What are the key safety procedures that should be followed when working in aerial lifts?
• Survey the work area for potential hazards such as overhead electrical lines. • Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. • Use proper fall restraint or fall protection (see section on fall protection). • Never operate aerial lift equipment without adequate, hands on training. If you are renting equipment, be sure that the rental company provides hands on training as part of the rental. • Inspect the equipment daily to ensure the structural and mechanical integrity. • Keep the equipment and controls clean, free of dirt, oil and other contaminants. • Never move the lift truck with the boom elevated or with workers in the bucket. • Park the vehicle with the flow of traffic, engage beacons, set brakes, chock the wheels. • Set up a work zone that isolates the vehicle from traffic. Provide sufficient clearance for the extension of the boom. (see section on work zone safety) • Fully engage outriggers and pads to stabilize the vehicle; avoid slopes, pothole
