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Training operators of vehicle-mounted aerial lifts

Summary An employer asked about operator qualifications for aerial ladders and booms. OSHA said the cited vehicle-mounted platform rule did not require an employer to certify and designate an operator to another party. It said employers were responsible for training operators in safe lift operation and familiarizing them with the manufacturer's manual.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1975-07-17-1
Date issued
July 17, 1975
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026

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July 17 1975

Mr. Robert E. Schumacher
General Manager
High Plains Insurance, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Schumacher:

This is in response to your letter of May 21, 1975, regarding aerial ladders or booms.

Enclosed is a copy of 29 CFR 1910.67, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms amendment, that was published in the Federal Register of March 6, 1975. This amendment gives you the answer to your questions.

There is nothing in the wording of 1910.67 that requires the employer to certify and designate an operator to another party. Employers have the responsibility of devising methods to train their operators in the safe operation of aerial lifts. Only competent and careful operators should be assigned these duties. The operator shall be trained in safe operations and made familiar with the manufacturer's manual, especially those parts which relate to operation, maintenance, and safety of aerial devices.

If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Janet H. Sprickman
Acting Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming

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