Complete the sentence: ______ operate the aerial on the side that is short jacked.

• A. Never
• B. Always
• C. Sometimes
• D. Often

Answer: (A)

The key idea is stability and leveling of an aerial lift. When one side is short jacked, the base isn’t level and the center of gravity shifts toward the unsupported side, making the machine unstable and prone to tipping as soon as you raise or move the boom.

Therefore, the safest rule is to never operate the aerial from the side that is short jacked. Before using the lift, fully extend and set all outriggers on firm ground, and level the unit. If you can’t achieve a level stance, reposition the machine or work from a different location.

Choosing always, sometimes, or often would imply it’s acceptable under some conditions, which isn’t the case here because any uneven, inadequately supported setup compromises safety.