Aerial lifts can make a difference in your company’s day to day operation. There is a broad spectrum of models with a variety of lift heights suitable for almost any work environment. When choosing an aerial lift, some aspects to consider are indoor vs. outdoor applications, vertical and horizontal reach of platform and lifting capacities.
Made for the purpose of lifting workers, tools and light materials, aerial lifts can move easily on the work site and provide safer access in hard to reach areas. The design of these lifts allow operator mobility and flexibility which increases efficiency. It also replaces the use of traditional ladders, man-baskets on lift trucks and scaffolds to make working at high elevations safer. Industries such as manufacturing plants, maintenance service providers, real estate management companies and warehouse and construction companies all utilize aerial lifts. Besides general construction, you will see aerial lifts being used to handle routine building maintenance, painting, trimming trees, installing rooftop HVAC services and inventory management.
Safety
Today’s aerial lift provides safety features that greatly eclipse traditional equipment in stability, purpose-designed controls, and emergency back-up systems. Slip-resistant surfaces prevent falling and high guard railings enclose the worker. On boom-supported lifts, a full-body harness and lanyard completes a fall restraint system. However, it is important to remember even with the existing safety features, an operator should perform pre-start inspections of vehicle including lift structure, hydraulic/electric components, controls, limits, emergency systems and inspect the work site for hazards. In addition, training for the operator will ensure that the correct steps are being taken for injury prevention. This training is extensive and will include information regarding:
- Fall protection and job hazards analysis
- Pre-shift Inspections
- Wind exposure limits
- Unstable and sloping surfaces
- Live power proximity
- Tipping hazards and falling objects
- Load capacity of the AWP
- Emergency descent/Rescue
- Safe and proper machine positioning and use of the elevating design
Do you have an aerial lift need? ProLift can help! Learn more about our Aichi product line or contact us today for aerial lift rentals, service or safety training.