DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY STANDARDS  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by sections 19 and 21 of 1974 PA 154, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos.  
1996-2, 2003-1, 2008-4, and 2011-4, MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)  
PART 32. AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS  
R 408.43201 Scope.  
Rule 3201. These rules apply to the construction, operation, maintenance, and  
inspection of aerial work platforms with either manual or powered mobility as used  
in construction operations as defined by 1974 PA 154, MCL 408.1001 to MCL  
408.1094.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.43202 Equipment covered.  
Rule 3202. (1) These rules apply to equipment that has a primary function of  
elevating personnel, together with their tools and necessary materials, on a platform,  
which is mechanically positioned. The units covered are described by the following  
American national standards institute standards:  
(a) ANSI standard A92.2, 2002 edition, "Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and  
Rotating Aerial Devices," which is adopted by reference in R 408.43204a. This  
standard applies to vehicle-mounted devices installed on commercial chassis and  
covers the following type of units (See figure 1):  
(i) Extensible boom aerial devices.  
(ii) Aerial ladders.  
(iii) Articulating boom aerial devices.  
(iv) Vertical towers.  
(v) A combination of any of the equipment specified in paragraphs (i) to  
(iv) of this subdivision.  
(b) ANSI standard A92.3, 2006 edition, "Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial  
Platforms," which is adopted by reference in R 408.43204a. This standard applies to  
work platforms which are manually propelled, which are vertically adjustable by manual  
or powered means, and which may be towed or manually moved horizontally on  
wheels or casters that are an integral part of the work platform base. (See figure 2).  
(c) ANSI standard A92.5, 2006 edition, "Boom-Supported Elevating Work  
Platforms," which is adopted by reference in R 408.43204a. This standard applies to  
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all integral frame, boom-supported elevating work platforms which telescope, articulate,  
rotate, or extend beyond the base dimensions. (See figure 3).  
(d) ANSI standard A92.6, 1999 edition, "Self-Propelled Elevating Work  
Platforms," which is adopted by reference in R 408.43204a. This standard applies to  
self-propelled vertically adjustable integral chassis work platforms. Such work  
platforms are power-operated with primary controls for all movement operated from the  
platform. (See figure 4).  
(2) Equipment adapted to elevating personnel with a primary function other than  
elevating personnel, such as fork trucks or cranes, are not covered by these rules. Those  
types of equipment are provided for in construction safety standards Part 10. "Lifting  
and Digging Equipment," R 408.41001a to R 408.41099a and Part 13. "Mobile  
Equipment," R 408.101301.  
Exception: If the above-adapted equipment is equipped with controls that can be  
operated from the platform, then the requirements of R 408.43205 to R 408.43216 shall  
apply.  
History: 1992 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.43203 Rescinded.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43204 Definitions.  
Rule 3204. (1) "Aerial device" or "aerial work platform" means an entire device  
that is designed and manufactured to raise personnel to an elevated work position on a  
platform supported by scissors, masts, or booms.  
(2) "Aerial ladder" means an aerial device that consists of a single- or multiple-  
section rung ladder.  
(3) "Articulating boom" means an aerial device that has two 2 or more hinged  
boom sections.  
(4) "Authorized person" means a person who is approved and assigned to  
perform specific types of duties by the employer and who is qualified to perform those  
duties because of his or her training or experience.  
(5) "Commercial chassis" means a vehicle that is built for over-the-road (roadway)  
travel.  
(6) "Exposed power line" means a power line that is not isolated or guarded.  
(7) "Extensible boom" means an aerial device, except for the aerial ladder-type,  
that has a telescopic boom.  
(8) "Insulated aerial device" means an aerial work platform that is designed  
with dielectric components to meet specific electrical insulating ratings.  
(9) "Mechanically positioned" means that the elevating assembly, whether  
a
mechanical (cable or chain), hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or other powered mechanism,  
is used to raise or lower the platform.  
(10) "Platform" means the portion of an aerial work platform, such as a bucket,  
basket, stand, cage, or the equivalent, that is designed to be occupied by personnel.  
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(11) "Power Line" means a distribution or transmission electrical line.  
(12) "Qualified person" means a person who possesses a recognized degree,  
certificate, professional standing, or skill and who, by knowledge, training, and  
experience, has demonstrated the ability to deal with problems relating to the subject  
matter, the work, or the project.  
(13) "Qualified telecommunications employee" means an employee trained to work  
on communication lines in the proximity of energized power transmission and  
distribution lines.  
(14) "Vehicle" means any carrier that is not manually propelled.  
(15) "Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platform" means an aerial device  
or aerial work platform.  
(16) "Vertical tower" means an aerial device that is designed to operate vertically  
on a level surface.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.43204a Adopted and referenced standards.  
Rule 3204a. (1) The standards specified in this rule, except for the standards  
specified in subrule (2) of this rule, are adopted by reference.  
(a) The following American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards are  
available from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood,  
Colorado, 80112, USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at web-  
this subrule:  
(i) ANSI A92.3, "Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms," 2006 edition.  
Cost: $68.00.  
(ii) ANSI A92.5, "Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms," 2006 edition. Cost:  
$68.00.  
(b) The following ANSI standards are available from the Scaffold and Access  
Industry Association, 400 W. Admiral Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, 64106, USA,  
telephone number: 1-816-595-4860 or via the internet at website:  
this subrule:  
(i) ANSI A92.2, “Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices,” 2001  
edition. Cost: $45.00  
(ii) ANSI A92.6, "Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms,” 1999 edition. Cost:  
$45.00  
(c) The “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 6: Temporary Traffic  
Control,” 2011 Michigan/2009 Federal Edition is available at no cost from the Michigan  
entire 2011 Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD) may be  
purchased from the Michigan Department of Transportation, Cashiers Office, P.O. Box  
30648, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8148; (517) 322-1676; at a cost of $145.00 as of the  
time of adoption of these rules.  
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(d) The standards adopted in subrule 1(a) to (c) of this rule are also available for  
inspection at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards  
Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143.  
(e) Copies of the standards adopted in subrule 1(a) to (c) of this rule may be  
obtained from the publisher or may also be obtained from the Department of Licensing  
and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box  
30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143, at the cost charged in subrule 1(a) to (c), of this  
rule, plus $20 for shipping and handling.  
(2) The following Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Standards are  
referenced in these rules. Up to 5 copies of these standards may be obtained at no charge  
from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards  
Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143 or via the  
the cost, as of the time of adoption of these rules, is 4 cents per page.  
(a) Construction Safety Standard Part 6. Personal Protective Equipment,  
R 408.40601 to R 408.40641.  
(b) Construction Safety Standard Part 10. Lifting and Digging Equipment,  
R 408.41001a to R 408.41099a.  
(c) Construction Safety Standard Part 13. Mobile Equipment, R 408.101301.  
(d) Construction Safety Standard Part 22. Signals, Signs, Tags, and Barricades,  
R 408.42201 to R 408.42243.  
(e) Construction Safety Standard Part 45. Fall Protection, R 408.44501 to  
R 408.44502.  
(f) General Industry Safety Standard Part 7. Guards for Power Transmission,  
R 408.10701 to R 408.10765.  
History: 2008 AACS; 2013 MR 8, Eff. April 29, 2013.  
R 408.43205 Construction.  
Rule 3205. (1) Aerial work platforms shall be designed, constructed, and tested so as  
to be in compliance with the requirements of the following applicable American national  
standards institute standards:  
(a) ANSI standard A92.2, 2002 edition, "Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating  
Aerial Devices."  
(b) ANSI standard A92.3, 2006 edition, "Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial  
Platforms."  
(c) ANSI standard A92.5, 2006 edition, "Boom-Supported Elevating Work  
Platforms."  
(d) ANSI standard A92.6, 1999 edition, "Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms.”  
These standards are adopted by reference in R 408.43204a.  
(2) Aerial work platforms shall not be field-modified for uses other than those  
intended by the manufacturer, unless the modification has been certified in writing by the  
manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity, such as a nationally recognized testing  
laboratory, to be in compliance with the applicable ANSI standard and this rule, and to be  
at least as safe as the equipment was before modification.  
Page 4  
(3) Aerial work platforms shall be equipped with emergency controls at ground level.  
(4) Emergency ground level controls shall be clearly marked as to their intended  
function and be capable of overriding the platform controls.  
(5) Attachment points shall be provided for fall protection devices for personnel who  
occupy the platform on aerial work platforms described in R 408.43202 (a) and (c). (See  
figures 1 and 3).  
History: 1992 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43206 Insulated aerial device testing.  
Rule 3206. If the aerial work platform is rated and used as an insulated aerial device,  
an employer shall test the electrical insulating components for compliance with the rating  
of the aerial work platform in accordance with ANSI standard A92.2, 2002 edition, which  
is adopted in R 408.43204a. Such testing shall comply with all of the following  
provisions:  
(a) The test shall be performed not less than annually.  
(b) Written, dated, and signed test reports shall be made available by the employer for  
examination by a department representative.  
(c) The insulated portion of an aerial device shall not be altered in any manner that  
might reduce its insulating value.  
History: 1992 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43207 Permits; training.  
Rule 3207. (1) An employer shall provide the operator of an aerial work platform with  
an aerial work platform permit.  
(2) The requirements of subrule (8)(a), (b), (c), and (d) of this rule shall be met before  
an employee is issued a permit.  
(3) A permit shall be carried by the operator or be available at the job site and shall be  
displayed upon request by a department of licensing and regulatory affairs representative.  
(4) A permit shall indicate the type of aerial work platforms an operator has been trained  
on and is qualified to operate.  
(5) A permit to operate an aerial work platform is valid only when performing work for  
the employer who issued the permit. A permit shall be issued for a period of not more  
than 3 years.  
(6) A permit shall contain all of the following information (see sample permit):  
(a) Firm name.  
(b) Operator’s name.  
(c) Name of issuing authority. (Authorized by)  
(d) The following types of aerial work platform the operator is authorized to operate:  
(i) Vehicle-mounted elevating work platform such as the following:  
(A) Extensible boom aerial devices.  
(B) Aerial ladders.  
(C) Articulating boom aerial devices.  
Page 5  
(D) Vertical towers.  
(ii) Manually propelled elevating work platforms.  
(iii) Boom-supported elevating work platforms.  
(iv) Self-propelled elevating work platforms.  
(e) Date issued.  
(f) Expiration date.  
(7) The following is a sample permit:  
SAMPLE PERMIT  
AERIAL WORK PLATFORM PERMIT  
(Firm Name)  
________________________________________________  
(Name)  
Type of aerial work platform authorized to operate:  
Date Issued  
Type Authorized by Expiration Date  
__________  
__________  
__________  
____ ___________  
____ ___________  
____ ___________  
_____________  
_____________  
_____________  
(8) An employer shall provide each employee who will operate the aerial work platform  
with instruction and training regarding the equipment before a permit is issued or  
reissued. Such instruction and training shall ensure that each operator is in compliance  
with the minimum following provisions:  
(a) Is instructed by a qualified person in the intended purpose and function of each of  
the controls.  
Page 6  
(b) Is trained by a qualified person or reads and understands the manufacturer’s or  
owner’s operating instructions and safety rules.  
(c) Understands by reading or by having a qualified person explain, all decals, warnings,  
and instructions displayed on the aerial work platform.  
(d) Reads and understands the provisions of this subrule and subrules (1) to (7) and (9)  
of this rule or be trained by a qualified person on their content.  
(9) The manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety rules shall be provided and  
maintained in a legible manner on each unit by the employer.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2013 MR 8, Eff. April 29, 2013.  
R 408.43208 Preoperational procedures.  
Rule 3208. (1) The employer shall ensure before the commencement of operations  
near power lines and when the clearances cannot be maintained as specified in Tables 1-  
3, that the owner, owner representative, or utility are notified with all pertinent  
information about the job.  
(2) Any overhead wire shall be considered to be an energized line until the owner of  
the line, his or her authorized representative, or a utility representative assures either of  
the following:  
(a) The line is de-energized and has been visibly grounded.  
(b) The line is insulated for the system voltages and the task will not compromise the  
insulation of the conductor and/or cause an electrical hazard.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43209. Electrical hazards.  
Rule 3209. (1) The employer shall ensure that an aerial work platform shall be  
operated so that the distances from energized power lines and equipment prescribed in  
Table 1 are maintained, except for the following:  
(a) As prescribed in subrule (2) of this rule addressing tree trimming.  
(b) As prescribed in subrule (3) of this rule addressing telecommunications.  
(c) Where insulating barriers are not a part of or an attachment to the aerial device  
that has been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines.  
(2) A qualified lineman or a qualified line clearance tree trimmer shall maintain  
distances as prescribed in Table 2 when performing work from an aerial work  
platform on or near an exposed power line unless any of the following conditions  
exist:  
(a) The employee is insulated or guarded from the energized part by gloves or  
gloves and sleeves, as provided for and prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part  
6. "Personal Protective Equipment" and Construction Safety Standard Part 30.  
"Telecommunications."  
(b) The employee is insulated, isolated, or guarded from any other conductive  
part.  
(c) The energized part is insulated from the employee.  
Page 7  
(3) A qualified telecommunications employee shall maintain the distances  
prescribed in Table 3 when working from an aerial lift, unless the employee is insulated,  
isolated, or guarded from any other conductive part or the energized part is insulated  
from the employee.  
(4) Employees shall use insulated bucket, gloves and sleeves that are rated at  
more than the voltage to be worked on or that with which they might come into contact,  
to comply with subrules (2) and (3) of this rule.  
(5) The clearances, as prescribed in Tables 1-3, do not apply when the owner of  
the line or his or her authorized representative, or a utility representative assures that  
the conductor is insulated for the system voltages and the task will not compromise  
the insulation of the conductor and/or cause an electrical hazard.  
(6) Tables 1, 2, and 3 read as follows:  
Table  
1
Minimum Clearance Distances for Equipment  
Clearance  
Boom  
No Load in Transit  
Clearance  
Voltage  
Lowered  
and  
With Boom Raised  
To 50 kV  
10 feet  
4 feet  
10 feet  
each 1 kV over 50 kV  
+
.4 inch per  
Over 50 kV  
10 feet  
50 to 345 kV  
346 to 750 kV  
--  
10 feet  
15 feet  
--  
Page 8  
Table  
2
Minimum  
Working  
Distances  
for  
Qualified Line-Clearance Tree Trimmers and Qualified Linemen  
Voltage  
Phase to Phase (kilovolts)  
Range  
Minimum Working Distance  
2.1 to 15.0  
2 feet 0 inches (61 cm)  
2 feet 4 inches (71 cm)  
2 feet 6 inches (76 cm)  
3 feet 0 inches (91 cm)  
3 feet 4 inches (102 cm)  
3 feet 6 inches (107 cm)  
3 feet 8 inches (112 cm)  
5 feet 0 inches (152 cm)  
*7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)  
*11 feet 0 inches (335 cm  
*15 feet 0 inches (457 cm)  
15.1 to 35.0  
35.1 to 46.0  
46.1 to 72.5  
72.6 to 121.0  
138.0 to 145.0  
161.0 to 169.0  
230.0 to 242.0  
345.0 to 362.0  
550.0 to 552.0  
700.0 to 765.0  
*Note: For 345-362 kV., 500-552 kV., and 700-765 kV., the minimum working distance  
and the minimum clear hot stick distance may be reduced that such distances are not  
less than the shortest distance between the energized part and a grounded surface.  
Table  
3
Minimum  
Approach  
Distances  
for  
Qualified Telecommunications Employees  
Voltage  
(Nominal Phase to Phase)  
Range  
Minimum Approach Distances  
300 V and less  
1 foot - 0 inches (30.5 cm)  
1 foot - 6 inches (46 cm)  
2 feet - 0 inches (61 cm  
3 feet - 0 inches (91 cm)  
3 feet – 6 inches (107 cm)  
4 feet – 0 inches (122 cm)  
4 feet – 6 inches (137 cm)  
--  
Over 300 V, not over 750 V  
Over 750 V, not over 2 kV  
Over 2 kV, not over 15 kV  
Over 15 kV, not over 37 kV  
Over 37 kV, not over 87.5 kV  
Over 87.5 kV, not over 121 kV  
Over 121 kV, not over 140 kV  
Page 9  
History: 1992 AACS; 1996 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.43210 Rescinded.  
History: 1992 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
Editor's Note: An obvious error in R 408.43210 was corrected at the request of the promulgating  
agency, pursuant to Section 56 of 1969 PA 306, as amended by 2000 PA 262, MCL 24.256. The rule  
containing the error was published in Michigan Register, 2008 MR 5. The memorandum requesting the  
correction was published in Michigan Register, 2008 MR 7.  
R 408.43212 Vehicles; traffic control.  
Rule 3212. (1) Before moving a vehicle supporting an aerial ladder for highway  
travel, employees shall secure ladders in the lower position and shall use the manually  
operated device at the base of the ladder, or other effective means to prevent elevation or  
rotation of the ladder.  
(2) Before moving a vehicle supporting an aerial lift for travel, employees shall  
inspect the boom to ensure that it is properly cradled and the outriggers are in the stowed  
position, except as provided in subrule (3) of this rule.  
(3) When a boom is elevated with employees in working position, the vehicle  
supporting an aerial device shall not be moved unless the equipment is specifically  
designed for this type of operation and meets the requirements of R 408.43205.  
(4) An employer shall ensure that operators of an aerial work platform over or  
adjacent to any public or private roadway maintain adequate clearances of all portions of  
the aerial work platform to prevent being struck by vehicular traffic.  
(5) When aerial work platforms are in use, all traffic control requirements shall be in  
compliance with Part 6 of the 2011 Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control  
Devices (MMUTCD), which is adopted in R 408.43204a, and Construction Safety Part  
22. Signals, Signs, Tags, and Barricades, as referenced in R 408.43204a.  
History: 2008 AACS; 2013 MR 8, Eff. April 29, 2013; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43214 Fall protection.  
Rule 3214. (1) The employer shall provide a safety harness that has a lanyard which  
is in compliance with construction safety standard Part 45. "Fall Protection,"  
R 408.44501 to R 408.44502 and which is affixed to attachment points provided and  
approved by the manufacturer. Any occupant of an aerial work platform described in the  
provisions of R 408.43202(a) and (c) and figures 1 and 3 shall use the harness. A fall  
arrest system shall only be used where the aerial lift is designed to withstand the vertical  
and lateral loads caused by an arrested fall.  
(2) An employee may use a body belt with a restraint device with the lanyard and the  
anchor arranged so that the employee is not exposed to any fall distance. An employee  
shall use a restraint device where the aerial lift cannot withstand the vertical and lateral  
loads imposed by an arrested fall.  
Page 10  
(3) An employee shall be prohibited from belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or  
equipment while working from an aerial work platform.  
(4) An employer shall not allow employees to exit an elevated aerial work platform,  
except where elevated work areas are inaccessible or hazardous to reach. Employees may  
exit the platform with the knowledge and consent of the employer. When employees exit  
to unguarded work areas, fall protection shall be provided and used as required in  
construction safety standard Part 45. "Fall Protection," R 408.44501 to R 408.44502.  
History: 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43216 Operating procedures.  
Rule 3216 (1) The aerial work platform shall be used only in accordance with the  
manufacturers or owners operating instructions and safety rules.  
(2) The designed rated capacity for a given angle of elevation shall not be exceeded.  
(3) The guardrail system of the platform shall not be used to support any of the  
following:  
(a) Materials.  
(b) Other work platforms.  
(c) Employees.  
(4) Employees shall maintain firm footing on the platform while working on the  
platform. The use of railings, planks, ladders, or any other devices on the platform for  
achieving additional height is prohibited.  
(5) Only aerial work platforms that are equipped with a manufacturer’s installed  
platform controls for horizontal movement shall be moved while in the elevated position.  
(6) Before and during driving while elevated, an operator of a platform shall do both  
of the following:  
(a) Look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of, the path of travel and make sure  
that the path is firm and level.  
(b) Maintain a safe distance from all of the following:  
(i) Obstacles.  
(ii) Debris.  
(iii) Drop-offs.  
(iv) Holes.  
(v) Depressions.  
(vi) Ramps.  
(vii) Overhead obstructions.  
(viii) Overhead electrical lines.  
(ix) Other hazards to safe elevated travel.  
(7) Outriggers or stabilizers, when provided, are to be used in accordance with the  
manufacturer’s instruction. Brakes shall be set and outriggers and stabilizers shall be  
positioned on pads or a solid surface.  
(8) Aerial work platforms shall be elevated only when on a firm and level surface or  
within the slope limits allowed by the manufacturer’s instructions.  
Page 11  
(9) A vehicle-mounted aerial work platform (figure 1) shall have its brakes set before  
elevating the platform.  
(10) A vehicle-mounted aerial work platform (figure 1) shall have wheel chocks  
installed before using the unit on an incline.  
(11) Climbers shall not be worn while performing work from an aerial work platform.  
(12) Platform gates shall be closed while the platform is in an elevated position.  
(13) Altering, modifying, or disabling safety devices or interlocks is prohibited.  
History: 2008 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.43220. Figures.  
Rule 3220. Figures 1 to 4 are as follows:  
Page 12  
History: 2008 AACS.  
Page 13  
;