Work performed at elevated heights is a very dangerous occupation. There is always the risk of falling associated with such a profession. Risks can only be reduced with the use of equipment that provides a stable and secure base from which to work and the aerial bucket truck is one of the best pieces of equipment for the job.
Despite this vehicle’s safety features, the possibility of accidents still remains whenever the equipment is improperly handled. Let us consider and review some of the common mistakes operators of aerial bucket trucks make that should be avoided since such mistakes can result in damage to the equipment or even worse, serious physical injuries to a worker or bystander.
- Bucket vs. crane truck usage – The bucket truck carries loads to certain heights as do crane trucks, so the presumption frequently is that the two are interchangeable – wrong! These two commercial vehicles are two different pieces of heavy duty equipment designed for two different purposes.
The bucket truck is specifically designed to carry a person in the basket along with some tools in order to work at tall heights. The capacity of this vehicle is somewhat limited and its boom is not designed to carry very heavy loads. Using it as a crane truck can easily disturb the alignment of this extension or worse, break it. This vehicle is designed to carry one or two people in its bucket depending on its own individual capacity limits.
- Movement while the boom is extended – When operating this type of vehicle, it seems easier and more convenient to move from one spot to the next without having to lower the truck’s boom every time, especially when the distance appears to be relatively small. It is attainable but there is a substantial risk of tip-over since the weight can become unequally distributed on one side of the truck or the other.
- Grabbing something outside the basket while in the basket – When working inside the bucket, there is always a tendency to reach or grab for something outside the basket and push or pull it toward you. Although this may work on some very limited occasions, generally speaking this is a dangerous practice since any motion could result in additional stress on the boom causing it to move or bend in some fashion. Either way, it could cause the bucket to become unbalanced as well as the worker and lead to a fall.
- Climbing on the bucket’s end – This vehicle is designed to carry the weight inside the basket’s perimeter. Over-extending yourself, such as climbing on its side or over-reaching, can increase the stress on the boom. When the stress exceeds capacity, it will likely cause the boom to bend.
- Extending reaching capacity by using a ladder – The boom’s reach varies depending upon each vehicle’s specific capacity. Sometimes, there is a problem if that reach is too short. Many workers may attempt to remedy that by putting a ladder inside the bucket to compensate.
Adding a ladder inside the bucket is a very dangerous modification. The added weight and the over-extended reach could easily damage the boom not to mention disturb the ladder’s stability. To avoid this problem, always make sure that the vehicle’s working height matches the height at which the worker in the bucket must function.
Aside from performing scheduled maintenance on the vehicle and inspecting it prior to its operation, it is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the aerial bucket truck. If you follow these directions and never use the vehicle beyond its capacity and intended purpose, vehicle damage and the risking of lives should not happen. Be safe at all times!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about aerial bucket trucks
