Boom lifts and scissor lifts help workers reach elevated work areas, but they are different machines. Choose training around the equipment your employer assigns, then plan the practical training and evaluation needed for that equipment and workplace.
Start with the machine you will use
Boom lifts use a boom to position a work platform; common designs include articulating and telescopic booms. Scissor lifts raise a platform using crossed supports. OSHA explains the distinction in its scissor-lift guidance. A course for one type should not be assumed to cover every mobile elevating work platform.
Before enrolling, ask your employer for the machine type, model and intended task. Indoor maintenance, outdoor work, access restrictions and the surrounding work area can call for different equipment and training decisions. Do not select a course only because the equipment is commonly called a “manlift.”
What Tribune’s boom lift course covers
The Boom Lift / Aerial Lift Operator Training course provides self-paced online knowledge instruction for articulating and telescopic boom lifts. Topics include equipment selection, controls, inspection, stability, fall protection, overhead hazards and emergency planning.
The published course includes short narrated lessons, practices, a final knowledge assessment and employer training resources. Read its completion requirements and access information before enrolling, particularly the browser, internet and camera requirements for course participation checks.
What Tribune’s scissor lift course covers
The Scissor Lift Operator Training course focuses on electric slab and rough-terrain scissor-lift knowledge. Topics include inspections, guardrails, ground conditions, capacity, stability, overhead hazards, travel and emergency planning.
This course has its own lessons, practices and final knowledge exam. Completing the boom lift course does not automatically complete the scissor lift course. Review the actual machine instructions and your employer’s requirements for the equipment and assignment.
Online completion and workplace authorization
Tribune’s online courses provide knowledge instruction and employer documentation. Employer-arranged practical training, equipment familiarization, observed workplace evaluation and authorization remain separate. OSHA’s aerial-lift fact sheet and scissor-lift safety guidance explain training and hazard responsibilities.
Give the included employer resources to the person arranging your workplace training. Forms help record training and evaluation that actually take place; completing paperwork does not replace demonstrating safe operation on the relevant equipment. A passing online exam alone should not be treated as permission to operate independently.
Should you choose the two-course package?
If your work involves both equipment types, compare the MEWP Boom & Scissor Lift Package. It combines the two English knowledge courses in one purchase. Each course retains its own completion requirements and record; the package does not cover every type of elevating platform.
If you only need one equipment type, choose its individual course. Forklift instruction is separate: browse the Industrial Truck & Lift Training directory for forklift, rough-terrain truck and lift options.
Questions to ask before registering
Confirm which equipment you need, which course language is suitable, who will conduct practical training, and who will evaluate and authorize the work. Review the MEWP training options or contact Tribune at (718) 790-2664 for help choosing the published course that fits your learning needs.