One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is working with heights. Apart from using cranes, the construction of tall buildings requires specialized equipment to do repairing and painting as well as lifting tools and construction material to higher elevations. Cherry pickers, also known as bucket trucks, are the vehicles best-suited to perform the task of safely lifting workers to various heights.
As with any other heavy-duty machine, bucket trucks have associated usage dangers due to their immense size and sophisticated mechanical controls. Operators must have proper training before even turning on the ignition in order to avert any risks associated with usage.
Specialized Training
Most operators do not need special qualifications to drive cherry pickers; however, it is legally wise to be sure that the equipment and workers are safe, especially those who will be held liable for any accidents that could happen while the machine is being used at a job site. Accidents frequently occur due to negligence, lack of knowledge, and incompetency. Employees should undergo specialized training classes to assess skills levels and learn proper safe handling techniques. Drivers must be both qualified and certified to abide by certain standards and avoid the common causes of accidental injuries.
All operators should also read the manufacturer’s user guide, take all necessary safety precautions, pay attention to warnings and follow all instructions regarding correct vehicle operation. Do not underestimate the user’s manual as it contains all information necessary to avoid possible harm.
Inspections
Comprehensive visual inspections are vital and should be done on a regular basis. Mechanics should check the overall vehicle condition both before and after use to identify existing problems or mechanical wear-and-tear so appropriate action can be taken. Simple mechanical problems can potentially cause harm to operators, bystanders and nearby property if not recognized and repaired immediately. Regular examinations are the key to top cherry picker condition, extending useable lifetime and maintaining efficient performance. It will certainly avoid down time and expensive future repairs.
Risk Assessment
One important aspect of bucket truck operations is work site assessment for potential hazards or dangers before any work is begun, as there are certain required legal issues that ensure worker and bystander safety around these vehicles. Ground conditions should be checked along with all overhead power lines, strong wind possibilities and any other obstacles that could interfere while the boom is maneuvered and positioned into place.
Personal Protective Equipment
Every employee must use personal protective equipment (PPE) when doing any task involving great heights. Accidents caused by malfunctions or unstable ground conditions can be avoided if lanyards or harnesses are used. Such protection can effectively prevent a fall, which is the primary cause of injuries with bucket trucks.
Cherry pickers have proven to be an effective tool to lift workers and equipment to difficult heights which can be associated with several risks that threaten employees, the public, and the owning company. It is not enough to learn how to run these machines; safety measures involved with usage must be understood, including such things as: the importance of training; regular inspections; risk assessment; and the use of personal protective equipment to reduce the impact and probability of injuries and accidents. Prior to operating this vehicle and its equipment, it is essential to have proper knowledge of the machine in order to finish tasks in the safest way possible. Yes, it does take more than just the keys to operate a cherry picker!
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