Which rules apply
Two sets of rules overlap, and it helps to know which says what:
OSHA
- 1926.453 covers boom-supported lifts: controls tested each day before use, only authorized operators, a lanyard attached to the boom or basket
- Scissor lifts are treated as mobile scaffolds, under 1926.451
- OSHA says little about periodic inspections; it points back to the manufacturer
ANSI A92
- A92.20 is how MEWPs are designed, A92.22 how they're used and inspected, A92.24 how operators are trained
- A92.22 sets the pre-start, frequent and annual inspections
- Manufacturers write their manuals to it, so the manual's schedule is the A92 schedule, often with more
The three inspections
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Pre-start
Every shift, before use · The operator
Walk-around, fluids, tyres, guardrails, decals and manual on board, then a function test of every control from the ground and the platform.
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Frequent
Every 3 months or 150 hours, whichever comes first · A qualified person
The manufacturer's frequent-inspection list. Also due before a lift returns from three months out of service, or is bought used.
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Annual
No later than 13 months after the last one · A person qualified on that make and model
Everything in the frequent inspection, plus the manufacturer's annual items and open safety bulletins.
The pre-start inspection
Done by the operator at the start of every shift, before anyone goes up. The operator's manual has the list for that model, often on a decal on the machine too. It runs in two parts:
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1
Walk around
Leaks, tyres and wheels, damaged or missing parts, guardrails and the gate, decals, the manual in its box.
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2
Fluids and power
Hydraulic oil, fuel or battery charge, engine oil on engine-powered booms.
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3
Function test
Every control from the ground station, then from the platform: up, down, drive, steer, emergency stop, emergency lowering, tilt alarm.
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4
Workplace
Slopes, holes, soft ground, overhead lines and obstructions where it will be used.
The function test is the part OSHA requires by name. The workplace check is a separate step in A92.22 because a perfect machine on soft ground still tips.
The frequent and annual inspections
Both are done by a qualified person: someone who, by training, certificate or experience, can inspect that kind of machine. For the annual, A92.22 asks for a person qualified on the specific make and model, which in practice is a dealer's or rental company's technician, or your own mechanic with the manufacturer's training.
Frequent
- Every 3 months or 150 hours, whichever comes first
- Before a lift goes back into service after 3 months parked
- When you buy a used lift without current records
Annual
- No later than 13 months after the previous annual
- Covers the frequent list plus the manufacturer's annual items
- Open safety bulletins dealt with; the lift registered with its manufacturer
“150 hours, whichever comes first” is the part a calendar misses. A boom lift on a busy job can run 150 hours in five or six weeks. Read the hour meter when you read the calendar, or log hours as the lift moves between jobs.
Owned or rented
Many contractors run a mix: a scissor lift or two of their own, booms rented by the job. The split of who does what is clear:
Your own lift
You are the owner, so the whole schedule is yours.
- Pre-start: your operator, every shift
- Frequent and annual: your qualified person or a dealer, on your dates
- Hours and dates to watch per machine
- Records kept by you
A rented lift
The rental company owns it and keeps it inspected.
- Frequent and annual: the rental company
- Ask for the annual date at delivery, or check the decal
- Pre-start is still your operator's job
- A long rental can come due on your site
Records to keep
For lifts you own, keep the written frequent and annual inspections and any repairs that came out of them. A92.22 requires the owner to keep inspection records; keeping them for as long as you own the machine covers whatever period applies, and the next buyer will ask for them.
Each inspection record shows
- The machine: make, model, serial number, and your number for it.
- The date and the hour-meter reading. The hours are what the next frequent inspection counts from.
- Who inspected it, and that they're qualified for that make and model.
- What was found and what was fixed, with the date it went back into service.
- Operator training records, kept separately: A92.24 training and familiarisation on the model they use.
Lifts are one line in the equipment inspection checklist, which covers what else on a typical contractor's list needs a date.