Training: Only those authorized and who have received general instructions, regarding the inspection, application and operation shall operate such equipment.
Operator of equipment must familiarization themselves with the manufactures Operators Manual prior to the use of equipment. Particular reference must be made to the operator responsibility.
Work-site Safety: Before equipment is used, the work-site shall be surveyed for hazards such as:
- Un-tamped earth fills
- Ditches
- Drop offs
- Debris
- Overhead obstructions
- Weather conditions
Safety: The two main risks associated with operating aerial equipment.
- Electrocution caused by operating too close to power lines.
- Injuries caused by falling as a result of equipment failure or the operator performing an unsafe or unstable maneuver.
- A safe attitude is very important when operating equipment.
The Do’s and Don’ts: The following illustrates unsafe conditions that may occur during the use of aerial equipment.
Whether it be day or night, having effective visibility on the job site, whether along the road or other areas is essential to the workers safety. Night work has it set of challenges but also with the spring mornings we are having excessively bright sunlight on the horizon when the motorists commence about their day. Work vehicles equipped with the 360 degree amber lights, front and rear amber safety lights and arrow stick lights at the rear are the benchmark of the industry today. Though it may seem to be lit up like a Holiday Season display, in most cases more is always better. Then adding to any unit high conspicuity reflective stripes with bright colors enhances the unit with red-white on the rear of the unit, front bumper areas and then along the sides of the unit adds to the total visibility. Adding to the area of the unit illumination, it appears that the use of LED type lamps and the effective visibility is enhanced to the human eye over the past generation safety lights, thus adding to the visibility. Having all the illumination placed at a normal driver height from a passenger vehicle view point certainly would add that extra part to the safety. Maintain the light systems for optimum safety, when these are not working properly get them repaired in a timely manner to insure your safety.
