Greasing and OSHA Compliance: Why Proper Maintenance Makes New Aerial Work Platforms Safer

Introduction

Let’s get serious for a second: when it comes to aerial work platform safety, most crews focus on harnesses and training—but they sleep on greasing. OSHA inspectors don’t play around with this stuff— inadequate lubrication is one of their top violations. And for good reason: a dry AWP is a dangerous AWP. Imagine your boom failing mid-lift, or the controls freezing up when you’re 30 feet high. That’s not just a delay—that’s a safety hazard.

Used aerial work platforms? They’re a minefield here. The previous owner probably skipped greasing, so there’s hidden wear you can’t see. New AWPs? They’re built to OSHA standards, and with proper greasing, they stay that way. In this article, we’re breaking down how grease keeps your crew safe, helps you pass OSHA checks, and why new AWPs—like Ant’s scissor lifts and truck-mounted boom lift —are way safer than used ones. No fluff—just real safety talk.

1.1 OSHA’s Greasing Rules: What You Actually Need to Know

OSHA doesn’t mess around with aerial work platform maintenance. Their rule (1926.453) says your AWP has to be “inspected and maintained in safe condition”—and that means greasing moving parts regularly. Inspectors will check for squealing joints, rust, stuck booms, and (most importantly) your greasing logs.

Used AWPs? They usually don’t have proper logs, or the logs are spotty. We once had a used AWP inspected—OSHA saw the rusted pivot points and missing logs, and we got a $2,000 fine.

New AWPs—such as Ant’s telescopic boom lift —start fresh. Follow the manufacturer’s schedule (200-250 hours), use the right grease, and write everything down. Those logs aren’t just paperwork—they’re proof you’re keeping your equipment safe. Our crew’s new AWP was inspected last month—we showed the logs, the inspector checked the joints (no squeals, no rust), and we passed in 10 minutes.

1.2 Grease Prevents Sudden Failures (That Could Hurt Your Crew)

The scariest thing about a poorly greased AWP? Sudden failure. A seized boom hinge or snapped hydraulic cylinder can make the platform drop—putting your crew at risk of serious injury.

Used AWPs are way more likely to do this. We had a friend’s crew rent a used lift—the boom stuck mid-lift, and when they tried to lower it, a dry hinge snapped. Luckily, no one got hurt, but the job was delayed for a week.

New AWPs—like Ant’s articulating boom lifts and wheeled scissor lift —use advanced lubrication systems that keep every joint smooth and responsive. The slewing ring (the part that lets the platform spin) is a big one—dry it out, and it jerks suddenly, throwing operators off balance. We grease ours every 150 hours, and it spins like butter.

Grease also reduces heat—friction makes parts hot, and hot metal weakens. A well-greased AWP stays cool, so parts don’t fail unexpectedly. Your crew’s safety is worth a few minutes of greasing—don’t skip it.

1.3 Greasing Logs: The Most Boring (But Important) Safety Tool

I know—greasing logs sound like a chore. But they’re one of the most important safety tools you have. OSHA wants to see proof you’re maintaining your lift, and logs do that.

Used AWPs? Good luck finding complete logs. The previous owner probably threw them away or didn’t keep them.

New AWPs from Ant Aerial Work Platforms let you build a maintenance record from day one. Write down the date, hours on the machine, grease type, and which parts you greased. We keep ours in a notebook in the cab—super simple.

If a joint starts squealing earlier than usual, we check the log and see if we missed it. Logs also help if you ever sell your lift—buyers pay more for a machine with a full maintenance history. Used AWPs don’t have that—you’re buying a mystery.

1.4 New vs. Used AWPs: Safety Risks You Can’t See

Here’s the hard truth about used aerial work platforms: the safety risks are hidden. You can’t see the dry hinge that’s half-worn through, or the rusted pivot point that’s about to fail. Those issues come from years of bad greasing—and they’re waiting to bite you.

New equipment—such as Ant’s vertical lifting platforms or sleeve-type vertical lift —start clean, with no hidden fatigue. You control the greasing schedule, so you know every part’s condition.

Industry data shows that new AWPs with regular greasing have 70% fewer safety incidents than used ones. That’s not just a statistic—that’s lives saved. Our crew switched from used to new AWPs two years ago, and we haven’t had a single safety issue related to equipment failure since.

Conclusion

Grease isn’t just maintenance—it’s aerial work platform safety. OSHA inspectors know it, and your crew deserves it.

Used AWPs are risky—they hide years of wear, poor greasing, and potential fines. New AWPs—like Ant’s truck-mounted boom lifts and scissor lift —are engineered for safety and reliability.

Follow OSHA’s rules, keep greasing logs, and use the right lubricants. Your platform will pass inspections, your team will stay safe, and your projects will stay on schedule.

Safety doesn’t have to be complicated—it starts with a little grease and a well-built new aerial lift.
Contact Ant today to learn how their OSHA-compliant platforms can keep your crew safe and productive.