Aerial Lift Safety

MAINTAINING AERIAL LIFT SAFETY ANDWhen the aerial lift is in use make use that you
OTHER PRECAUTIONSclose the door to the bucket and do not lean on
Of the fatalities due to aerial lifts constructionor against the guardrails. Also make sure that you
workers head the top of the list with 26 deathsdo not exceed the manufacturers weight limits
per year due to aerial lifts. These deaths can bewithin the bucket itself.
prevented by using aerial lift safety precautionsIf you are working near traffic, set up cones and
that are in place to protect workers who mustsigns letting motorist know that there are people
use this equipment to perform their jobs.at work.
There are several precautions and checks thatUse the proper harnesses and other fall safety
you need to perform before ever operating theequipment when you are in the aerial or boom lift
aerial lift or boom lift and the first safetybucket that are provided for your safety in case
precaution to always consider is check youryou do fall. This equipment can go a long way in
equipment for any possible malfunctions. Checkkeeping you safe and also make certain that you
fluid pressure whether it is air, hydraulic, or fuelhave fall protection with your employer in case of
based. Check to make sure that the equipment isemergencies.
on level ground and within OSHA slopeTo prevent electrocutions non-electrical workers
requirements.are to stay at least 10 feet away from power
Check your surroundings carefully overhead andlines. If you are an electrical worker make sure
around the equipment to make sure that therethat you are grounded and that the electrical
are no overhead wires that you can run into orcurrent does not pass through your body by
anything on or around the equipment that caninstalling the proper insulation on the aerial lift
cause a hazard.bucket.
Make sure that there are no loose or missingYour employer must provide operating and safety
parts on the equipment itself. Check the bucketmanuals with the equipment in case you need to
to ensure that the proper equipment is availablerefer to them while in the field. If these are not
for your safety and check tires, operating andpresent get them from your employer and keep
other emergency controls to ensure they arethem with the equipment at all times.
functioning properly.