Manlift Operator Training Course

1. Introduction to Aerial Work Platforms

1.1. Equipment Types and Classifications

• Boom lifts including (articulating, telescopic, straight)

• Scissor lifts including (mobile, rough terrain, compact)

• Vertical mast lifts including (personnel lifts, stock pickers)

• Specialty platforms including (trailer-mounted, atrium lifts)

• Introduction to ANSI A92 and OSHA 1926.453 standards for aerial work platforms

1.2. Components and Systems

• Power systems including (electric, combustion engine, hybrid)

• Lift mechanisms including (hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic)

• Control systems including (platform controls, ground controls)

• Stabilization systems including (outriggers, auto-leveling)

• Safety features including (tilt sensors, load management, emergency descent)

2. Regulatory Requirements and Responsibilities

2.1. Legal Framework

• OSHA requirements including (1926.453, 1910.67, operator training)

• ANSI standards including (A92 series, equipment classifications)

• Manufacturer requirements including (operation manuals, restrictions)

• Employer responsibilities including (training, inspection, maintenance)

• Operator accountability including (proper operation, hazard reporting)

2.2. Operator Qualifications

• Training requirements including (classroom, practical experience)

• Physical capabilities including (manual dexterity, visual acuity)

• Knowledge verification including (equipment specifics, safety systems)

• Certification process including (documentation, renewal)

• Site-specific authorization including (familiarization, local hazards)

3. Pre-operation Inspection

3.1. Daily Inspection Process

• Documentation review including (previous inspection, maintenance records)

• Visual inspection including (structural components, mechanical systems)

• Fluid levels including (hydraulic oil, engine fluids, battery condition)

• Control systems including (platform controls, ground controls, emergency systems)

• Safety devices including (guardrails, anchorage points, warning systems)

3.2. Function Testing

• Ground control testing including (lift/lower, emergency stop, emergency descent)

• Platform control testing including (drive, steer, lift functions)

• Safety system verification including (tilt sensor, overload system)

• Braking system checks including (drive brake, parking brake)

• Outrigger/stabilizer testing including (deployment, interlocks)

4. Fall Protection

4.1. Fall Protection Systems

• Personal fall arrest systems including (harness, lanyard, anchor points)

• Equipment inspection including (harness condition, lanyard integrity)

• Attachment points including (manufacturer-approved anchors, prohibited connections)

• Proper harness fitting including (adjustment, secure fastening)

• Fall protection requirements including (boom lifts vs. scissor lifts)

4.2. Fall Prevention

• Platform entry/exit including (proper technique, three-point contact)

• Platform guardrails including (integrity, gate closure)

• Work positioning including (maintaining center of gravity)

• Tool security including (tethering, containment)

• Safe working practices including (no climbing, leaning, standing on rails)

5. Basic Operation Procedures

5.1. Start-up and Shutdown

• Pre-start verification including (area clearance, position)

• Start-up sequence including (proper order, system engagement)

• Control familiarization including (function identification, response testing)

• Shutdown procedure including (proper sequence, securing)

• Emergency shutdown including (situations requiring, method)

5.2. Basic Maneuvering

• Drive function including (direction control, speed management)

• Steering operation including (turning radius, maneuvering in tight spaces)

• Lift/lower function including (smooth operation, height control)

• Platform positioning including (precise placement, stability)

• Multiple function coordination including (drive while elevated, extend while turning)

6. Travel Safety

6.1. Travel Position

• Boom position including (travel configuration, height clearance)

• Platform orientation including (forward travel visibility)

• Occupant positioning including (inside platform, secure footing)

• Load security including (tools, materials, equipment)

• Visibility considerations including (spotter usage, blind spots)

6.2. Travel Techniques

• Surface assessment including (slope, stability, obstacles)

• Speed control including (appropriate speed, hazard reduction)

• Grade negotiation including (approach angle, positioning)

• Turning techniques including (swing clearance, pivot points)

• Obstacle navigation including (clearance assessment, route planning)

7. Elevated Work Procedures

7.1. Platform Positioning

• Work area assessment including (access points, clearances)

• Approach technique including (gradual movement, precision control)

• Final positioning including (reach considerations, stability)

• Repositioning including (safe movement, minimal travel)

• Position verification including (distance from work, stability)

7.2. Working at Height

• Load management including (weight distribution, capacity limits)

• Personnel movement including (careful shifting, balance maintenance)

• Tool usage including (proper techniques, reaction forces)

• Material handling including (minimal manual handling, proper technique)

• Communication including (ground personnel, adjacent workers)

8. Special Applications

8.1. Indoor Operations

• Surface conditions including (floor loading, transitions)

• Clearance verification including (overhead obstacles, doorways)

• Ventilation considerations including (engine emissions, air quality)

• Power management including (cord control, battery duration)

• Workspace protection including (floor surfaces, wall surfaces)

8.2. Outdoor Operations

• Ground conditions including (soil stability, compaction, slopes)

• Weather assessment including (wind limitations, lightning, rain)

• Overhead hazards including (power lines, tree limbs, structures)

• Stabilization requirements including (outrigger deployment, ground support)

• Environmental considerations including (temperature effects, visibility)

9. Hazard Recognition and Mitigation

9.1. Common Hazards

• Drop-offs including (edges, excavations, loading docks)

• Overhead obstructions including (clearance assessment, collision prevention)

• Electrical hazards including (power lines, minimum approach distance)

• Traffic areas including (vehicle movements, pedestrian traffic)

• Environmental factors including (wind, weather, surface conditions)

9.2. Hazard Control

• Planning techniques including (job hazard analysis, pre-work assessment)

• Barrier systems including (warning tape, barricades, spotters)

• Clearance maintenance including (safe distances, buffer zones)

• Communication systems including (hand signals, radio contact)

• Work zone control including (exclusion areas, controlled access)

10. Load Management and Material Handling

10.1. Platform Loading

• Capacity verification including (rated load, occupant weight, materials)

• Weight distribution including (balanced loading, stability)

• Material placement including (secure positioning, access)

• Tool management including (organized arrangement, minimal quantities)

• Capacity monitoring including (signs of overloading, preventive measures)

10.2. Material Transfer

• Material lifting including (raising to platform level, securing)

• Material receiving including (stable placement, weight management)

• Material positioning including (work access, balance)

• Transfer limitations including (prohibited activities, manufacturer restrictions)

• Alternative methods including (material lifts, cranes, hoists)

11. Emergency Procedures

11.1. Equipment Malfunctions

• Control failure including (response protocols, alternate controls)

• Power loss including (positioning, emergency descent)

• Hydraulic system issues including (fluid leaks, function loss)

• Structural failure including (stabilization, evacuation)

• Reporting procedures including (documentation, investigation)

11.2. Rescue Procedures

• Self-rescue including (emergency descent systems, alternate exits)

• Assisted rescue including (ground controls, auxiliary systems)

• Emergency services involvement including (when to call, information provision)

• Medical emergency response including (platform stabilization, victim care)

• Rescue planning including (site-specific procedures, communication)

12. Specialized Equipment Operations

12.1. Articulating Boom Lifts

• Reach capabilities including (up-and-over access, positioning)

• Articulation control including (smooth operation, precise movement)

• Platform leveling including (automatic systems, verification)

• Envelope management including (working range, stability zones)

• Special hazards including (pinch points, crush zones)

12.2. Scissor Lifts

• Elevation stability including (extension limits, loading)

• Extension deck operation including (deployment, weight limitations)

• Movement when elevated including (surface requirements, speed)

• Side force limitations including (pushing/pulling restrictions)

• Entrapment prevention including (overhead awareness, clearance)

13. Basic Maintenance and Care

13.1. Operator-Level Maintenance

• Daily care including (cleaning, debris removal)

• Fluid checks including (hydraulic oil, fuel, coolant)

• Battery maintenance including (water levels, cleaning, charging)

• Lubrication including (accessible points, manufacturer recommendations)

• Reporting procedures including (maintenance requests, documentation)

13.2. Troubleshooting Basics

• Common operational issues including (non-responsive controls, erratic movement)

• Warning indicators including (symbols, messages, alarms)

• Error codes including (interpretation, reporting)

• Basic resolution including (restart procedures, reset methods)

• Technical assistance including (when to request, information needed)

14. Case Studies & Group Discussions

• Middle East workplace incidents including (regional factors, prevention)

• Common accident scenarios including (causes, avoidance techniques)

• Near-miss analysis including (warning signs, corrective actions)

• Successful elevated work including (planning effectiveness, execution)

• The importance of proper training in successful aerial work operations