Safe Work Practices
Each employee needs to be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. This includes but is not limited to:
- Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
- Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical or electrical safety devices.
- Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
- Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
- Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the workers.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet from the nearest overhead lines.
- Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent workers from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
- Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
- Use outriggers, if provided.
- Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.
- Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment while working from an aerial lift is not permitted.