and ANSI emphasize that the equipment must be immediately re- moved from service and repaired by a qualified person. This rule exists to prevent catastrophic failures. Please note: It’s essential to not only complete the required inspections list- ed above at the proper intervals, but also to follow all manufacturer-recom- mended maintenance to keep your ae- rial lift performing at its best.
ArborTIMES ™ Winter 2026 | 21
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