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Be Safe When Using a Bucket Truck! by Chris Hunter
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Be Safe When Using a Bucket Truck! |
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Automotive
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The occurrence of accidents involving the operation of aerial bucket trucks is very common, especially when workers are inside the bucket. Falling out of this upper holding device can cause severe or even fatal injuries. The sad part about this type of accident is that it continues to happen year after year, claiming the lives of the people who operate this equipment. Awareness is a very helpful tool in avoiding accidents during the operation of the aerial bucket truck. It is equally important that operators and other crew members receive annual training and strictly abide with safety rules and regulations imposed by their company and also by OSHA. The following is some additional information about accidents caused by these vehicles and some tips for safely operating them. Potential Accident Causes A worker falling out of the truck’s bucket is primarily caused by two common technical errors: boom failure and vehicle tip-over. Boom Failure - The boom can be operated by two types of systems that raise and lower the bucket: the hydraulic system and the electrical system. It is required by safety regulations that the boom not be moved in the event of a system line failure or power loss. Improper maintenance or defective design can cause boom failure that exposes operators working inside the basket to life-threatening conditions. Tip-Over - The tipping over of the vehicle can be the result of several causes such as: improper usage of the outriggers; improper positioning on excessively sloped ground; defective design; or overloading of the bucket or boom. Workers need to avoid the root cause of this action by reviewing the manufacturer’s specifications and abiding with OSHA’s safety regulations. Safety in Operations Prevention is the most effective tool for safety. Following are some methods of risk prevention that workers can do when operating the equipment in order to maintain high safety standards at the job-site: Be Familiar With the Vehicle - Operators should keep in mind that all bucket trucks are different. They should not attempt to drive or use any aerial lift if they are unfamiliar with the equipment. Safety Feature Usage - The bucket should meet the standard requirements of having a depth of at least 39 inches. All safety features such as guards, ground fault interrupters and interlocks on outriggers should be on the vehicle as such tools are designed to prevent accidents. Modifying or removing such safety features should be prohibited unless the manufacturer or an equivalently accredited agency has been consulted and has given their permission. PPE Usage - Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided and worn by all workers during operations. This protective apparatus includes: hard hats that are ANSI-approved; fall arrest systems; eye protection; and insulated gloves. Regular Training - Training on bucket trucks is essential and should be done regularly. This training should include: the manufacturer’s requirements; the company’s rules; and safety regulations implemented by the government. New Equipment Training - Inspection and testing of newly acquired equipment should be done before using it for any aerial operation. It is also important that workers abide by the standards set forth in the manual published by the manufacturer. The company is responsible for conducting any maintenance to satisfy the requirements of the equipment. Only Use Authorized Operators - Employers should ensure that only properly trained and authorized operators are permitted to do any lifting jobs with the truck. Safety should be the first consideration before performing any aerial task. At all times, operators and ground crews need to observe all implemented rules and safety standards by the company. The bucket truck is a versatile and powerful piece of equipment; it can be extremely dangerous when it is improperly used. So always remember, be safe when using a bucket truck! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about an Aerial Bucket Truck.
Related Articles -
Aerial, Bucket, Truck,
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