This article outlines the necessary precautions for proper and safe a self-propelled lift usage and maintenance. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LISTED HERE COULD RESULT IN MACHINE DAMAGE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
General
- Machine operation requires your full attention. Bring the machine to a full stop before using any device, i.e. cell phones, two-way radios, etc. that will distract your attention from safety operating the machine.
- Do not use the machine for any purpose other than positioning personnel, their tools, and equipment.
- Before operation, the user must be familiar with the machine capabilities and operating characteristics of all functions.
- Never operation a malfunctioning machine. If a malfunction occurs, shut down the machine. Remove the unit from service and notify the proper authorities.
- Do not remove, modify, or disable any safety devices.
- Never slam a control switch or lever through neutral to an opposite direction. Always return switch to neutral and stop before moving the switch to the next function. Operate controls with slow and even pressure.
- Do not allow personnel to tamper with or operate the machine from the ground with personnel in the platform, except in an emergency.
- Do not carry materials directly on platform railing unless approved by the manufacturer.
- When two or more persons are in the platform, the operator shall be responsible for all the machine operations.
- Always ensure that power tools are properly stowed and never left hanging by their cord from the platform work area.
- When driving, always position boom over rear axle in line with the direction of travel. Remember, if boom is over front axle, steer, and drive functions will be reversed.
- Do not assist a stuck or disabled machine by pushing or pulling except by pulling at the chassis tie-down lugs.
- Fully lower platform and shut off all power before leaving machine.
- Remove all rings, watches, and jewelry when operating machine. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or long hair unrestrained which may become caught or entangled in equipment.
- Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who are subject to seizures, dizziness or loss of physical control must not operate this machine.
- Hydraulic cylinders are subject to thermal expansion and contraction. This may result in changes to the boom and/or platform position while the machine is stationary. Factors affecting thermal movement can include the length of time the machine will remain stationary, hydraulic oil temperture, ambient air temperature, and boom and platfom position.
Trip and Fall Hazards
- During operation, occupants in the platform must wear a full body harness with a lanyard attached to an authorized lanyard anchorage point. Attach only one (1) lanyard per lanyard anchorage point.
- Enter and exit only through gate area. Use extreme caution when entering or leaving platform. Ensure that the platform assembly is fully lowered. Face the machine when entering or leaving the platform. Always maintain “three point contact” with the machine, using two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand at all times during entry and exit.
- Before operating the machine, make sure all gates are closed and fastened in their proper position.
- Keep both feet firmly positioned on the platform floor at all times. Never position ladders, boxes, steps, planks, or similar items on unit to provide additional reach for any purpose.
- Keep oil, mud, and slippery substances cleaned from footwear and the platform floor.
Electrocution Hazards
- The machine is not insulated and does not provide protection from contact or proximity to electrical current.
- Maintain distance from electrical lines, apparatus, or any energized (exposed or insulated) parts according to the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) as shown in below table:
Voltage Range
(Phase to Phase)MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE
in Meters0 to 50 KV 3 Over 50KV to 200 KV 5 Over 200 KV to 350 KV 6 Over 350 KV to 500 KV 8 Over 500 KV to 750 KV 11 Over 750 KV to 1000 KV 14 NOTE: This requirement shall apply except where employer, local or government regulations are more stringent. - Allow for machine movement and electrical line swaying.
- Maintain a clearance of at least 10 ft. (3m) between any part of the machine and its occupants, their tools, and their equipment from any electrical line or apparatus carrying up to 50,000 volts. One foot additional clearance is required for every additional 30,000 volts or less.
- The minimum approach distance may be reduced if insulating barriers are installed to prevent contact, and the barriers are rated for the voltage of the line being guarded. These barriers shall not be part of (or attached to) the machine. The minimum approach distance shall be reduced to a distance within the designed working dimensions of the insulating barrier. This determination shall be made by a qualified person in accordance with the employer, local, or governmental requirements for work practices near energized equipment.
Tipping Hazards
- The user must be familiar with the surface before driving. Do not exceed the allowable sideslope and grade while driving.
- Do not elevate platform or drive with platform elevated while on or near a sloping, uneven, or soft surface. Ensure machine is positioned on a firm, level and smooth surface before elevating
platform or driving with the platform in the elevated position. - Before driving on floors, bridges, trucks, and other surfaces, check allowable capacity of the surfaces.
- Never exceed the maximum work load as specified on the platform. Keep all loads within the confines of the platform, unless authorized by the manufacturer.
- Keep the chassis of the machine a minimum of 2 ft. (0.6m) from holes, bumps, drop-offs, obstructions, debris, concealed holes, and other potential hazards at the ground level.
- Do not push or pull any object with the boom.
- Never attempt to use the machine as a crane. Do not tie-off machine to any adjacent structure. Never attach wire, cable, or any similar items to platform.
- If boom assembly or platform is in a position that one or more wheels are off the ground, all persons must be removed before attempting to stabilize the machine. Use cranes, forklift trucks,
or other appropriate equipment to stabilize machine. - Do not operate the machine when wind conditions, including gusts, may exceed 28 mph (12.5 m/s). Factors affecting wind speed are; platform elevation, surrounding structures, local weather events, and approaching storms. Refer to Table of Beaufort scale (For Reference Only) or use other means to monitor wind conditions.
Beaufort Number |
Wind Speed (m/s) | Description | Land Conditions |
0 | 0-0.2 | Calm | Calm. Smoke rises vertically |
1 | 0.3-1.5 | Light air | Wind motion visible in smoke |
2 | 1.6-3.3 | Light breeze | Wind felt on exposed skin. Leaves rustle |
3 | 3.4-5.4 | Gentle breeze | Leaves and smaller twigs in constant motion |
4 | 5.5-7.9 | Moderate breeze | Dust and loose paper raised. Small branches begin to move. |
5 | 8.0-10.7 | Fresh breeze | Smaller trees sway. |
6 | 10.8-13.8 | Strong breeze | Large branches in motion. Flags waving near horizontal. Umbrella use becomes difficult. |
7 | 13.9-17.1 | Near Gale/Moderate Gale | Whole trees in motion. Effort needed to walk against the wind. |
8 | 17.2-20.7 | Fresh Gale | Twigs broken from trees. Cars veer on road. |
9 | 20.8-24.4 | Strong Gale | Light structure damage. |
- Wind speed can be significantly greater at height than at ground level.
- Wind speed can change rapidly. Always consider approaching weather events, the time required to lower the platform, and methods to monitor current and potential wind conditions.
- Do not increase surface area of the platform or the load. Increased areas exposed to wind will decrease stability.
- Do not increase the platform size with unauthorized modifications or attachments.
Crushing and Collision Hazards
- Approved head gear must be worn by all operating and ground personnel.
- Check work area for clearances overhead, on sides, and bottom of platform when lifting or lowering platform, and driving.
- During operation, keep all body parts inside platform railing.
- Use the boom functions, not the drive function, to position the platform close to obstacles.
- Always post a lookout when driving in areas where vision is obstructed.
- Keep non-operating personnel at least 6 ft. (1.8m) away from machine during all driving and swing operations.
- Under all travel conditions, the operator must limit travel speed according to conditions of ground surface, congestion, visibility, slope, location of personnel, and other factors which may cause collision or injury to personnel.
- Be aware of stopping distances in all drive speeds. When driving in high speed, switch to low speed before stopping. Travel grades in low speed only.
- Do not use high speed drive in restricted or close quarters or when driving in reverse.
- Exercise extreme caution at all times to prevent obstacles from striking or interfering with operating controls and persons in the platform.
- Be sure that operators of other overhead and floor level machines are aware of the aerial work platform’s presence. Disconnect power to overhead cranes.
- Warn personnel not to work, stand, or walk under a raised boom or platform. Position barricades on floor if necessary.
Towing, lifting and hauling
- Never allow personnel in platform while towing, lifting, or hauling.
- The machine should not be towed, except in the event of emergency, malfunction, power failure, or loading/unloading.
- Ensure boom is in the stowed position and, if equipped, the turntable locked prior to towing, lifting or hauling. The platform must be completely empty of tools.
- When lifting machine, lift only at designated areas of the machine. Lift the unit with equipment of adequate capacity.
Maintenance Hazards
- Shut off power to all controls and ensure that all moving parts are secured from inadvertent motion prior to performing any adjustments or repairs.
- Never work under an elevated platform until it has been fully lowered to the full down position, if possible, or otherwise supported and restrained from movement with appropriate safety props, blocking, or overhead supports.
- DO NOT attempt to repair or tighten any hydraulic hoses or fittings while the machine is powered on or when the hydraulic system is under pressure.
- Always relieve hydraulic pressure from all hydraulic circuits before loosening or removing hydraulic components.
- DO NOT use your hand to check for leaks. Use a piece of cardboard or paper to search for leaks. Wear gloves to help protect hands from spraying fluid.
- Ensure replacement parts or components are identical or equivalent to original parts or components.
- Never attempt to move heavy parts without the aid of a mechanical device. Do not allow heavy objects to rest in an unstable position. Ensure adequate support is provided when raising components of the machine.
- Do not use machine as a ground for welding.
- When performing welding or metal cutting operations, precautions must be taken to protect the chassis from direct exposure to weld and metal cutting spatter.
- Do not refuel the machine with the engine running.
- Use only approved non-flammable cleaning solvents.
- Do not replace items critical to stability, such as batteries or solid tires, with items of different weight or specification. Do not modify unit in any way to affect stability.
Battery Hazards
- Always disconnect batteries when servicing electrical components or when performing welding on the machine.
- Do not allow smoking, open flame, or sparks near battery during charging or servicing.
- Do not contact tools or other metal objects across the battery terminals.
- Always wear hand, eye, and face protection when servicing batteries. Ensure that battery acid does not come in contact with skin or clothing.
- Charge batteries only in a well ventilated area.
- Avoid overfilling the battery fluid level. Add distilled water to batteries only after the batteries are fully charged.
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