Which safety measure is critical when using boom and scissor lifts near powerlines?

Adhering to the Minimum Approach Distance is essential when working with boom and scissor lifts near powerlines because it helps prevent accidental contact with electrical lines, which poses a significant risk of electric shock or electrocution. This safety measure establishes a specified distance that must be maintained between the lift and any power source. By following these guidelines, operators ensure the safety of themselves and their crew while reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by electrically charged powerlines.

While regular maintenance checks, ensuring workers wear helmets, and having a separate team for ground support are critical safety considerations in their own right, they do not directly address the specific dangers associated with proximity to powerlines. Regular maintenance ensures equipment functionality, helmets provide head protection, and ground support teams can help manage safety on the ground, but none of these measures mitigate the risk of electrical hazards as effectively as adhering to the Minimum Approach Distance.