What is an Aerial Lift?
Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted devices that enable engineering and maintenance technicians to efficiently access hard-to-reach areas in commercial and industrial settings. They are useful for a variety of jobs in which a ladder will not suffice. Aerial lifts are usually constructed with durable materials like metal, fiberglass, or reinforced plastic because they need to be sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of the user and potentially heavy loads.
Since aerial lifts operate at substantial heights and can therefore be hazardous--leading to a significant number of injuries and death each year--aerial lift training and certification is necessary to ensure safety. As a precaution, most aerial lifts also include safety harnesses for extra stability and to prevent falls. In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers must make certain that employees use these personal fall arrest systems while working on aerial lifts at heights of six feet or more above a lower level.
The Different Types of Aerial Lifts
There are various types of aerial lifts with each one uniquely designed to complete different jobs in distinct environments. The main kinds fall into three general categories: scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers. These categories can be further divided based on platform size, extension capabilities, and machine construction, with each unit aiming to achieve specific tasks.
Read our article on the types of aerial lifts to learn more about what kind of aerial lift is best for your unique needs.
Can You Rent Aerial Lifts?
As with just about all construction and manufacturing equipment, you can rent aerial lifts for both short- and long-term periods. With hundreds of reliable vendors, you can browse your options and compare prices before making a decision. We connect companies seeking aerial lifts with our nationwide network of aerial lift providers.
