SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

SAFETY BULLETIN / October - December 2006

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The Dangers of Aerial Lifts

John Webb, Safety Specialist

In today’s society more and more aerial manlifts are being used on construction sites replacing ladders and scaffolds. Although aerial manlifts are easier to use, take less time to set up, and are overall safer to use they can still be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The following will provide a few safety work practices when utilizing aerial manlifts.

Inspections

Inspections are the most critical aspect of using an aerial manlift. A thorough inspection can help identify potential hazards before employees use the manlift. The following is an outline that a competent person can use to inspect the aerial manlift: 

Daily Visual Inspection 

• Check for missing, damaged, or unreadable safety signs.

• Check for broken, missing, damaged or loose parts.

• Check pivot pins for damaged or missing retaining devices.

• Check the tires for cuts, bulges, and pressure as specified by the manufacturer.

• Perform all maintenance procedures as outlined by the manufacturer of the machine.  

• Check for cracked welds and other evidence of structural damage.

• Check hydraulic system for leaks and damage. 

Daily Lift Control Inspection 

• After starting, recheck all gauges and lights.

• Check all audible and/or visual alarms (if provided).  Make sure everything is functioning correctly.

• Check all control functions, including emergency stop mechanism, from the upper control station and the lower control station (if provided). If the aerial platform does not respond correctly when each control is operated, do not use the machine until it is fixed.

• Move slowly until you are sure everything is operating properly.

• Recheck the steering and platform making sure it works properly.

Monthly Documented Inspection

A competent person shall also inspect all lifts at 30-day intervals using a check sheet that shall be kept on file.  If anything is found to be unsafe, operation of the unit will not be allowed until it is repaired.

Fall Protection

Although most aerial manlifts are equipped with proper handrails, personal fall protection (i.e. full body harness, lanyard) is still a must. The employees may only tie off to approved tie off points to the lift. Approved tie-off points are not the top or midrails of the lift, they are tie-off points approved by the manufacturer of the lift.  Employees must keep both feet firmly on the floor of the lift at all times. They are not permitted to stand or sit on the rails of the lift. If an employee must leave the lift while it is in use, then the employee must tie-off to point other than the point in the lift. For instance: An ironworker is working from a manlift 50 feet in the air. The Ironworker must leave the lift to get a more suitable position to perform the working duties. Before the ironworker can leave the lift he must tie-off to a point outside of the manlift that is capable of withstanding 5,000 pounds.

Other Safe Work Practices

• Only trained authorized individuals can operate a man lift and all training shall be documented.

• Each scissor lift must have a clearly noted rating chart posted where the operator can see it.  Do not exceed the rated maximum loadings listed.

• An effective two-way voice communication system can be provided between the operators and stationary people on the ground.

• When required a diaper and wheel covers must be used.

• Check the area in which the aerial platform is to be used for possible hazards.

• Ensure that the operation of the aerial platform is within the provisions outlined in the operator's manual.

• Ensure all personnel on the aerial platform comply with the provisions outlined in the operator's manual.

• Brakes shall be set to ensure that the lift does not move when the boom is elevated in a working position with an employee in it.

• Outriggers must be used when lift is extended.

• If outdoors remember to check for sewers and pipes if loads are very heavy.

Aerial manlifts can be a very helpful asset if used properly. Just remember that if you take a few proper precautions to ensure safety you can help prevent a lot of accidents from occurring.