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.