Appendix A. Glossary
aerial platform—a mobile device that has an adjustable posi-
tion platform, supported from ground level by a structure.
authorized personnel—personnel approved as assigned to
perform specific duties at a specific location.
base—the relevant contact points of the aerial platform that
form the stability support (e.g. wheels, casters, outriggers,
stabilizers).
battery tray—a swing-out compartment that holds the batter-
ies and the battery charger.
center of gravity—the point in the aerial platform around
which its weight is evenly balanced.
chassis—the integral part of the aerial platform that provides
mobility and support for the scissors structure.
fall restraint—a system that is used while working on a boom
lift within the boundaries of platform guardrails to provide re-
straint from being projected upward from the platform. This
system includes a harness or belt, lanyard, and a lanyard an-
chor. Although federal regulations, OSHA, ANSI, and Snorkel
do not require the use of fall protection beyond the platform
guardrails on scissors lift aerial platforms, local, state, or em-
ployer rules may require their use.
floor or ground pressure—the maximum pressure, ex-
pressed in pounds per square inch, a single wheel concen-
trates on the floor or ground.
free-wheeling valve—a needle valve that when adjusted
open allows hydraulic fluid to flow through the wheel drive mo-
tors. This allows the aerial platform to be pushed or towed
without damage to the drive motors.
gradeability—the maximum slope that the aerial platform is
capable of travel.
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)—a fast-acting circuit
breaker that opens to stop electrical circuit flow if it senses a
very small current leakage to ground. The GFCI is used to pro-
tect personnel against a potential shock hazard from defective
electrical tools or wiring.
guardrail system—a vertical barrier around the platform to
prevent personnel from falling.
hazardous location—any location that contains, or has the
potential to contain, an explosive or flammable atmosphere as
defined by ANSI/NFPA 505.
hydraulic tray—a swing-out compartment that holds the
electrical panel for the lower controls, the hydraulic directional
control valve, the free-wheeling valve, the pump, and the hy-
draulic fluid filter.
lower controls—the controls located at ground level for oper-
ating some or all of the functions of the aerial platform.
maximum travel height—the maximum platform height or
the most adverse configuration(s) with respect to stability in
which travel is permitted by the manufacturer.
maximum wheel load—the load or weight that can be trans-
mitted through a single wheel to the floor or ground.
Minimum Safe Approach Distance—the minimum safe dis-
tance that electrical conductors may be approached when us-
ing the aerial platform. Also called M.S.A.D.
operation—the performance of any aerial platform functions
within the scope of its specifications and in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, the users work rules, and all
applicable governmental regulations.
personal fall arrest system—a fall protection system that is
used while working on an unprotected edge (such as a roof
top with no guardrail). This system includes a harness, lan-
yard or other connecting device, a fall arrestor, an energy ab-
sorber or decelerator, an anchorage connector, and a secure
anchorage such as a building beam, girders or columns. An
aerial platform is not a fall arrest anchorage.
platform—the portion of an aerial platform intended to be oc-
cupied by personnel with their tools and materials.
platform height—the vertical distance measured from the
floor of the platform to the surface upon which the chassis is
being supported.
qualified person—a person, who by reason of knowledge,
experience, or training is familiar with the operation to be per-
formed and the hazards involved.
rated work load—the designed carrying capacity of the ae-
rial platform as specified by the manufacturer.
stow—to place a component, such as the platform, in its rest
position.
unrestricted rated work load—the maximum designed car-
rying capacity of the aerial platform allowed by the manufac-
turer in all operating configurations.
upper controls—the controls located on or beside the plat-
form used for operating some or all of the functions of the ae-
rial platform.
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