A look at aerial lift safety precautions you’ll want to take into consideration when renting
Many vocations in the construction sector need lifting operations. These can be done manually or with the use of aerial lifts. Construction crews are at risk of injury or health problems; this can result in sick leave or disability, in both manual and mechanized lifting tasks. Accidents and illnesses caused by lifting operations cost a lot of money.
According to OSHA studies into aerial lift safety, the most common causes of aerial lift fatalities include falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tipping over. Crews can avoid most of these tragedies if following the aerial lift safety instructions from the owner’s manual.
What Is In the Aerial Lift Safety Checklist?
When renting a lift, there are several safety precautions that it is advisable to consider; these help avoid injuries, fatalities, damages, and liability concerns. These include:
1. Keep the Base And Perimeter Clear
While the lift is in use, make absolutely sure the base and complete perimeter of the lift are clear of any individuals. The aerial lift’s circle is frequently large, and tools might easily fall from the platform, seriously injuring anyone standing below. Keeping the entire space free reduces the likelihood of anyone being struck by falling debris.
Lifts can also tip over, though this is extremely rare. If indeed the entire structure goes over, maintaining a clear region around and under the lift helps ensure nobody ends up injured.
2. Make Sure You Are (or Hire) a Well-Trained Operator
Hiring individuals who are properly capable of operating lifts, and who have the necessary aerial lift safety certificates and knowledge, will assist you and your other personnel to stay safe while the lift is in use. New employees can undergo tests with hands-on projects to showcase their operational understanding of the aerial lift; this can assist identify potential issues and address them well before accidents occur in the workplace.
3. Have a Proper And a Reliable Functioning Harness
Putting on a harness and securing the lanyard to the bucket is a basic but crucial aerial lift safety precaution. While it may appear implausible that an operator may tumble from level ground, even a minor bump from some other hardware or an object might knock an operator off position and cause them to fall. Even a sudden gust of wind has the potential to knock somebody down or off-platform, resulting in significant injury.
4. Weighing Equipment To Ensure You Adhere To the Weight Restrictions
The weight capacity of each aerial lift is different. It’s critical to recognize and follow these limitations. Going beyond this threshold, even a little, may cause the lift to become top-heavy and tip over. Prior to actually using the lift, make sure to account for the weight of the operators, and all tools and equipment on the platform, to ensure the entire weight does not exceed the specified capacity. It’s also vital to keep in mind that the lift should not lift excessively large materials.
5. Have a Signaler Ready
As a lift operator, you should always use a signaler and shift loads as per the prescribed code of signals. Hand signals are the most popular and favored method of communication. If the operator’s sight of the desired path of travel is impeded, a signaler may well be required by law. When the driver’s or operator’s view is obstructed, the help of a skilled and authorized signaler should be present.
6. Safety Boots
It is important for your employees to wear safety boots when operating the aerial lift; therefore, make sure you and those who will operate the lift have safety boots on.
7. Have A Mechanic Inspect The Aerial Lift for Safety Before Renting
Inspect for leakage of the fuel, oil, and water systems; the state of the wheels or tires; the quality of the attachment blades and teeth; sight from the cab, windows, mirrors, and lighting; and worn or slick surfaces.
Work With Us
Renting the right has never been easier with Vandalia Rental. We deliver equipment directly to your site and ensure your job can get done the right way. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for the best and safest equipment for your job.