Required Aerial Lift Inspections Per ANSI A92.2
Aerial Lift Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Device Inspections
A common question among both new and old aerial lift users is: What is required of me in terms of inspections for my aerial equipment? Many users of aerial lifts have a process in place to do a daily walk-around for the chassis of their vehicle-mounted aerial lift (engine fluids, lights, tires, etc.), but one thing I find is that not many have any process in place to go over the aerial lift portion.
Any issues found must be reviewed by a qualified person. Trust the team at USSI for all your ANSI inspections and repairs.
Types of Aerial Inspections
So, what are the types of required aerial lift inspections, and what do they entail?
There are five types of aerial lift inspections:
- Frequent Inspection and Test (daily to monthly intervals)
- Periodic Inspection or Test (one to twelve month intervals)
- Major Structural Inspection (after the first fifteen years of service and then at intervals of every ten years after)
- Post Event Inspection or Test (after any accident or event in which the aerial lift is subjected to excessive loading or stress)
All of the required inspections are detailed in the most current ANSI standard, A92.2 (2021).
Of the five inspections, it is the responsibility of the owner to have four of them performed at the proper intervals. The only inspection that is not the responsibility of the owner is the Initial Inspection and Test. This inspection is done by the manufacturer, dealer, or final installer of the aerial lift. The Initial Inspection is done to ensure that the new aerial lift is in compliance with the most current ANSI A92.2 standard.
The remaining inspections—Frequent, Periodic, Major, and Post—are the responsibility of the owner/user.
The Frequent Inspection and Test
The Frequent Inspection and Test is a daily, or before-first-use inspection. If there are multiple shifts that use the aerial lift daily, each shift should be performing their own frequent inspection. Below (8.2.3) is what is required by ANSI. Each manufacturer may have additional items that they require to be checked during this inspection. The Operator’s Manual, which comes with the aerial lift and is required to be kept with the vehicle at all times, will have a more detailed list of the additional manufacturer’s requirements.
Some of the requirements in 8.2.3 Frequent Inspection and Test include a walk-around visual inspection. When performing this portion, the operator is looking for damaged components, critical fasteners, welds, covers, decals, cracks and/or corrosion, and wear. It is important to check the safety features of the unit, such as interlocks, controls, and functions. The operator is to look at the hydraulic system for leaks, the electrical system for corrosion, and fiberglass for damage. One of the most important aspects that often gets overlooked is the functional operation portion from the lower controls. By operating from the lower controls, operational issues can be noted before the operator enters the platform and finds out the “hard way” in the air.
The Periodic Inspection or Test
The Periodic Inspection or Test combines the Frequent Inspection and Test along with additional items as noted in 8.2.4. This inspection also may have additional items that the manufacturer requires to be checked, which can be found in the Operator’s Manual. At a minimum, the Periodic Inspection must be completed once a year or every twelve months. For vehicles that are used more frequently or used around power lines, this inspection may be done more often, or at intervals of anywhere between one to twelve months.
In addition to the Frequent Inspection, the Periodic Inspection looks more in-depth at the structural components, internal boom components, and other components covered by inspection covers. The Periodic Inspection is normally completed by a qualified individual or entity that specializes in aerial maintenance. If the aerial lift is insulated, it is during this inspection that it is dielectrically tested to ensure that the fiberglass or insulating components are properly dissipating electrical current. As with any of the inspections performed, if any item is noted, a qualified person must make a determination on whether or not it constitutes a safety hazard.
The Major Structural Inspection
The Major Structural Inspection is a new inspection that was added to the ANSI A92.2 standard in 2021 under 8.2.5. This inspection is for an aerial lift that has been in service for fifteen years. Essentially, the Major Structural Inspection adds a load test to the Periodic Inspection or Test as well as additional inspection of the structure and welds. After the first fifteen years of service, the aerial lift is required to undergo this inspection every ten years thereafter. Each manufacturer may have additional items to check during this inspection or a different maintenance schedule than laid out by ANSI A92.2.
Post Event Inspection or Test
The final inspection, or Post Event Inspection or Test, takes place when the aerial lift has been in either an accident or the unit has been excessively loaded or stressed. This inspection follows the same guidelines as the Periodic Inspection or Test and also looks deeper at components that may have been damaged during the event.
Many owners/operators don’t realize that an accident to one part of the aerial lift can cause damage to other areas of the unit. The rotation bearing and rotation bearing mount fasteners normally bear the brunt of any excess force to the lift, requiring additional inspection. Some manufacturers will just recommend replacing the rotation bearing fasteners after the tower has been in a collision. For this reason, it is vital to have your aerial lift inspected after any incident involving the vehicle or tower.
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When performing any of these inspections, it is important to note that any items that are found must be reviewed by a qualified person. It is then up to the qualified person to determine if the items noted constitute a safety hazard or if the unit may return to service. Some items that are found in the inspection may require additional monitoring. Just because a Frequent Inspection and Test was performed before the shift doesn’t mean your job as the operator is done; it is still the responsibility of the operator to monitor the unit during use, as conditions may change as the day proceeds.
When the required inspections, as laid out in ANSI A92.2 and by the manufacturer of your aerial lift, are performed, you may reduce risk by determining potential safety risks and hazards before they become a major issue. It is important to not only have these inspections performed at the correct intervals but to also perform the manufacturer-required maintenance to ensure that your aerial lift is operating at peak performance.
Please contact the USSI Service Team with any questions or for further information
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