Aerial Lift / MEWP Safety Program — OSHA + ANSI A92 Compliant
The written program for aerial lifts and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). Built to OSHA 1926.453 plus the updated ANSI A92 series (A92.20/.22/.24) effective 2020. Covers operator training, pre-shift inspection, supervisor training, and fall protection.
When this template is required
Required wherever aerial lifts — boom lifts, scissor lifts, articulating boom platforms, vehicle-mounted aerial devices — are used. ANSI A92 was significantly updated in 2018 (effective 2020), reorganizing the standard into A92.20, A92.22, A92.24 and renaming aerial lifts as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms).
Why this template
Updated ANSI A92 series (2018, effective 2020)
The aerial lift standard was reorganized: A92.20 (design), A92.22 (safe use), A92.24 (training). 'Aerial lift' is now technically 'MEWP' (Mobile Elevating Work Platform). The program uses the current terminology and references the updated standards.
Supervisor training required
ANSI A92.24 introduced a new supervisor training requirement — supervisors directing MEWP work must be trained beyond operator-level. The program includes the supervisor training outline.
Site risk assessment per A92.22
A92.22 introduced a formal site risk assessment requirement before MEWP use — covering site conditions, machine selection, controls. The program includes the assessment template.
Wind speed limits documented
Most MEWPs have manufacturer wind speed limits (typically 28-30 mph for boom lifts, lower for some). Operating above the limit risks tip-over. The program documents the limits and the on-site wind monitoring procedure.
What you receive
- Aerial Lift / MEWP Safety Program (Word .docx)
- Operator training curriculum (per ANSI A92.24)
- Supervisor training outline (per ANSI A92.24)
- Pre-shift inspection checklist (boom + scissor + vehicle-mounted)
- Familiarisation form (per-machine, per-operator)
- Site risk assessment (per A92.22)
- Fall protection from aerial lifts procedure
- Rescue plan template (cross-references Fall Protection Rescue Plan)
- Outdoor wind speed limits (manufacturer + general guidance)
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Construction GCs and trade contractors using aerial lifts
- Telecommunications (cell tower, broadcast)
- Utility line work
- Tree care (with aerial lifts)
- Building maintenance (commercial building exterior)
- Painting and stucco contractors
Frequently asked
What changed in the 2018 ANSI A92 update?
Three big changes: (1) Reorganization — A92.20 covers design, A92.22 covers safe use, A92.24 covers training; (2) Terminology — 'aerial work platform' became 'MEWP' (Mobile Elevating Work Platform); (3) New requirements — supervisor training (A92.24), site risk assessment (A92.22), occupant training, new categories of MEWP. The updates took effect in 2020.
Does OSHA require aerial lift operator training?
Yes. 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) requires that 'only trained persons shall operate an aerial lift.' OSHA doesn't specify the training content, but ANSI A92.24 (incorporated by reference into industry practice and many state OSHA programs) provides the training framework. The program follows ANSI A92.24.
Do I need fall protection in an aerial lift?
1926.453(b)(2)(v) requires a body belt and lanyard attached to the boom or basket in boom-supported aerial lifts. Note: this is one of OSHA's few standards that still references body belts (most fall protection requires body harnesses). Modern best practice — and ANSI A92.22 — uses a full-body harness with a short lanyard. Scissor lifts: typically don't require PFAS when the rails are intact and worker stays in the basket.
What's the difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift?
Scissor lift (MEWP Group A): platform moves only vertically via the scissor mechanism. Stable, predictable, lower fall risk. Boom lift (MEWP Group B): platform extends horizontally as well as vertically. Higher reach but higher tip-over risk and more demanding operator training. Both are MEWPs under A92.
Do operators need separate training for each lift model?
ANSI A92.24 requires familiarisation on each specific MEWP model before use. Training is type-level (e.g., 'scissor lift Group A Type 1'); familiarisation is model-specific (e.g., 'JLG 1930ES'). The program includes both the operator training (type-level) and the familiarisation form (per-machine, per-operator).