Ensuring the safety of workers who perform their jobs from the lofty heights of an aerial lift or bucket truck is something that is all-encompassing and not limited to just one aspect. Inspections that are performed daily as well as those done at each work-site are two important aspects of safe usage of the vehicle. There is also the importance of basic aerial use best practices. All of these potential issues are being covered in additional articles on each of these subjects. The intent of this writing is to present a general overview of important bucket truck safety concerns.
Purchase and Maintenance
The first step to be taken is the purchase of the vehicle. If it is purchased new, many if not most of the safety concerns have already been handled as the current purchaser of a new bucket truck relies upon the fact that ANSI A92.2 has governed the building and testing of this vehicle to those specific standards. If the vehicle is purchased used, proper documentation should be obtained from the prior owner as to the exact condition of this bucket truck, what maintenance has been performed on it, and what replacement parts have been installed since the original purchase.
The next step for either type of vehicle, new or used, is proper maintenance. Any vehicle and especially one like this used in possible precarious situations should be regularly inspected for any possible problems as often as possible. Preventive maintenance should always be applied to avoid any potential problems that could arise as the truck is being used.
Standards and Regulations
A vehicle such as this comes under various OSHA regulations and standards for its operation. Many of these cover different applications for the use of this vehicle and the best place to get this information is at their website or www.OSHA.gov. In addition, there are DOT regulations that will apply when the vehicles are used on or alongside of a highway or road, so be sure to have current information to assist in the training of all personnel who will operate this equipment.
Safety Strategies
There are many safety strategies for the use of bucket trucks; however, one of the most important ones to ensure that all workers are fully informed is job briefing or instructional job guidance. All employees using the vehicle should be aware of any hazards and the controls necessary to prevent any possible accidents both to workers and to bystanders. This could involve traffic around the work-site, setting up the device and outriggers, awareness of any potential electrical hazards in the area to name a few.
Common Sense
Although there are many specific lists and concerns that can be relayed to workers and included in any training, one of the simplest things to always do is use common sense. If all employees have been trained on proper bucket truck usage and safety procedures, it relies upon common sense to ensure that these guidelines are followed. Don’t deviate from known procedures to take a shortcut to get a job done quicker; the potential for disaster is just too great to risk such an avenue of pursuit. Following the known guidelines for the safe operation of a bucket truck will get the work done and get it done in safety.
Remember to always be informed, aware, alert and following procedures in the use of bucket trucks. Following this advice will ensure that those people who are dependent upon work safety will be thankful in the long run!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here for more information about Bucket Truck Sales.
