1926.453(b)(2)(vi): Do Not Exceed Aerial Lift Load Limits
Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer must not be exceeded on aerial lifts.
Key takeaways
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vi) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $32,224 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms (1,878 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(vi) is one requirement inside 1926.453 Aerial lifts, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(vi) Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.453.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.453(b)(2)(vi).
At approximately 10:30 a.m. on April 27, 2024, an employee was operating an aerial lift during a painting task. The employee lost control of the lift, resulting in a serious accident. Emergency services were called, and the employee was found to be suffering from internal…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Permissibility of attaching welding leads to an occupied aerial lift bucket and using an external lifeline to anchor fall arrest equipment. (2004-02-23)
- Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. (2001-05-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b) Specific requirements 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(v) 1,607 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iv) 212 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(viii) 12 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vii) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iii) 1 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xii)
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xi)
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Frequently asked questions
Can I overload the basket a little?
No. Manufacturer-specified boom and basket load limits shall not be exceeded.
Where do I find the load limit?
Load limits are specified by the manufacturer.
Does the limit include tools and materials?
The limit applies to the boom and basket load, so count everything you put in the basket.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.453 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.