The northern part of North America is one area in the world that receives extreme weather conditions, with large amounts of snow and ice throughout the winter season. Many parts of this region may be struck with late-season winter storms. Because of these dangerous winter storms, parts of the area may suffer from power outages. Streets become slippery and other emergencies can arise due to these winter wallops of snow and cold.
During the winter season, one of the biggest challenges is working in safety when a job must be done outdoors. Bucket truck workers face some of the greatest challenges while working outdoors with power lines, etc. in the cold, icy weather. Since the adverse effect of large snowstorms and catastrophic freezing rain often includes broken power lines, damaged utility poles and fallen tree branches, there is a pretty good chance these workers will need to respond to these problems during and after these storms. It is particularly important they be able to safely perform their tasks.
Working with Power Lines
Workers in bucket trucks with insulated buckets try to prevent electrical power from coming in contact with the upper boom. In case the boom should come in contact with live power lines, the insulated bucket of the vehicle gives extra protection from electric shock to workers. In addition, working with live power lines requires extra precautions and only well-trained workers should perform these tasks. Experienced workers should be familiar with, and abide by, OSHA regulations. If possible, it is also helpful to have a ground person at the work site to direct the lift and help the vehicle operators avoid blind spots.
Trimming Tree Limbs
When ice and/or snow accumulation becomes heavy on tree branches, limbs may break because of the extra weight. There is a distinct possibility of tree limbs breaking loose and falling on people, houses, cars, and more; this can cause not only damage to property but also cause injury or even a fatality. To prevent this from happening, professionals must be hired to cut down the threatening tree limbs. Bucket trucks are one of the most dependable vehicles to get rid of these problematic tree branches. While removing this threat from exposure to the public, protection of the workers from harm should always be a top priority.
Pre-Operation Safety
Safety starts with a proper maintenance check of the equipment. Seasonally, a tune-up should be performed on the power source of the boom. It is also advisable to make any adjustments, if necessary, on the electric choke and to make sure there is a spare spark plug for future use. In addition to this seasonal reminder, it is essential to have a daily check list. This daily check list may include the following:
- Ensure that the truck’s “emergency stop” is functioning properly as well as the emergency lowering device. Operators should know how to lower the bucket safely should there be any main power failure.
- Ensure that the fuel tank is full before heading out to any work-site. In addition, verify that propane tanks are also filled and starter is functional to power up the electric generator.
- Ensure that the bucket of the vehicle is clean and if possible, replace the cover with a new one.
Safety on the Work Site
Safety on the work site is very important, especially if bucket truck operators are responding to a task that will require them to work alone. Following are safety practices that will greatly help in avoiding work-site accidents:
- Confirm that outriggers and outrigger pads are set up on stable and solid surfaces by removing and shoveling away ice and snow. In addition, if it is possible, situate the bucket truck away from the edge of the road so that outriggers can be placed on a stable surface but are also not on the roadway itself.
- Confirm that the work site is properly scanned to be sure that there are no obstacles in the way such as downed electrical power lines, telephone lines, tree branches and other objects since the bucket may be moved from one site to another. The moving path visibility should be cleared from any obstructions.
- Confirm that workers abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and regulations by wearing protective gear during operation of the vehicle. Safety gear that must be worn includes belts, glasses, goggles, insulating gloves, etc.
Responding quickly to winter storm emergencies with precaution, and using the best safety practices, will greatly decrease the number of injuries and deaths. Also, it is equally important to deploy bucket trucks with operators that are well-trained and well-equipped, especially when responding to tasks that require working near, or directly with, live power lines. It is of the utmost importance, to both the public and workers, that these vehicles are operated with the top priority being safety. Then bucket trucks can truly provide a speedy recovery from the catastrophic effects of snow or ice storms!
Christopher Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Bucket Trucks for Sale Canada, go to the link shown here.
