1926.453(a)(2): Field Modifying Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts may be field modified for uses not intended by the manufacturer only if the manufacturer or an equivalent entity, such as a nationally recognized testing laboratory, certifies in writing that the change meets ANSI A92.2-1969 and this section and is at least as safe as before.
Key takeaways
- 1926.453(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $60,554 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (4), TX (2), VT (1).
- Related part: 1926.453(a) General requirements (15 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.453(a)(2) 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
(2) Aerial lifts may be “field modified” for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer provided 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 conformity with all applicable provisions of ANSI A92.2-1969 and this section and to be at least as safe as the equipment was before modification. 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.453.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (4), TX (2), VT (1), MA (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BETTE & CRING, LLC | ALBANY, NY | $14,895 |
| J.C.R. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | NEWPORT, VT | $10,046 |
| LUIS SILVA | DALLAS, TX | $4,965 |
| WOW CONSTRUCTION, INC. | HACKENSACK, NJ | $4,965 |
| FAIRMONT INDUSTRIES | SYRACUSE, NY | $4,729 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.453(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Safety Standards regulating the stability of mobile scaffolds, scissor lifts, and aerial work platforms. (2002-06-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.453(a) General requirements 15 citations
- 1926.453(a)(1) 2 citations
- 1926.453(a)(1)(v)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can an aerial lift be modified on site?
Yes, if the modification is certified in writing by the manufacturer or an equivalent entity.
What must the certification say?
That it conforms to ANSI A92.2-1969 and this section and is at least as safe as before modification.
Who counts as an equivalent entity?
For example, a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
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 2026-10-19
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.