These lifts have long been in use to access hard-to-reach areas and accelerate the project completion rate. But while they effectively eliminate the limitations of scaffolding, they are, in fact, exposed to operational risks.
Some of the dangers unique to these machines include overhead obstructions, contact with ceilings, structural failures, or tip-overs.
As a result, you need to have an Aerial Lift Safety Checklist at hand if operating an aerial lift is a part of your work.
Not doing so has been known to put companies and workers into uncalled for circumstances. Well, considering the amount of time and money invested in a project, you don’t want that!
So, today, we’re going to provide you a guide that lists a number of safety hazards and precautionary measures. Following our aerial lift safety tips will keep your team safe while reducing the chances of any on-site accidents.
Top 5 Aerial Lift Safety Tips for Proper Lift Operation
Aerial lifts are often used by industry professionals to elevate personnel with the help of an extended platform.
Thus, it becomes even more important to maintain Aerial Lift Safety Standards to keep injuries and worksite risks out of your way.
Creating a safety protocol will also assist your team of lift operators to keep an eye on red flags during operation.
Having said that, here are some of the aerial lift safety tips that must be a part of your company policy.
#1. Never Lean Or Sit at the Edge of the Aerial Lift Platform
Most aerial lifts come with guardrails and these are there for a reason. The correct way to use these guardrails is to keep them locked and secured, which eliminates the danger of falling or tipping over.
We never recommend a worker to climb on or sit at the edge to reach something that’s slightly at a distance.
It can be a life threat if the workers are not conscious enough of the Aerial Lift Safety Rules.
That’s why it’s vital for workers to remain inside the guardrails when operating an aerial lift. If you want to reach a distant object, the best way is to lower the lift or move it a few inches.
#2. Don’t Put Unauthorized Tools or Ladders on the Platform Or Bucket
While loading materials onto the platform, make sure you remain within its capacity limits.
Aerial lifts are usually available in different varieties including scissors lifts, Boom Lifts, and Telehandler. Each of these has different weight and height parameters.
Thus, it’s important that you consider the weight limit of the aerial lift you’re going to be using.
Don’t add scaffolding to the work platform in case adding it will exceed the limits. In fact, get rid of anything that is not absolutely required.
Adding in unnecessary weight can greatly increase your risk of falling or tipping over from the lift.
#3. Don’t Move a Scissor Lift While It Is In an Elevated Position
Scissor lifts present a unique set of challenges due to their height and vertical extension.
One of the most common mistakes operators make is moving a Scissor Lift while it is in an upright position irrespective of the manufacturer’s manual.
So, one of the essential aerial lift safety tips is to use a scissor lift according to the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. To be on the safe side, never try to move it even slightly when the operator is onto the platform and it is upright.
Doing so can be a potential hazard for the one operating the lift. Plus, moving an elevated scissor lift can also cause the lift to tip over leading to damage and increased costs.
Working Safely with Scissor Lifts also involves clearing the surrounding area of other equipment so that it doesn’t bump into anything.
#4. Keep Pedestrians Away from the Surrounding Area of a Boom Lift
Boom lifts are known for their range of motion and ease of movement among different aerial lifts. However, their capacity to access a wider range of motion also predisposes them to harm someone in the surrounding area.
Thus, it’s crucial to clear any traffic in the area that comes within the reach of a boom lift.
Setting up work zone warning signs can also be a good safety control measure.
Some people may try to walk through in a hurry. But installing these signs around the site will ensure an area free of any traffic or pedestrian.
Moreover, refrain from overloading the lift and keep the load under the recommended weight limits.
#5. Verify the Training and Certification of Employees Operating the Lift
OSHA Aerial Lift Safety Requirements allow only trained and authorized personnel to operate an aerial lift. Some of the areas where training is mandatory involve:
- Determining how and when to perform inspections
- Recognizing unsafe work conditions
- The process to deal with safety hazards
- Instructions for proper lift operation including determining load capacity
In fact, the regulations make retraining compulsory in case you operate a different type of aerial lift than the one you’re trained in.
Apart from compliance with OSHA Aerial Lifts Safety Tips, training your lift operators works in your favor as well.
Trained employees are more likely to possess a deep knowledge of lift operation and can also troubleshoot some issues on their own. Thus, bringing down the total project cost on unnecessary repairs.
Besides adhering to these basic aerial lift safety tips, also consider that right aerial lifts often differ in functionality and features. So, it becomes vital for you to get informed about the potential safety hazards of different equipment.
Getting your operators trained is the easiest step you can take to establish a safe work culture.
Consider Torcan Lift for Employee and Operator Safety Training in GTA
We Administer Training Programs Backed by OSHA, CSA, and MOL Standards!!
As should be clear by now, aerial lifts can only be operated by trained and certified individuals.
Properly trained employees help your organization comply with all the regulatory requirements while reducing the damage cost.
For operators, getting trained can be the stepping stone to a highly rewarding career across a number of industries.
Torcan Lift runs a wide range of training programs to help operators get equipped in the operation of complex on-site aerial lift machinery.
As different kinds of aerial lifts demand different certifications, our Aerial Lift Safety Training programs are in accordance with that.
Some of our training programs include:
- Forklift operator training
- Boom lift training
- Scissor lift training
- Man lift training
- Fall protection training
- Working at heights
- Train the trainer
- WHMIS safety training
- Propane exchange training
Moreover, we believe getting an aerial lift for your work shouldn’t be an inflated investment for you. Thus, Torcan Lift offers a wide range of aerial lift equipment sourced from reputable suppliers at the most competitive rental rates.
However, if you think it’s time to own your very own aerial lift, we can also provide new and used equipment for sale.
Reach out to us @ 416-743-2500 for a quick chat over your project’s equipment and training requirements!!
