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    OSHA Operator - Forklift Training & Certification
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    MEWP guide

    Cherry picker certification

    Cherry picker is a common name for a boom lift or bucket truck that raises a worker in a platform at the end of a boom. It is a Group B MEWP. Operators need theory training, a hands-on evaluation and familiarization on the machine under ANSI A92.24, and OSHA 1926.453 and 1910.67 allow only trained, authorized operators.

    Last reviewed: · Published by OSHA Operator · Editorial standards

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    Quick facts

    Also calledBoom lift, bucket truck, aerial work platform
    ANSI groupGroup B
    OSHA rules1926.453, 1910.67
    Our courseTheory, $25 add-on with forklift training

    What is a cherry picker?

    The name comes from machines once used to pick fruit. Today it usually means a self-propelled boom lift or a truck-mounted bucket lift. Truck-mounted units are vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms covered by 1910.67 in general industry.

    What does ANSI require for cherry picker training?

    ANSI/SAIA A92.22 covers safe use of MEWPs and A92.24 covers training. Together they expect operators to receive theory training, a practical evaluation by a qualified person, and familiarization on the specific make and model before use. Supervisors and occupants also have training responsibilities under these standards.

    ANSI A92.20 classifies MEWPs into groups and types, which training must address:

    • Group A: the platform stays within the tipping lines in every position (for example, most scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts).
    • Group B: the platform can move beyond the tipping lines (for example, boom lifts and cherry pickers).
    • Type 1: may travel only in the stowed position.
    • Type 2: may travel elevated, controlled from the chassis.
    • Type 3: may travel elevated, controlled from the platform.

    What does OSHA require?

    OSHA has no single MEWP standard. In general industry, 29 CFR 1910.67 covers vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms and says only trained persons may operate an aerial lift. In construction, 29 CFR 1926.453 covers aerial lifts, including that only authorized persons may operate them and that a body harness or restraint with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket is worn in boom-supported lifts. Scissor lifts are treated by OSHA as mobile scaffolds in construction, with training requirements in 29 CFR 1926.454.

    Overhead power lines are a leading cause of aerial lift deaths. 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3) generally requires unqualified persons and conductive objects to stay at least 10 feet from energized overhead lines of 50 kV or less, with greater distances for higher voltages.

    How to get trained online with OSHA Operator

    Our MEWP course covers theory for Group A and Group B, Types 1 and 3, and is designed to align with 29 CFR 1910.67 and 1926.451-454, ANSI/SAIA A92.20, A92.22 and A92.24. It is a $25 add-on sold only with forklift training. Before operating, the employer must provide a hands-on practical evaluation by a qualified person and familiarization on each MEWP make and model, and authorize the operator.

    Cherry picker safety essentials

    Training should cover:

    • Harness or restraint with the lanyard attached to the boom or basket.
    • Setting outriggers and brakes on truck-mounted units before raising.
    • Staying clear of overhead power lines.
    • Not exceeding the platform's rated load.
    • Planning rescue for a worker stuck at height.

    Get forklift + MEWP training together

    MEWP training is sold as a $25 add-on with forklift training ($69 per operator). It is not sold on its own. Both courses are self-paced online, and your employer still completes the hands-on evaluation and familiarization on each machine.

    Forklift + MEWP bundle Team seats

    Frequently asked questions

    There is no government license. OSHA requires trained, authorized operators, and ANSI A92.24 sets out theory, practical evaluation and familiarization.

    Yes. Under ANSI it is a Group B mobile elevating work platform.

    Yes, they are the same category of machine. Familiarization on each make and model is still required.

    No. MEWP training is sold only as a $25 add-on with forklift training ($69 per operator), or for an operator who already has a forklift seat.

    The employer provides a hands-on practical evaluation by a qualified person and familiarization on each MEWP make and model, and authorizes the operator.

    Related guides

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    OSHA Compliance Disclosure

    OSHA Operator is a private training provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the U.S. Department of Labor. Our online courses are designed to deliver the formal instruction component of powered industrial truck operator training described in 29 CFR 1910.178(l). Under federal regulation, the employer remains responsible for workplace-specific practical training, the on-equipment operator evaluation, and refresher training. We provide the documentation and evaluation forms your supervisor needs to complete the on-site portion.