Recently, two 31 year old Maryland workers fell to their death when they were ejected from an aerial lift platform.
These types of tragic fatalities and accidents are preventable. The major causes of fatalities are due to falls, electrocutions or tip over’s.
Premier Safety Solutions provides the following tips for safe operation of aerial lifts:
- Workers who operate aerial lifts need to be properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
- Do not operate an aerial lift that is need of repair.
- Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment – allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet from the nearest overhead power line.
- Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices.
- Use a body harness with a lanyard attached to the proper anchorage point to prevent being ejected or pulled from the basket.
- Never move the equipment while workers are in an elevated platform.
- Do not allow a worker to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker.
- Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
- Use outriggers for stabilization.
Premier Safety Solutions offers aerial lift training . . .
Call today 410-346-8060.
Premier Safety Solutions
Maryland Construction Safety Consultants
PO Box 353
Taneytown, MD 21787
410-346-8060