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Bucket Truck Safety - Know Your OSHA Guidelines! by Chris Hunter
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Bucket Truck Safety - Know Your OSHA Guidelines! |
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Automotive
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Safety guidelines are very important for every utility company in order to maintain organization and efficiency during operation. These guidelines spare the company from unnecessary costs due to road or work-site accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a governmental agency that maintains certain operating requirements; the safety procedures of all utility companies should conform to OSHA’s general outline for such rules. In addition to the benefits for the company, the standards set forth by OSHA protect all workers from hazards and falls associated with the operation of equipment with mounted aerial lifts, which includes both new and used bucket trucks. Following are some important excerpts from OSHA’s general outline of safety rules: Construction Requirements - All bucket trucks should be constructed of metal, plastic or wood and should be operated by either a power source or through manual efforts. Any modifications or changes should not be made until written permission is obtained from the manufacturer or by an accredited testing facility. Operator Requirements – An owning company should ensure that only well-trained personnel are permitted to operate these trucks as stated by OSHA. Operators should be familiar with the safety procedures during the operation of these vehicles, such as always wearing fall protection gear such as a body belt and lanyard. They must never attempt to climb or sit on the bucket edge but should set their feet firmly on the floor of the lift. Personnel should wear only prescribed footwear and should not wear spiked shoes since this is prohibited inside the bucket. The fall safety harness should not be attached to any structures nearby during elevation since this may not be sufficient in case of a fall. Highway Driving - Before driving on the highway, drivers should inspect the vehicle to ensure that the boom is in the “lower traveling position” and is locked and secured. Personnel should also inspect and verify the integrity of the platform before attempting any move. While in transit, no one should be allowed to get inside or use the bucket. Lift Controls - Aerial lift controls must be checked daily for functionality. In fact, per OSHA requirements, both the upper and lower devices should be checked on this same basis. Operating personnel should ensure that the upper one is positioned within reach, while the lower one which generally overrides the upper should only be used during an emergency situation for safety reasons. When overriding is needed, the person operating the lower one should obtain permission from the worker inside the bucket with the one exception to this rule being when that worker is unconscious and needing immediate medical attention. Load Limits - Manufacturers clearly list weight limits for the bucket and operators should not exceed this limit when using it. Exceeding the recommended weight limit can damage the boom and result in injuries to workers in the bucket. Operators of this important vehicle play a huge role in maintaining them and keeping them running; however, they also play an important role in determining and identifying any hazards or safety risks during operation. A well-informed operator who is continuously updated with the most recent OSHA guidelines is in a great position to lower the risk of injuries or fatalities related to the operation of these vehicles. Therefore, it is imperative that all bucket truck operators know the OSHA guidelines without fail – then they will not fail to keep everyone involved in its operation safe! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Used Bucket Trucks.
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