Are you driving your aerial lift efficiently?
Aerial lifts are excellent for retrieving job sites that are at certain heights like HVAC process and roofs. This type of equipment is ideal for projects when scaffolding is not the best technique to work with.
While the lifts sound so convenient, it is important to keep up with the safety measures too. Safe driving is paramount since aerial lift-related accidents account for an average of 26 construction workers passing each year. A reliable way to begin with incorporating safety measures into your work is to undergo an aerial safety checklist.
So, to prepare you and your team, have a look at our guide for a list of safety tips to fend off of hazards.
Aerial Lift Training Is Salient!
The first and topmost safety tip is proper driver training. This is because the aerial lift training session includes equipment inspection, performing lift maintenance, and an entire other tasks.
You will also master how to identify and avoid threats that can result in fatalities and injuries. Most of the accidents take place because of operator error and which is preventable through the training.
Read The Instructions Carefully Before Operating!
The instructions are particular to each lift model. They mention all the necessary details while operating such as the height & weight capacities and do’s and don’ts that one should always keep in mind never to avoid mishaps.
Do Not Move The Lift When The Elevation Is On!
If you move the lift when the worker is on the bucket or platform, you actually put yourself at risk. This is because you are putting a lot of weight when standing on the platform while in motion. It can also break the boom or bucket or may get collapsed with something.
Protect Yourself with Harness!
Fall protection is another one of the crucial safety tips and protocols to escort. Operators who are at a certain height should wear full body harnesses with lanyards that attach to the lift’s basket. These tools protect workers from being falling off to the floor.
However, Workers should never sit or climb on the guardrails for stability as fall protection equipment is for workers’ safety not overusing them.
Use Brakes and Outriggers When Necessary!
Brakes and Outriggers add more stability to prevent any unanticipated shifts on the field or the lift. You should use these even if the ground seems steady at first glance. You can also use Wheel chocks to ensure that your lift is fixed in place when you are inclined.
Make Sure To Check Each Part before the Operation!
Take some time to examine each part of the lift. Check liquid levels, including fuel, oil, coolant, and hydraulic. Other things to inspect, include the charger, the batter, tires, wheels, horns, backup alarms, and lights.
Check for loose parts if anything is missing, read the instructions carefully to see if your team needs to replace anything. You should also evaluate the lift to make sure it is working properly before loading any personnel on it.
Do Not Stand or Bend On the Edge of the Lift Platform!
You should not use Guardrails to climb or sit as it is meant to save you from falling. Doing so can put employees at risk and the lift at risk of tilting.
Instead of reaching for something that is a bit out of reach; it’s safe and sound to lower the lift and shift the whole machinery a few distances than to risk a severe injury!
