Aerial Lifts
Safety Tips for Operating Aerial Lifts – Time Savers Aerials – 630-782-7666
Aerial lifts are basically boom-supported platforms mounted upon a gas-powered or electric vehicle. For example, cherry pickers or boom lifts which provide access to utility poles or other locations at height.
Articulated Boom Lifts
An articulated boom lift feature a working platform upon an extended boom arm able to reach up and over obstructions. These types of aerial lifts have a turntable at its base which permits the lift to swivel in a complete circle. This machines are ideal for doing maintenance work at height and other jobs that are tough to access. Articulated booms are aerial lifts ideal for repair work on the exterior of commercial buildings. Without a doubt, they deliver convenience for hard-to-access areas. Also, you can operate them on uneven surfaces.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
This model of aerial work platform is ideal for jobs that call for maximum reach capability. The platform mounts on a straight support arm that sits upon a turntable. In contrast to conventional aerial platforms, telescopic booms may access areas straight overhead or direct angles. For example, electrical repairs or window cleaning are among the most common applications for a telescopic boom lift.
Scissor lifts
One of the most widely-used, scissor lifts are a type of aerial platform that usually moves up and down only. It achieves this upward movement by applying pressure to the exterior of its crisscrossing support braces. This serves to propel the work platform upwards. Also, the platform might have an extending component to enable close access to the task at hand. .
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Scissor lifts do have more limitations in comparison to the other varieties of aerial lifts. Primarily, this is because the unit must position directly beneath itself. They generally cannot reach as high as telescopic or articulating boom lifts. Consequently, scissor lifts are best for interior use such as routine maintenance work or painting, for instance. With its large-size bucket, the scissor lift may accommodate several workers along with materials.
Safety First: Always Follow Best Practices When Using Aerial Lifts
The main causes of injury among lift operators are, not surprisingly, falls or equipment tip overs. Employers should take steps to assure the safe usage of aerial lifts by their personnel. Read on to learn about the safe use of aerial lifts according to the recommendations of OSHA*.
Safe and Healthy Work Practices
-Ensures that workers who use aerial lift platform receive proper training in the safe operation of the equipment.
-Maintain and run aerial work platforms in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.
-Do not override hydraulic, electrical or mechanical safety devices.
-Never move the lift equipment when workers are on the platform unless the manufacturer permits it.
-Do not permit workers to position themselves in between the basket rails and overhead obstacles like beams and joists. Movement of the aerial lift could pose risk of injury.
-Maintain a clearance height minimum of 10 feet from the nearest closes overhead power lines. Always consider power lines and wires to be live even if they appear to be down.
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-Wear a body harness or a restraining belt strap with a lanyard attaching to the basket.
-Set the unit’s brakes and put chocks in place when at an incline.
-If part of the equipment, use outriggers for stability.
-Do not surpass the load limit capacity of the lift equipment. Allow for the total weight of workers, materials and tools.
*Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Congress in 1970 created OSHA to ensure healthy, safe working conditions for people. The administration sets and enforces safety standards through outreach, training, assistance and education.