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680 Aerial and Serial Lift Safety Skip to main content

Types of Aerial and Scissor Lifts

An aerial lift is any device attached to a vehicle that lifts people into the air. It can be made from metal, wood, fiberglass, or other materials. Aerial lifts can be powered by motors or moved by hand, and they are still considered aerial lifts even if they cannot rotate around the base of the vehicle.

Extensible boom platforms feature a straight, extendable arm that can reach significant heights.

Extensible Boom Platforms

  • Also known as telescopic boom lifts, these lifts feature a straight, extendable arm that can reach significant heights. The boom can extend horizontally and vertically, providing operators access to high and hard-to-reach areas.
  • These platforms are commonly used in construction, maintenance, and outdoor applications where a stable, long-reach lift is required.
  • Limitations: Extensible boom platforms have limited maneuverability in tight spaces due to their straight-arm design.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-1. What defines an aerial lift?