Aerial lifts might be utilized to accomplish numerous unique tasks done in hard to reach aerial spaces. Some of the odd jobs associated with this kind of lift include performing daily preservation on structures with lofty ceilings, repairing telephone and utility cables, raising burdensome shelving units, and pruning tree branches. A ladder might also be used for some of the aforementioned projects, although aerial lifts provide more safety and stability when properly used.
There are a lot of versions of aerial lift trucks existing on the market depending on what the task needed involves. Painters sometimes use scissor aerial jacks for instance, which are categorized as mobile scaffolding, effective in painting trim and reaching the 2nd story and higher on buildings. The scissor aerial hoists use criss-cross braces to stretch out and enlarge upwards. There is a table attached to the top of the braces that rises simultaneously as the criss-cross braces raise.
Cherry pickers and bucket trucks are a different type of the aerial hoist. Typically, they contain a bucket at the end of an elongated arm and as the arm unfolds, the attached bucket 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 elevates the platform. Every one of these aerial hoists call for special training to operate.
Training programs offered through Occupational Safety & Health Association, known also as OSHA, cover safety methods, machine operation, maintenance and inspection and device load capacities. Successful completion of these training programs earns a special certified license. Only properly licensed individuals who have OSHA operating licenses should operate aerial lift trucks. The Occupational Safety & Health Organization has developed guidelines to uphold safety and prevent injury while 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 in order to prevent machine tipping are mentioned within the guidelines.
Sadly, statistics show that over 20 operators die each year when operating aerial hoists and 8% of those are commercial painters. Most of these mishaps are due to inadequate tire bracing and the hoist falling over; therefore many of these deaths had been preventable. Operators should ensure that all wheels are locked and braces as a critical security precaution to prevent the instrument from toppling over.
Other suggestions involve marking the surrounding area of the device in an observable way to protect passers-by and to ensure they do not approach too close to the operating machine. It is imperative to ensure that there are also 10 feet of clearance amid any utility cables and the aerial lift. Operators of this equipment are also highly recommended to always wear the proper safety harness while up in the air.
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