Aerial lifts are commonly used to handle routine maintenance in buildings with high ceilings, but can be used for a number of tasks involving high, hard to reach areas. For example, aerial lifts can be used to repair lines on telephone poles, paint trim on large buildings or two-story homes, raise heavy items to shelves high off the ground, and trim tree branches. While a ladder could be used for such jobs, aerial lifts offer more stability and safety when used properly.

There are a number of aerial lifts to choose from, with each being better suited to different situations. Scissor aerial lifts, which can be classified as mobile scaffolding, use criss-cross braces that extend and stretch upward. As the criss-cross braces rise, the platform attached to the top of the braces also rises. Painters often use this type of aerial lifts.

Cherry pickers and bucket trucks are types of aerial lifts that contain a bucket-like platform on top of a long arm. As the arm unfolds, the platform rises. Boom aerial lifts contain a hydraulic arm that extends outward and raises the platform. Forklifts, on the other hand, contain a forked arm that moves upward as the lever is moved. Each of these aerial lifts requires special training to use.

Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) offers training programs to earn a special OSHA certified license. These programs are rigorous and cover operation of the machine, safety procedures, machine inspection and maintenance, and machine load capacities. Only people with OSHA operating licenses should use aerial lifts.

Statistics show that over twenty operators die each year while operating aerial lifts. Eight percent of those who die are commercial painters. The majority of these deaths can be prevented because most occur from the machine being improperly braced. Therefore, it is critical to brace all tires on aerial lifts in order to prevent the machine from tipping over.

OSHA has simple guidelines to prevent injury while using aerial lifts. Many of the guidelines are common sense rules, such as not using aerial lifts to give rides. It is important to make sure there are ten feet of clearance between aerial lifts and any electrical lines.

Operators should check that all wheels are locked and braced to prevent aerial lifts from toppling over. Operators should also mark an area surrounding the aerial lifts to guarantee passers-by do not come too close to the machine while in use. Those using aerial lifts should wear appropriate safety harnesses while in the air.