Aerial Lift 16 Flashcards
Safely and legally parking your aerial lift vehicle involves
evaluating the work site, orienting your aerial lift vehicle, and understanding what to check for before and after leaving your aerial lift vehicle’s cab.
Evaluating the Work Site includes (18)
Exact location of any overhead electrical, telephone, TV cable, or other utility lines Location of slopes Potholes Broken curbs Open trenches Drop-offs or overhangs Soil conditions (soft or hard) Standing water and marshy areas Rocks, stumps and tall grass Overhead or side obstructions Conditions of roads Traffic pattern Heavy traffic Underground structures Thick dust, smoke, fog Tree limbs Pedestrian traffic Double parked vehicles
the two main risks associated with operating an aerial lift.
Electrocution caused by operating too close to power lines or using unsafe work practices; and
Injuries caused by falling as a result of equipment failure or performing an unstable maneuver.
the common causes of aerial lift accidents.
Stability problems
Operator error
Violating OSHA regulations
State the minimum clearance requirements between electric power lines and the conductive parts of the aerial lift
Powerline Voltage Vs. Minimum Distance to Aerial Lift 300V and less Avoid contact Over 300V, not over 750V 12 inches Over 750V, not over 2KV 18 inches Over 2KV, not over 15KV 24 inches Over 15KV, not over 37KV 36 inches Over 37KV, not over 87.5 KV 42 inches
keeps records of all reported work place incidents
OSHA
Examples of operator error include:
Improperly positioning the aerial lift vehicle
Metallic portions of the boom coming into contact with electric power lines
Failure to practice emergency procedures
Moving bucket over the roadway
Work zone protection or marking issues
Examples of violating OSHA/DOT regulations include
Not using a five-point harness and deceleration lanyard properly
Failure to use wheel chocks
Work zone protection or marking issues
Not performing a daily checklist
Unmarked controls
Overloading the boom or bucket with too much weight
Moving the aerial lift vehicle with the boom raised
Standing on an inserted box for extra reach
Overreaching the bucket work zone
Failure to adequately train personnel
Boom:
A movable, mechanical structure used to support a platform, material handling components and/or other attachments on a unit.
The federal regulations for aerial lifts include
OSHA 1926.453-Aerial Lift, 1910.67-Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms, ANSI A92.2, and Department of Transportation (DOT).
OSHA 1926.453
Aerial Lifts have specific requirements for extendable boom platforms including daily lift control tests, unauthorized belting off locations, authorized and unauthorized work positions, harness and lanyard usage and attachment, boom and bucket load limits, parking, stabilization, movement prohibition, upper and lower controls, control markings, and pre-travel requirements.
OSHA 1910.67
Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms has a general requirement for maintaining clearances while operating an aerial lift around electric power lines, depending on the line voltage. It contains specific requirements for articulating boom platforms regarding daily control testing, trained persons only operate an aerial lift, authorized and unauthorized working positions, boom and bucket load limits, upper and lower control functions, and pre-travel requirements.
Articulating Boom:
An aerial device with two or more boom sections that are connected at joint(s) that allows one boom to pivot with respect to the adjacent boom.
ANSI A92.2
Inspection and testing certifications
Inspection item lists
Maintenance and frequency of maintenance guidelines
When you’re not absolutely sure of voltage levels on overhead power lines…
maintain the maximum possible distance.
Most problems that affect the safe operation of your unit can be found by simply
walking around the aerial lift vehicle and verifying the condition of critical components.
Aerial lift inspections are completed
daily, weekly and monthly.
Inspection items described in detail include:
Aerial lift cab Engine compartment Tire Oil Leaks Aerial Lift Frequent Inspection and Test (Daily)
Start your inspection of your aerial lift vehicle in the cab by checking the condition of the following:
Fire extinguisher (Must be in cab)
First aid kit and flares
Lights, including any strobe or other warning lights
Wheel chocks
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI):
A device that protects against electric shock if a technician comes into contact with a live/hot wire and a path to ground that would result in a current through his/her body.
Check under the hood of the aerial lift vehicle for the following:
Proper engine oil level and other fluid levels
Hoses and belts
General condition of the engine
Setting of the circuit breakers for the generator’s DC output
Emergency power
Always check tire and . (2)
pressure and condition
Look for oil leaks beneath the aerial lift vehicle and aerial lift (on the floor or ground) as an obvious sign of
an impending problem
Aerial lift inspections include inspecting:
Bolts Welds Hydraulic oil level Hydraulic oil lines Loose objects on the boom and in the bucket Lower and upper lift controls Leveling system Decals Bucket
Pay particular attention to the four mounting bolts that secure the aerial lift to the aerial lift vehicle. The four different categories of bolts requiring inspection are:
Bolts holding pin retainer tabs
Bolts holding pin retainer washers
Pedestal mounting bolts
The upper rotation bearing bolts
providing a quick means of detecting any loosening,Critical bolts are
torque seal marked
Inspect all welds for signs of
fatigue, rust, and cracks.
Examples of some critical welds that warrant special attention on your daily inspection are located where the:
Turret wings are welded to the base plate
Cylinder mounts are welded to the boom
Cylinder mounts are welded to the turret
Welds are on the platform support
It is important to maintain the proper hydraulic oil level to:
Help maintain the proper operating oil temperature and pressure.
Give the operator more time to lower the bucket in the event of a hydraulic line leak
Check the hydraulic reservoir oil level in the sight gauges located on
the side of the pedestal.
Check the hydraulic reservoir oil level with the boom…
fully retracted and lowered into the stowed position.
Inspect all exposed hydraulic lines for
loose or leaking connections and frayed jackets.
During Leveling System Inspections you should check…
the master cylinder, slave cylinder, hoses, and fittings for damage, wear, or foreign objects that may prevent proper operation.
When should you check the condition of all identification, caution, warning, operational, and instructional decals?
During your walk around
Inspect the fiberglass bucket for cracks or other signs of damage in the
mounting ribs, floor, and flange around the top.
Daily inspections are to be performed by the operator when?
once daily, prior to the first use of the aerial lift vehicle.
The frequent inspection is performed
daily
Daily Inspection Checklist…Make certain that the bucket, arms, or pedestal
does not move when the controls are in the neutral position.
Daily Inspection Checklist…Determine that there is no excessive play in
the bucket, arms, or pedestal
Daily Inspection Checklist…Ensure the valves and controls
operate smoothly
Daily Inspection Checklist…Determine whether there are any unusual noises when
operating the mechanical or hydraulic components
Daily Inspection Checklist…Make certain that the operation of the bucket, arms or pedestal does not become sluggish after the unit is
thoroughly warmed up.
Daily Inspection Checklist…Ensure the outriggers hold securely in
both the up and down positions
Outrigger:
A structural member, which when properly extended or deployed on firm ground or outrigger pads, assists in stabilizing the mobile unit.
Daily Inspection Checklist…Visually inspect the outrigger pins to make certain that
they are securely in place
Daily Inspection Checklist…Ensure the engine throttle is
reading correctly
Daily Inspection Checklist…If the basket is equipped with a basket-dumping device, visually check
the locking mechanism to make certain that it is secure.
Daily Inspection Checklist…Upper arms that are enclosed may be equipped with one or more desiccant containers. Replace the desiccant if the color is
not blue
Daily Inspection Checklist…Verify that outrigger operation alarms
are working
Daily Inspection Checklist…Visually check hydraulic hoses to determine
that they are not kinked or chafed
Daily Inspection Checklist…Make certain that the cap on the hydraulic tank is secure to assure
that no foreign ingredients get into the hydraulic system
Daily Inspection Checklist…Inspect the arms and
bucket
Daily Inspection Checklist…Inspect the operational and instructional markings and decals to make certain that
they have not been damaged to the extent that they are illegible to the operators.
Daily Inspection Checklist…If the control system is electric, fiber-optic, infrared or radio controlled, perform a
battery check and a function test of the control system.
Daily Inspection Checklist…If performing the pre-work electrical test, check the
lower test electrode system and circuit continuity.
there are required aerial lift vehicle maintenance checks. As shown in the Aerial Lift Inspection Forms, there are
daily, weekly, monthly, every two months, and semiannual inspections and tests.
In addition to these, any inspections or maintenance required by the manufacturer must also be performed.The daily checks include:
Testing controls and operating systems
Electrical power
Inspecting the bucket
Verifying that the bucket and boom are secured
Inventory of all safety equipment and the condition of each
Tire pressures
Hydraulic oil level
The weekly checks include inspecting the:
Battery condition Fan belt pump Rotation chain Bolt tightness Stabilizers Proper operations
The monthly checks include inspecting:
Structural Telescoping bearings Telescoping boom and boom pads Rust Wiring Bucket override Rotation limit switches Holding valves Interior of boom Hydraulic leveling system Decals
The every two months maintenance schedule includes:
Lubricating zerks and Checking the gearbox oil level
Zerk
: A grease fitting. Invented by Oscar U. Zerk, an American (Austrian-born) inventor who invented the grease fitting in the early 1900’s.
The semi-annual maintenance schedule includes:
Changing the hydraulic filter
Inspecting the hydraulic oil
Checking all valve pressure settings
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
CDL
Commercial Driver’s License
DOT
Department of Transportation
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):
The Maximum permissible weight of the unit, including the vehicle plus all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance, never exceed the GVWR.
Hazards of Driving A Heavy-Duty Aerial Lift Vehicle include:
The length, height, width, weight, boom and bucket, turning radius, brake action, and required distance to stop your aerial lift vehicle is significantly different from the van or pickup truck you drove as a technician.
remember to allow more and to stop.
time and distance
Maneuver around corners and obstacles safely by remembering
the difference in turning radius and length of your aerial lift vehicle.
Avoid hitting low hanging tree limbs, restaurant drive-thru signs, gas station awnings and other overhead obstacles by remembering
the stowed height of your aerial lift’s boom and bucket.
The traveling height of your vehicle will be located where?
posted in the cab and specified in your aerial lift operator’s manual.
Safely and legally parking your aerial lift vehicle involves
evaluating the work site, orienting your aerial lift vehicle, and understanding what to check for before and after leaving your aerial lift vehicle’s cab.
Check for the following at the work site:
Exact location of any overhead electrical, telephone, TV cable, or other utility lines Location of slopes Potholes Broken curbs Open trenches Drop-offs or overhangs Soil conditions (soft or hard) Standing water and marshy areas Rocks, stumps and tall grass Overhead or side obstructions Conditions of roads Traffic pattern Heavy traffic Underground structures Thick dust, smoke, fog Tree limbs Pedestrian traffic Double parked vehicles
Properly orient your aerial lift vehicle at the work site by
not exceeding the maximum recommended slope, ensuring optimum stability, and positioning your aerial lift vehicle to minimize reach and avoid overhead obstacles.
Parking on a Slope:
Reduces stability
Places additional stress on rotation system
Requires extra precaution to avoid overturning vehicle
Optimize Stability by:
Maintaining correct tire pressure Positioning vehicle near work site Facing vehicle up or down the slope Head boom uphill and maintain boom beyond the center of your vehicle Using outrigger pads Not exceeding 5 degree slope
Park your aerial lift vehicle as close to the work as possible to
to minimize reach, but ensure that there are no obstructions to prevent safe and proper lift and rotation.
Leave your vehicle engine running unless
the lift is powered by an auxiliary engine, generator or batteries
Before leaving the vehicle cab and operating the aerial lift, do the following:
Set the parking brake and the brake lock (if so equipped)
Shift your aerial lift vehicle transmission to neutral (or park for automatic transmissions) and leave your aerial lift vehicle engine running to operate the lift. When an auxiliary engine (generator option) is used, place your automatic transmission in park or your manual transmission in gear. Turn off your aerial lift vehicle engine.
Turn on warning lights/flashers to alert pedestrians and motorists
Depress the clutch (manual transmission) and engage the Power Take-Off (PTO), if so equipped.
Activate your aerial lift’s power system with the toggle switch on the dashboard of your aerial lift vehicle. A red light next to the toggle switch on the dashboard indicates when the power system is energized. The truck ignition must be in the RUN position unless equipped with an auxiliary engine
Power Take-Off (PTO)
An additional mechanism enabling vehicle engine power to be used to operate non-automotive equipment such as a pump.
Position aerial lift vehicle to:
Minimize reach
Avoid overhead obstacles
Provide safe and proper lift and rotation
After leaving your aerial lift vehicle cab,
, chock the wheels in case the emergency brake fails. Set up adequate cones or barricades to mark the boundaries of the work site and alert pedestrians and motorists, as designated by your system’s requirements. Never work outside the boundaries.
There are different types of decals:
(1) Danger (2) Warning; (3) Caution; and (4) Operating Instructions/Notice.
Operational hazards include
electrocution, injuries (from falling, equipment failure, and unstable maneuvering) and improper traffic control.
There is no insulating value in a aerial lift bucket without a bucket liner.
fiberglass
Injuries can occur from
falling, equipment failure, and unstable maneuvering.
If the aerial lift has set idle for an extended period (i.e., overnight), or was recently serviced, cycle the lift through its full range of motion several times. This will
force any trapped air out of the hydraulic system.
Air trapped in the hydraulic oil can cause
erratic and unpredictable lift movements resulting in unstable maneuvering.
Injuries can occur from:
Falling out of bucket
Equipment failure
Unstable maneuvering
Utilize proper traffic control techniques to:
Reduce accidents
Minimize chance of injury to Comcast employees and the public
Reduce chance of damage to private and public property
Minimize the possibility of claims and litigation arising from work zone accidents
Reduce confusion to motorist
Expedite traffic flow
Improve our public image
list the minimum safety equipment required for aerial lift vehicles:
Reflective cones “Work Area Ahead” signs Stands with flag holders 2 – Stop/Slow Paddles 1 – Beacon 1 – Class ΙΙΙ Vest per person 1 – Fire extinguisher 1 – Flashlight or floodlight 1 – Set of emergency triangles 1 – First aid kit 2 – Wheel chocks 1 – Comcast accident kit containing procedures and forms
It is important to know and not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications regarding
maximum boom lifting capacity, maximum bucket load capacity, and payload.
Exceeding the load limit (weight of operator and equipment) posted on the boom by the manufacturer can
increase the chances of instability and damage the boom and/or bucket.
Know the chassis weight of the aerial lift vehicle to comply with all DOT regulations. These specifications are usually provided in the
aerial lift operator’s manual.
Prior to operating from the aerial lift bucket each day, test
the lift from the lower controls and from the bucket at ground level and verify that all systems are operating properly.
When weather is below freezing, operate the boom pump to minutes prior to the start of work to ensure all boom/bucket components are properly functioning.
5 to 10
Hydraulic oil mist caused by a leak or hydraulic line failure is conductive even though
a non-conductive oil is used.
If the hydraulic leak is not repaired, the oil in the reservoir will be
depleted and pump damage may occur.
Most hydraulic oils are
flammable. Therefore, any contact between hydraulic oil and sources of high heat or open flames may result in a fire. Bodily contact with hot oil may cause serious burns.
Hydraulic oil can become embedded beneath
the skin or contaminate the eyes.
Turn in any clearance violations to
the proper construction department person(s) for correction
Always visually inspect and test metal power conduit on joint use poles, exposed vertical power ground wires, and street light fixtures which are
below CATV attachments, or less than 20” above, to see if they are energized. Test for voltage even if they appear visually to be properly bonded to communication suspension strand or cable sheath
Always consider the following energized:
Metal power conduit on joint use poles Exposed vertical power ground wires Street light fixtures below CATV attachments All electrical parts All wiring
When storing the aerial lift for road travel:
Retract the inner boom completely
Rotate the outer/inner boom assembly until it is centered over the boom rest
Rotate the boom so the bottom of the platform is centered over the platform support
Lower the outer/inner boom assembly onto the boom rest
Release the outer/inner boom control switch to the neutral position as soon as there is contact with the boom rest pad
Secure the outer/inner boom assembly with the tie-down strap
Raise up the outriggers to their full “up” travel position;
Turn off the electrical system
Disengage the hydraulic oil pump drive to prevent damaging both the transmission, pump, and the PTO
Remove the wheel chocks
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
To minimize and prevent head and eye injuries, always wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working in your aerial lift bucket, including
hardhat, leather gloves, safety vest and eye protection.
Deceleration Lanyard:
: A device that serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limits the energy imposed on the technician during fall arrest.
While working in your bucket, you must wear an approved fall arrest system, which includes
the five-point safety harness, a deceleration lanyard and designated attachment device on the boom.
Always try to position your aerial lift bucket so that the intended work is located between
your waist and shoulders to prevent or minimize overreaching.
Properly Positioning your Aerial Lift Bucket into a Working Position:
Position your aerial lift bucket lower than any power transmission wires or electrical components to prevent accidental contact with electrical power.
Position your aerial lift bucket so that the intended work is located between your waist and shoulders to prevent or minimize overreaching and accidentally falling out of the bucket.
To avoid falling, always stand with your feet
flat on the floor of the bucket while working from your aerial lift.
Causes of Falling Out of Lift Bucket:
Overreaching by leaning out of the bucket past your shoulders
Standing or sitting on the top edge of the bucket
Using ladders, planks or other devices to elevate yourself
Raise and Lower Tools and Equipment Using
a Hand Line
The OSHA standards, under Subpart M of 1926, require
a method to self-rescue from an aerial lift in case of mechanical failure, etc. The specific rules states: “The employer shall provide for proper rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”
To comply with the OSHA standards, Subpart M of 1926, the following alternative guidelines have been established:
Prior to conducting work requiring elevating yourself in an aerial lift bucket, contact the dispatcher by radio and inform him/her of your plans.
Always carry a portable radio or cell phone in the bucket – keep it in a pocket or some other location within reach in case you fall from the bucket.
Setscrew:
A short screw, typically with an Allen type head, that is used as a clamp to bind parts together.
In an emergency, the first priority is always
the safety of the personnel involved.
