When is it necessary to lower the platform of an aerial lift?

Lowering the platform of an aerial lift is necessary whenever personnel need to disembark or when conditions become unsafe. This practice is critical for ensuring the safety of workers at height. Disembarking from the platform while it is elevated poses significant risks, including the potential for falls. Workers should only leave the platform when it is at a safe and stable position on the ground.

Furthermore, conditions that may render the platform unsafe—such as high winds, instability, or equipment malfunction—warrant immediate lowering of the platform to safeguard the crew's well-being. This proactive approach helps to minimize accidents and injuries associated with aerial lift operations.

While considerations concerning overloads, end-of-shift procedures, and routine maintenance are indeed important aspects of aerial lift safety, they do not directly address the immediate need for personnel safety during operations. The emphasis on lowering the platform in response to the need to disembark or to react to unsafe conditions ensures that safety remains the top priority at all times.