Aerial lift trucks can be used to accomplish several unique tasks executed in hard to reach aerial spaces. Many of the duties associated with this kind of jack include performing routine preservation on structures with high ceilings, repairing phone and utility cables, lifting heavy shelving units, and pruning tree branches. A ladder could also be used for some of the aforementioned tasks, although aerial platform lifts offer more safety and stability when properly used.
There are a number of different types of aerial lift trucks available, each being capable of performing slightly unique jobs. Painters will often use a scissor lift platform, which can be utilized to reach the 2nd story of buildings. The scissor aerial jacks use criss-cross braces to stretch and enlarge upwards. There is a platform attached to the top of the braces that rises simultaneously as the criss-cross braces elevate.
Container trucks and cherry pickers are another variety of aerial hoist. They possess a bucket platform on top of an extended arm. As this arm unfolds, the attached platform rises. Forklifts use a pronged arm that rises upwards as the lever is moved. Boom lift trucks have a hydraulic arm which extends outward and raises the platform. Every one of these aerial lift trucks have need of special training to operate.
Through the Occupational Safety & Health Association, also called OSHA, instruction programs are offered to help make certain the workers meet occupational values for safety, system operation, inspection and repair and machine load capacities. Employees receive qualifications upon completion of the classes and only OSHA qualified personnel should drive aerial hoists. The Occupational Safety & Health Organization has established rules to maintain safety and prevent injury when using aerial hoists. Common sense rules such as not using this piece of equipment to give rides and ensuring all tires on aerial lift trucks are braced so as to hinder machine tipping are noted within the rules.
Sadly, data show that in excess of 20 operators pass away each year when working with aerial platform lifts and 8% of those are commercial painters. The majority of these accidents are due to inadequate tire bracing and the hoist falling over; for that reason a lot of of these deaths had been preventable. Operators should make sure that all wheels are locked and braces as a critical security precaution to stop the device from toppling over.
Marking the neighbouring area with obvious markers need to be used to protect would-be passers-by so they do not come near the lift. Additionally, markings must be placed at about 10 feet of clearance amid any power cables and the aerial lift. Lift operators should at all times be well harnessed to the hoist when up in the air.
Click to Download the pdf