Boom lift risks will always exist, but you can reduce the risks by using these safety recommendations. Confirming that the persons using the equipment have received manlift safety training is essential. Here are the top six safety recommendations we can make.
1. Ensure that workers are certified and trained
Before touching the equipment, each person who utilizes and operates the man lift must receive thorough training. This will lessen risks and hazards while ensuring that you adhere to OSHA rules. Each individual will also need to be certified to use a boom lift. You shouldn’t let your employees operate the boom lift if they aren’t permitted.
2. Look over the Manlift Inspection Record.
Not only should you examine the paperwork, but you should also examine the car in question. Look over the data to see any past issues or items that weren’t ticked off. Always check the outriggers, guardrails, tires, operational controls, emergency controls, and operating controls before using the boom lift. There shouldn’t be any gasoline, air, or hydraulic fuel leaks. Use the man lift sparingly if something is malfunctioning or has been noted to be malfunctioning.
3. Wear the proper safety equipment
No one can enter a man lift without the necessary equipment. Not donning the right gear might result in serious accidents that put your crew in danger. A manlift harness offers protection while in the air and guarantees that users won’t plummet or contact the ground if they fall. It acts as another layer of security.
4. Survey Your Environment
The two most important considerations are the surroundings and where you place the manlift. You must know slopes, hills, uneven surfaces, and weather. You might not be allowed to utilize the manlift if it is windy. Your immediate surroundings have a significant impact on how safe the procedure is.
5. Never go beyond your allotted weight
Never exceeding the weight limit is one of the best boom lift safety advice. To find the weight restriction, you must consult the manlift’s manual. 1 or 2 persons at a time may be the most you can send up, but you should never offer more than the manlift is capable of carrying.
6. Stick to the proper shutdown procedures
You’ll need to be aware of the shutdown procedure and ensure that everyone on your team using the man lift is familiar with it. The training approach ought to include this. Numerous individuals certified to operate one will be able to perform the necessary shutdown procedure.
Typical Manlift Dangers
Despite their potential hazard, manlifts are occasionally required to complete tasks. The most frequent dangers include tipping over, tumbling, electric shock, falling objects, and collapse. Before getting into a manlift, checks are vital, and using a harness can be crucial if someone does fall.
Looking around a workplace is essential since tip-overs can occur when a manlift is used on a slope or hill. Wind could be the cause of anything falling or pulling the manlift. You must adhere to the OSHA manlift wind restrictions for this reason.
Checklist for Manlifts
First, manlifts must be checked before each use and once a month. You should keep the instruction manual handy at all times. It would be best to inspect the horns, lights, floor landings, rails, belt and belt tension, and rails.
Checking the brakes and gears is one of the most crucial things you can do before driving. In case of an emergency, safe emergency exit ladders and even a fire extinguisher should be available.
Operating a Manlift: What Not to Do
There are a few actions you should never take while operating a manlift. For instance, it is best to avoid using it when it is too windy because working in such conditions can be dangerous. Additionally, no one using the manlift should sit or lean against the platform or rails. The essential thing is to remember to put on your safety gear.
