Equipment and Machines

Aerial Lifts - Safe Work Practices

  • 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.

Chipper Machines - Safe Work Practices

  • Never reach into a chipper while it is operating.

  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around a chipper.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions.

  • Use earplugs, safety glasses, hard hats and gloves.

  • Workers should be trained in the safe operation of chipper machines.

  • Always supervise new workers using a chipper to ensure that they work safely and never endanger themselves or others.

  • Protect yourself from contacting moving chipper components by guarding the in-feed and discharge ports and preventing the opening of the access covers or doors until the drum or disc completely stops.

  • Prevent detached trailer chippers from rolling or sliding on slopes by chocking the trailer wheels.

  • Maintain a safe distance (i.e., two tree or log lengths) between chipper operations and other work/workers.

  • When servicing or maintaining chipping equipment (unjamming), use a lockout system to ensure that the equipment is de-energized.