Module 1 – Aerial Lift Safety Overview

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”17086″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome to TITAN University’s Aerial Lift course for government construction. In this course we’ll discuss:

The types Aerial Lifts
Recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions
Hazards Associated with Aerial Lifts, including falling hazards
How to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions in areas you’ll be using an aerial lift
When and how to inspect the lift
Techniques for controlling, minimizing, or eliminating hazards

Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platforms, used to access utility lines and other above ground job sites. The major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs. Workers must take measures to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts.

The aerial device manufacturer must state in the operator’s manual and on the instruction plate whether the aerial device is insulating or non-insulating.

All Aerial lift trucks must be grounded or barricaded and will be considered energized equipment, or the aerial lift truck must be insulated for the work being performed.

The information from Table 11-1 below must be legibly printed on a plate of durable non-conductive material and mounted on the bucket or its vicinity so it’s visible to the operator of the boom.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”17089″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][vc_column_text]When an aerial lift is being used, the operator and workers must pay special attention to energized sources. One requirement is that no equipment or material can ever be passed between a pole or structure and an aerial lift while an employee working from the basket is within reaching distance of energized conductors or equipment that are not covered with insulating protective equipment. For this reason, only qualified electrical workers may operate aerial lift equipment within the restricted approach boundary distances.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Which Aerial lift you use depends on the work you’re doing. And there’s a variety, such as: [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”17092″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][vc_single_image image=”17093″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]When an aerial lift is being used, the operator and workers must pay special attention to energized sources. One requirement is that no equipment or material can ever be passed between a pole or structure and an aerial lift while an employee working from the basket is within reaching distance of energized conductors or equipment that are not covered with insulating protective equipment. For this reason, only qualified electrical workers may operate aerial lift equipment within the restricted approach boundary distances.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Most aerial lifts are made up of four major elements:

A base with supports for a lift platform or bucket
A lifting mechanism
The platform or bucket itself, and
Controls, which are located the both base and the platform.

The main difference between the various aerial lifts is the mechanism that lifts the platform. Typically it’s hydraulic, meaning it’s pneumatically driven by the electric powered gears.

OSHA, the USACE, and NAVFAC require anyone working with or near aerial lifts to be trained on the hazards related to lifting heavy equipment, as well as how to control or minimize these hazards.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Transporting

When transporting Aerial lift trucks, (including cherry pickers), the lift must never be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with personnel in the basket except for equipment that is specifically designed for this type of operation. When manufacturers allow mobile operation, the worksite must first be inspected for the following dangers.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”17094″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Before moving an aerial lift, the boom(s) must be inspected to see that it is properly cradled and outriggers are in stowed positions, except on lifts where manufacturers allow mobile operation.

Aerial ladders must be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking device on top of the truck cab and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder before the truck is moved for highway travel.

Operating practices

The manufacturer’s instruction for control station operation must be followed
Brakes shall be set and outriggers, when used, shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface.
Wheel chocks shall be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline.
Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to ensure safe working condition.
Lift controls will be located below the guardrail height. When lift controls are not located below the guardrail height, an after-market guard will be installed.
Boom and basket load limits specified by manufacturer shall not be exceeded.
Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers, shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls.
Upper controls shall be in or beside the platform within easy reach of the operator.
Lower controls shall provide for overriding the upper controls.
Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function.
Lower-level controls shall not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the employee in the lift except in case of emergency. This practice shall be documented in the applicable AHA.
Climbers (spikes) shall not be worn while performing work from an aerial lift.
The insulated portion of an aerial lift shall not be altered in any manner that might reduce its insulating value.

Occupants must always stand firmly on the floor of the basket and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Module 1 Quiz” sub_heading_color=”#000000″ sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:14px;tablet:13px;tablet_portrait:12px;mobile_landscape:10px;” margin_design_tab_text=”” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:16px;tablet:15px;tablet_portrait:13px;mobile_landscape:11px;”][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Time for the first quiz. Click on the quiz link below to begin. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. Once you are done, you can start the 2nd module. Good luck with the quiz![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]