No matter what your job is on a construction site, it is essential that you and your team make safety the top priority over all other things. Every site is different, possessing a myriad of risks that can quickly turn a regular day into an emergency response. It’s important to be safe, and if you’re looking for new or used construction equipment for sale, you will need to rely on quality resources to ensure a seamless transition. One Source Equipment is proud to serve Texas companies with the best service and sales, providing construction equipment to Throckmorton, Odessa, and beyond. As a Genie Lift-authorized dealer, we supply the best equipment and guidance to ensure the safest operations possible. Check out our inventory of boom lifts, scissor lifts, articulating booms, and more. Don’t see what you need? Give us a call and we’ll find the right equipment at a price you can afford!
Today, we’ll continue to discuss a few key safety tips to remember when working with one of our aerial lifts. If you’re searching for quality boom and scissor lifts for sale, be sure contact us today for assistance!
Site Risk Assessments
Before stepping onto the platform, it pays to perform an inspection of your work area. This helps to avoid any problems during travel, including holes, ledges, unstable surfaces, obstructions, power lines, overhead interference, and more. Aerial lifts are valuable machines on any job site, but their mobility and reach make it a top priority to inspect your surroundings and watch out for any obstacles you will encounter.
Avoiding Elevated Dangers
The lifting action of our scissor and boom lifts make it vital to steer clear of any overhead obstructions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides safe work practices for such tasks, instructing workers to maintain a clearance of at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Even if the power lines in your area are insulated or they appear to be down, always treat each line as if it were hot.
Additionally, your employees are not allowed to place themselves between the rails of the basket and any overhead obstacles. Any small, accidental movement could result in a crushing accident. Unless specifically allowed by the aerial lift manufacturer, it is never acceptable to move the machine if a worker is on the platform in an elevated position. Doing so can result in serious hazards, including tipping dangers and fall risks.
Utilizing Fall-Arrest Equipment
Working at an elevated level requires stringent standards for fall protection equipment. Workers must utilize a full-body harness or self-retracting lanyard to prevent being pulled or ejected from the basket. When working on an aerial work platform, a number of dangers are present that make fall-arrest gear both practical and required. Failing to do so can put everyone on the job site at risk and may result in major fines!
Having Rescue Plans in Place
In certain scenarios, the lift equipment on the construction site has failed to operate properly. Workers who could not lower their aerial were soon stuck, as the personnel on the ground below were not properly trained in handling the available ground controls for a speedy rescue. If you are working with any manner of aerial lifts, it’s important to have a rescue plan that involves the involvement of trained workers that can step in to help in a safe, efficient manner.
Common Safety Practices
Small processes can result in major safety benefits, and it pays to refresh your team regularly on the safest practices to avoid any preventable accidents. Closing the entry gate before going vertical, for example, can help to prevent missteps and falls. If you need to exit your aerial lift in an elevated position, always ensure that you are tied off before exiting. During regular operations, it is essential to avoid sitting, leaning, or standing on the guardrails. Doing so can create the potential for serious fall dangers.
Taking the time to enact safe work practices will help you to make the most of your new or used construction equipment from One Source Equipment. Our company is proud to provide expert knowledge and quality construction equipment to Throckmorton and the rest of Texas, delivering advice and guidance to create the best experience for you and your company. If you have a piece of equipment in mind that you need, be sure to contact us today for assistance!
