Why Annual ANSI Inspections—and a Strong Preventive Maintenance Plan—Are Essential for Aerial Lift Safety
Annual ANSI inspections are more than just regulatory checkboxes—they’re crucial for aerial lift safety and operational reliability. These inspections verify that your MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) meet stringent safety standards and are operating at peak performance.
At Apex, we help warehouse managers simplify ANSI compliance through proactive inspection and maintenance support.
Understanding ANSI Inspections for Aerial Equipment
ANSI A92.5 and A92.6 standards were developed to enhance safety and consistency in the operation of MEWPs, including scissor lifts and boom lifts. These standards outline specific design, maintenance, and inspection requirements that ensure aerial lifts remain safe and functional throughout their lifecycle.
At the core of these standards is the Annual Machine Inspection (AMI)—a thorough evaluation of each aerial lift, required once every 12 months. This inspection covers all critical components, including structural elements, hydraulics, control systems, safety decals, and functionality tests.
Only qualified individuals are permitted to perform ANSI inspections. According to ANSI, a “qualified” person is someone who holds a recognized certification or possesses extensive knowledge and experience specific to the make and model of the equipment being inspected. This ensures the evaluation is accurate, thorough, and reliable.
Why ANSI Compliance Supports Aerial Lift Safety
When aerial lifts are inspected annually by qualified professionals, the risks of failure, malfunction, or operator injury are significantly reduced.
Consistent compliance also helps companies avoid fines, minimize downtime, and maintain confidence in their equipment’s performance. More importantly, it reinforces a safety-first culture where equipment reliability is never left to chance.
Key Benefits of ANSI Compliance:
- Prevents unexpected failures
- Keeps equipment in top working order
- Improves operator confidence
- Supports documentation for audits or inspections
What’s Included in an ANSI Inspection
ANSI Annual Machine Inspections (AMI) are the most comprehensive reviews your aerial lifts will undergo, ensuring every critical component is evaluated for safety, performance, and compliance.
Visual, Functional & Structural Inspections
- Visual inspections cover all accessible areas—and may require removing panels for a deeper look—examining structural components like outriggers, welds, bolts, rotary bearings, and platform integrity.
- Structural testing may involve acoustic emission evaluations, magnetic particle or dye penetrant tests for hidden cracks, and torque checks on key fasteners.
- Functional and operational tests validate the proper working condition of controls, bearings, pins, bushings, cylinders, emergency systems, and electrical features, including ground-level override controls.
Evaluation of Control Systems, Hydraulics, Labels & Decals
- Control systems are tested from both platform and ground levels to confirm smooth operation, correct marking, and seamless override functionality.
- Hydraulic and pneumatic components—including hoses, cylinders, valves, filters, fluid levels, and pressure systems—are inspected for leaks, wear, and proper function.
- Labels, decals, and placards are verified for presence, legibility, and compliance with manufacturer and ANSI requirements; missing or damaged decals are flagged for replacement.
Worksite Hazard Assessment
An often-overlooked but essential component of a complete ANSI inspection is assessing the work environment where the aerial lift will be used. Before equipment operation, a qualified technician or supervisor should conduct a walk-through of the job site to identify any environmental or structural risks.
Evaluation includes:
- Check for unstable ground or uneven surfaces
- Confirm overhead and ceiling clearance
- Clear holes, debris, and trip hazards
- Assess weather risks (e.g., wind)
- Remove unauthorized personnel from the area
This step is especially critical in dynamic environments like active warehouses, construction sites, or multi-level facilities.
Documentation & Compliance Stickers
- Inspectors review and confirm the completion of all frequent inspection items and any manufacturer-specific maintenance bulletins or recall notices, ensuring no outstanding safety issues.
- Upon passing, the equipment receives a new ANSI compliance sticker indicating the date of inspection, hours of service, and the inspector’s initials. A detailed written report documenting findings and corrective actions is also provided.
How to Know If You’re Due for an Inspection
Staying ahead of your ANSI inspection schedule is essential for maintaining aerial lift safety and avoiding surprise compliance issues. Here are a few simple ways to know it’s time:
- Check your equipment records. The last completed ANSI Annual Machine Inspection (AMI) should be clearly documented with the inspection date and technician details.
- Look for certification stickers. If the ANSI inspection sticker is missing, damaged, or dated more than 12 months ago, your lift is due—or overdue—for inspection.
- Watch for inconsistent performance. Hesitation in controls, abnormal sounds, or hydraulic issues can be signs of wear that may require immediate attention.
If you’re unsure or simply want to remove the guesswork, it’s smart to partner with a trusted service provider. Apex’s Preventive Maintenance Program is designed to help you manage ANSI inspection schedules automatically—so you never miss a deadline. From service reminders to certified inspections and on-the-spot repairs, we make compliance simple, reliable, and stress-free.
Let Apex handle the scheduling—so you can focus on running a safer, more productive facility.
Stay Compliant with Apex’s Preventive Maintenance Services
Annual ANSI inspections are critical—but they’re just one part of a larger safety and maintenance strategy. Apex’s Preventive Maintenance (PM) Services are designed to help you stay ahead of compliance deadlines, minimize costly breakdowns, and keep your aerial equipment operating at peak performance—all year long.
With Apex, you get:
- Certified technicians trained in ANSI and OSHA standards
- Comprehensive inspections that meet ANSI A92 requirements
- On-the-spot repairs to avoid downtime
- Automatic service reminders and compliance tracking
Our PM program is a proactive solution that transforms how you manage aerial lift safety. Instead of reacting to issues, you’ll benefit from predictable service costs, consistent equipment performance, and peace of mind knowing your team is operating safe, compliant equipment every day.
Here’s what Apex’s PM Services deliver:
- Compliance you can count on – Stay up to date with ANSI inspections and documentation.
- Improved safety outcomes – Identify and resolve safety risks before they become hazards.
- Lower total cost of ownership – Prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment.
- Peak performance – Especially vital for high-use aerial lifts and MEWPs.
Make Preventive Maintenance part of your long-term strategy. With Apex, you’re not just checking a box—you’re investing in safer operations, more uptime, and smarter equipment management.
Contact our team to schedule your ANSI inspection or learn more about Apex’s PM Program.