Health & Safety
General Construction
Aerial and Scissor Lifts Training
1 hour to complete
SCORM
Last updated 04/2025
About this course
Aerial and scissor lifts play an important role in construction and many other industries. These versatile lifts come in several types with various applications and operating hazards. This course will teach you how to maximize worksite safety while working on or around aerial and scissor lifts.
Only trained persons may operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts. This awareness-level certificate course complies with training requirements for aerial lifts and related scaffolding equipment found in OSHA standard 1926.454. It does not provide an OSHA-accepted certification or certification card.
Learning Objectives
- State the importance of aerial and scissor lift safety
- Define aerial and scissor lifts and give examples
- List recommended safety procedures for before and after using an aerial or scissor lift
- List specific precautions for preventing trips and falls, tip-overs, catapulting, electrocution and injuries due to contact with obstructions while the lift is in use
Course outline
2 modules
1 hour to complete
1 minutes
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Aerial & Scissor Lifts
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Aerial & Scissor Lifts
Aerial and scissor lifts play an important role in construction and many other industries. These versatile lifts come in several types with various applications and operating hazards. This course will teach you how to maximize worksite safety while working on or around aerial and scissor lifts.
Only trained persons may operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts. This awareness-level certificate course complies with training requirements for aerial lifts and related scaffolding equipment found in OSHA standard 1926.454. It does not provide an OSHA-accepted certification or certification card.
- How this course works (it's a little different from other HeatSpring courses) (01:31 minutes)
- Aerial & Scissor Lifts
Author
OSHA Education Center is HeatSpring's official provider for OSHA training. Since 2012, OSHA Education Center has been delivering the training and regulatory expertise that professionals and employers need to stay up to date with industry training requirements. HeatSpring partners with OSHA Education Center to deliver 10- and 30-hour OSHA Outreach training, including...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.
Who Needs Aerial and Scissor Lifts Training?
Only trained individuals may operate mobile scaffolds, including aerial lifts and scissor lifts. This course teaches the important safety and operating principles contained in OSHA standard 1926.454.
Mobile scaffolds of all kinds allow workers to extend their vertical range and perform tasks far above the ground. Aerial lifts and scissor lifts are used in all kinds of jobs.
You may need training if you work in:
- Construction
- Utility line installation
- Tree trimming
- Warehouse operations
- Facility maintenance
- Videography
- Window washing
- Building inspections
- House painting
- Fire and rescue
- Demolitions
This OSHA-compliant training isn’t just designed for lift operators. If you work on or around any of the scaffold structures described in 1926.452(w) or 1926.453, this course is for you.
Testing Requirements
The Aerial and Scissor Lifts course includes five end-of-module quizzes and one comprehensive final exam. You must pass each assessment before you complete the course. You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass each quiz and the exam.
The final exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions drawn from all course topics. You must earn a score of at least 70%. If you fail the final test, you can repeat the exam at no additional cost.
What is an aerial lift?
OSHA classifies aerial lifts as any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel. Equipment ranging from telehandlers to cherry pickers fall into this class of workplace lift.
Examples include:
- Extendable boom platforms
- Aerial ladders
- Articulated boom platforms
- Vertical towers
- Combination vehicles
Are scissor lifts considered aerial lifts?
No. OSHA considers scissor lifts to be a form of mobile scaffolding. Mobile scaffolding, while functionally similar to an aerial lift, is a separate class of equipment under OSHA safety standards.
What is the OSHA standard for aerial and scissor lifts?
Standards for both aerial lifts and scissor lifts are in Subpart L of OSHA’s construction standard (Part 1926).
Specific standards relating to these devices include:
- 1926.451: Contains general requirements for scaffold safety
- 1926.452(w): Provides specific additional requirements for mobile scaffolds, including scissor lifts
- 1926.453: Explores the definitions and safety standards for all types of aerial lifts
- 1926.454: Details the training requirements for workers who operate on or near scaffolds, including aerial lifts and scissor lifts
This Aerial and Scissor Lifts course explores all relevant standards and complies with OSHA training requirements for these devices.
Does Aerial and Scissor Lifts training expire?
No. Your digital certificate of completion has no expiration date. However, you should periodically repeat this training course to refresh your safety knowledge. Your employer may also require you to repeat Aerial and Scissor Lifts training under certain circumstances.
How often is Aerial and Scissor Lift training required?
You should repeat this course every three years to stay up to date on best practices and changing safety standards.
Employers may also require retraining if any of the following occurs:
- A workplace incident involving an aerial lift or scissor lift
- Hazards related to aerial or scissor lifts are discovered on the jobsite
- You start working with or around a different type of lift or mobile scaffold
- Your employer observes improper use of an aerial or scissor lift
Does OSHA require Aerial and Scissor Lifts training?
Yes. Under 1926.454, employers must train all workers who operate or work with aerial and scissor lifts.
Required topics include:
- An explanation of electrical, fall and struck-by hazards
- Recognizing and avoiding unsafe working conditions
- Procedures for dealing with hazards
- Safe operating procedures (including load capacity)
- Skills and knowledge needed to operate an aerial lift or mobile scaffold
- Pre- and post-operation safety inspections
- Manufacturer instructions and safety requirements
This training course contains all mandatory safety instruction in five audio-narrated lesson modules.
Does this Aerial and Scissor Lifts course provide OSHA certification?
OSHA does not approve training courses or certify lift operators. This training course complies with all OSHA training standards found in standard 29 CFR 1926.454 related to aerial lifts and scissor lifts.
Upon passing the final exam and finishing the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. Your certificate indicates that you have completed the safety training necessary to operate these lifting devices on your jobsite.
Is there an age requirement to take this course?
No. There is no age requirement. Workers of any age may complete this course and earn a certificate of completion.
How long does Aerial and Scissor Lift training take to complete?
This course contains one hour of training instruction over five modules. All lesson content is fully narrated.
During the course, you must successfully complete five quizzes and pass a 20-question final exam.
You may start and stop the course at any time. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to complete the course.
Can I complete this course online?
Yes. Our training program is 100% online. You can complete all course material from any internet-connected device. Study from your computer, laptop, tablet or phone at any time, day or night.
OSHA Education Center courses offer 24/7 access to lessons, quizzes, activities and exams. You never need to travel to a classroom to complete a class or take a test. Complete your training when and where you want.