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The destroying damage caused by a storm is really hard to imagine. Rescuers from across the country head to devastated areas responding to the call for demanding physical work and the endurance of long days away from home. These rescuers are the modern heroes or ‘storm troopers’ who relentlessly put forth their effort for the restoration of a devastated area due to the damage caused by weather. Fortunately, heavy equipment is also quickly available during these times of calamity, frequently with mobile “storm trailers.” Trailer trucks and other utility vehicles are positioned in different affected regions to help ease the drain of resources for the restoration caused by nature’s calamity. These storm trailers can aid in the recovery of a devastated area by supplying essential tools, safety supplies and other accessories needed by line crews. The storm trailers are located in the Southern United States during the hurricane and tropical storm season, while they are repositioned in the Northern United States during the winter storm season to provide quicker support response. The amount of destruction is largely related to electrical lines and other electrical supply problems such as damaged transformers, downed power wires, etc., and the workers’ risks for electrocution in restoring these damages is very high. Thus, vehicles such as bucket trucks and the parts associated with them are equipped with tools and accessories that efficiently help workers accomplish even the most risky of tasks. Safety from Electrocution Workers and operators must receive sufficient electrical safety training, especially those who are working closely with energized power lines. There are several manufacturers who offer bucket safety training for workers and operators. On the other hand, since rubber tires will not prevent the bucket truck from becoming energized should the boom come in contact with an electrical line that is live, the vehicle must be insulated and must use a grounding cable when working near energized lines. Furthermore, it should be tested for integrity in order to ensure safety. Work Only with Insulated Aerial Lifting Platforms Upper controls or aerial lifting platforms that are not insulated could allow electrical continuity thus causing a possible fatal hazard to workers. Most bucket trucks are produced with this kind of design with a recent addition by Altec Industries of the development of a boom-tip cover kit which expands protection against electrical hazards when metal components in the upper boom area accidentally make contact with uncovered energized power lines. They also manufacture insulated handles for controls to ensure safety with linemen working in the aerial lift. Lowering the Risk It is always a possibility that the failure or improper use of this equipment during a rescue operation could result in traumatic or even fatal injuries. The following tips are highly recommended for safety while performing such an endeavor. • Operators should be aware of the activities around them to prevent the equipment from running over workers on foot. • Operators should only work within the maximum lifting capacity of the bucket truck. • Operators should ensure that no workers will walk under or through areas where the bucket trucks are being used. • Workers should be prohibited from riding or climbing onto loads that are being moved or lifted. • Ensure that workers and operators utilize the Personal Protective Equipment for safety. Responding to a catastrophe without being sufficiently prepared and without the proper training could cause more problems since there is such a high risk of fatal accidents. Sufficient training and getting the proper equipment will make the job safer and more efficient. Then bucket trucks with hard-working ‘storm troopers’ can come in safety to the rescue of those facing the daunting task of clean-up after storm damage! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Truck Parts.
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