What is considered an aerial lift?
Also question is, what is the OSHA standard for scissor lifts?
While there are no OSHA provisions that specifically address scissor lifts, they do meet the definition of a scaffold (§1926.451 - general requirements for scaffolds). Employers must therefore comply with the other applicable provisions of Subpart L when using scissor lifts.
Then, do you need to be certified to operate an aerial lift?
Workers must complete a certification process to operate a boom lift. In fact, it is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Also, certification allows employers to recognize which workers are capable of operating the lift safely.
Scissor vs. Per OSHA, a scissor lift is a mobile scaffold for which the platform only moves vertically. An aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted work platform that can move vertically and/or horizontally. Some aerial lifts can even rotate around a vertical axis.