Aerial Lift (MEWP) Online Training

Your Aerial Lift training certificate does not expire. However, there are a few things to consider: 

OSHA does not specify a fixed retraining interval for MEWP operators under its regulations (29 CFR 1926.453 for aerial lifts and 1910.67 for vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms). However, OSHA does require retraining when: 

1. An operator is observed operating unsafely 
2. An operator is involved in an accident or near-miss 
3. An operator is assigned to operate a different type of MEWP 
4. Workplace conditions change in a way that could affect safe operation 

So, while no specific period is mandated, retraining is triggered by safety or operational concerns. 

Under the ANSI/SAIA A92 standards: 

1. Initial training is mandatory for all MEWP operators. 
2. Refresher training is required when: 
3. The operator is not operating the equipment safely. 
4. There are changes in the workplace that affect the safe use of the MEWP. 
5. The operator has not used the equipment in a long time. 

Though ANSI does not mandate a specific retraining period, every 3 to 5 years is commonly recommended by safety professionals and many employers follow this interval as a best practice.

OSHA defines aerial lifts under 29 CFR 1910.67 (General Industry) and 29 CFR 1926.453 (Construction). Both standards cover the same types of vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms, including:

• Extensible boom platforms 
• Articulating boom platforms 
• Vertical towers 
• Aerial ladders 

These machines are commonly used across industries for tasks like maintenance, repair, and construction.

It’s important to note that scissor lifts, while often referred to separately, are also regulated under OSHA standards and commonly fall under the broader category of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) when applying ANSI/SAIA A92 standards.

The most commonly used aerial lifts across industries include: 

• Boom Lifts: Feature an extendable arm and are ideal for reaching high or difficult spots. These may be telescopic (straight) or articulating (jointed for maneuverability). 
• Scissor Lifts: Elevate workers vertically using a crisscross support system. Often used indoors or on level surfaces. 
• Bucket Trucks (Cherry Pickers): Vehicle-mounted lifts typically used by utility or tree-trimming workers. 
• Personnel Lifts/Vertical Mast Lifts: Compact lifts designed for a single worker in tight or indoor spaces. 

Each type of aerial lift requires specific training based on its functionality and intended use. Operators must be trained on the exact type of equipment they’ll be using.