Aerial lifts include: boom lifts, scissor lifts and aerial work platforms. These lifts pose a potential hazard to employees because they are used to elevate employees to a work area above the ground. The hazards of operating an aerial lift include electrocution hazards, fall hazards, tip-over hazards, collision hazards, falling object hazards and fire hazards.

Utah State University employees operating aerial lifts must be trained and certified to operate each type of lift they use. They must also wear a full body harness with a lanyard when operating a boom lift. The training and certification process addresses the hazards of aerial lift operation as well as the operational functions of each type of lift. The Environmental Health and Safety Office in conjunction with Facilities can conduct aerial lift operator certification training.