5 Must-Have Features in a Self Propelled Aerial Lift

Author: Ruby

Aug. 19, 2024

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15 Aerial Lift Safety Tips for Operators, Managers, and ...

This article is all about aerial lift safety tips for operators, managers, and pedestrians.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Felici.

In it, you&#;ll learn:

What an aerial lift is
The most common aerial lifts hazards
15 aerial work platforms safety tips

Let&#;s get started!

What Is an Aerial Lift?

Today, many job sites prefer aerial lifts to ladders and scaffolding because of their flexibility and mobility.

But there&#;s some confusion about what exactly aerial lifts are.

And since aerial lifts are usually used in the workplace, it makes sense to go to OSHA for the definition.

So, what does OSHA consider an aerial lift?

OSHA gives the following definition:

&#;An aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted device, telescoping or articulating, used to elevate personnel, including:

Extendable boom platforms
Aerial ladders
Articulating (jointed) boom platforms
Vertical towers, and
Any combination of the above.&#;

&#; OSHA Standard .67(a)(2)

It&#;s important to note that this definition does not include scissor lifts.

Instead, those are considered scaffolding.

What Are Aerial Lifts Used For?

Aerial lifts help people and equipment reach levels of heights that they or other types of machines cannot reach.

They&#;re used in many industries including:

Construction
Building maintenance
Safety inspections
Electric or line repair

What Are the Most Common Aerial Lift Hazards?

According to OSHA, the following hazards can lead to injury or death:

Electrocution

Electric shock can occur from contact with power lines, electrical wires, and conductors.

Electric shock can also transfer to you through the machine if it lacks insulation and touches a power line.

Falling Objects

Objects falling from the lift, such as tools or materials, can strike someone beneath the lift.

And this can cause serious injury or death.

Tip-Overs

Aerial lifts become less stable as their height increases.

Because of the increased instability, tip-overs can occur because of the slightest obstacles like debris, uneven terrain, holes, or inclines.

Falling from Height

Operators can be ejected from the platform while the aerial lift is operating.

Falls usually occur when an operator isn&#;t wearing a harness or fails to hook their harness to the platform properly.

Structural Failures

Structural failures can cause the aerial lift to collapse.

This can happen if the machine is defective or overloaded.

Entanglements

Aerial lifts have many moving parts like cords, chains, pulleys, and ropes.

And each of these can create pinch points and entanglements, resulting in serious injuries.

Collisions

Collisions occur most often when the aerial lift is operating in high-traffic areas.

Collision hazards can also happen when contact is made with overhead obstructions.

15 Aerial Lift Safety Tips

1. Know the Rules

OSHA and ANSI specify the safety regulations and standards for aerial lift usage and handling.

OSHA provides regulations, which are the legal rules and guidelines that employers, users, and operators need to abide by.

ANSI, on the other hand, formulates the industry standards for aerial lift design and usage.

In that sense, ANSI rules are voluntary &#; not legal requirements.

So does that mean you don&#;t have to follow them?

Not necessarily.

That&#;s because OSHA often incorporates ANSI&#;s rules into their own.

And that effectively makes the ANSI rules the law.

So, what are the OSHA boom lift safety requirements?

They are:

Now, what are ANSI&#;s aerial lift rules?

They&#;re contained within the ANSI A92 standard.

2. Make Sure Your Employees Are Trained

Is aerial lift training OSHA-required?

Answer: Yes.

OSHA mandates that &#;Only trained and authorized persons are allowed to operate an aerial lift.&#;

So what should this training include?

Explanations of electrical, fall, and falling object hazards
Procedures for dealing with hazards
Recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions in the work setting
How to correctly operate the lift (including maximum intended load and load capacity)
Demonstrations of the skills and knowledge needed to operate an aerial lift before using it on the job
When and how to perform inspections
Manufacturer&#;s requirements

Aerial lift safety training isn&#;t a &#;one and done&#; thing, either.

Instead, OSHA mandates retraining in several circumstances, including:

When operators are using a different aerial lift type than they&#;re trained on
An accident occurs
A new hazard is discovered
Operators are observed using an aerial lift improperly

Now, ANSI has additional training regulations in place that you should be aware of.

These regulations apply to owners, users, supervisors, maintenance personnel, passengers, and operators.

Some of the key training requirements of the A92 standard are:

All supervisors who oversee personnel operating aerial lifts need to have specific supervisor training
All operators&#; previous aerial lift training is now null and void, and they need to be re-trained under the new standards
All platform occupants must have a basic level of knowledge to work safely on aerial lifts, including how to operate the controls in an emergency

For more information on ANSI&#;s aerial lift training standards, you can read this helpful guide from Genie.

3. Be Vigilant Around Power Lines

Working at height with aerial lifts can often mean working around power lines.

And getting an electric shock from a live power line is obviously a serious hazard.

So when working near a power line, aerial lift operators should:

Inspect the work area for cables and live power lines
Always treat overhead power lines as energized. Do this even if they appear insulated or down
Always wear the correct PPE when operating the lift near a power line
Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet away from the overhead line
Keep any conductive object that can contact the power line a minimum of 10 feet away from it
Shield any power cables
Only use insulated aerial lifts designed to work near power lines
Ensure that workers are adequately trained and have certified electrical training

4. Watch Out for Pedestrians

Pedestrians face several dangers when near aerial lifts.

These include:

Being struck or run over
Being crushed by a lowering platform
Being struck by falling objects

So, keeping pedestrians safe around aerial lifts is crucial.

An effective way to do this is by implementing traffic control measures.

What should that entail?

OSHA&#;s guidelines on this include:

Placing an advanced warning sign
Setting up safety cones or barricades
Roping the area off
Using caution when lowering the platform
Guiding motorists through the traffic control zone
Installing screens between the toe boards and guardrails to protect pedestrians and workers underneath from falling objects

One of the most dangerous situations for pedestrians is when aerial lift operators cannot see around them.

So many folks wonder: Do you need a spotter for an aerial lift?

And the answer is that anytime there&#;s a hazard present, you should have a spotter.

After all, spotters can help guide the operator as well as keep pedestrians out of harm&#;s way.

5. Inspect Your Work Zone First

Work zones can have many risks that threaten the safe operation of aerial lifts.

And so OSHA requires that work zones be inspected for hazards.

Workers must then take corrective actions to eliminate all threats before and during aerial lift operations.

Some of these hazards to look out for include:

Potholes, drop-offs, holes, loose dirt, slope, ditches, bumps, and other unstable surfaces
Debris and other floor obstructions
Overhead obstructions like electric power lines and communication cables
Inadequate ceiling heights
High wind, ice, snow, and other severe weather conditions
Other aerial lifts within close proximity

6. Watch Your Overhead While Raising

You must pay attention to any overhead obstructions while raising the platform.

Otherwise, you can risk crushing yourself or the lift.

If you&#;re working indoors, the overhead hazards to watch for are:

Ceilings
Sprinklers
Heating/cooling units
Fans
Pipes
Lights

And when you&#;re working outside, watch out for:

Electrical power lines
Communication cables
Cranes or other lifts within the work zone

7. Wear Fall Protection

Fall protection should be a key item in your aerial lift safety checklist.

Aerial lift operators and users should wear harnesses attached to the lifting platform.

These help in case the operator falls out of the platform or bucket.

But not just any aerial lift safety harness will do.

Rather, you should wear a body harness &#; not just a body belt.

Why?

Because a body belt only fits around the operator&#;s waist.

And if the operator falls, the body belt can cause severe injury to the spine or asphyxiation by compressing the lungs.

A body harness, on the other hand, fits around the operator&#;s legs, arms, and torso.

And in the event of a fall, the operator is at a lower risk of injury to their organs or skeletal system.

&#;&#;there are hazards associated with body belts that are greatly reduced by the substitution of body harnesses. Accordingly, we believe that body harnesses rather than body belts are the appropriate form of fall protection for employees working on elevated powered industrial truck platforms.&#;

OSHA

Besides the body harness itself, you&#;ll need to ensure operators are attached with a lanyard.

And part of that includes making sure that the lanyard is the proper length.

The lanyard length must take into account the worker&#;s height and the lift&#;s platform height along with a three-foot safety margin.

So here&#;s the lanyard length formula:

Take the platform height
Subtract the height of the operator
Subtract 3 feet

The result is the maximum lanyard length.

8. Be Aware of Slopes

Slopes can present a heightened risk of boom lift tip-overs.

So if possible, avoid using the lift on slopes.

But if you must, do so with extreme caution.

Here&#;s how:

First, check if your aerial lift is rated to work on an incline.

If it is, you&#;ll next need to find your lift&#;s allowed maximum slope or safe working angle.

Where can you find this?

It&#;s often specified on the manufacturer&#;s identification plate or marked by a decal on the platform.

If not, check the operator&#;s manual.

If your lift can handle the slope you&#;ve encountered, follow these safety tips for navigating slopes:

Only trained operators should move machines on a slope
Make sure to turn on the aerial lift&#;s slope sensor. An audible alarm will alert the operator if the lift reaches a slope
Use the right outriggers and position them properly for the slope
Install wheel chocks if the manufacturer allows
Limit the lift&#;s stowed driving speed according to the slope&#;s surface traction
Do not raise or extend the boom arm unless on a level, firm surface

9. Watch Out for Falling Objects

Aerial lift operators often have tools and materials in the basket.

But these can easily fall and cause injury or death, especially considering an elevated platform can be 45 feet or higher.

Of course, you can&#;t always tell when objects will fall.

But you can take measures to prevent it from happening, including:

Having OSHA-approved dropped object prevention training
Wear hard hats and steel-toe shoes if working around aerial lifts
Use debris nets. The right debris nets will help workers to easily collect items that fall from the lift and protect the workers and bystanders below the lifts
Use toe boards. This is a piece of wood or metal placed on an aerial lift to prevent objects and tools from falling off the lift
Ensure the aerial work surface has no loose objects that can fall. Secure any small tools or hardware to prevent falling objects
Organize your bucket/platform. Know where everything is to eliminate clumsy, awkward actions that could result in dropped objects

10. Check the Weight Limit

Weight limits for aerial lifts include the operator, tools, equipment, and supplies on the platform.

It&#;s important to know how much weight an aerial lift can hold to support your work.

&#;You should always be aware of the limits and be sure never to exceed the lift&#;s manufacturer-provided maximum operating weight capacity.&#;

OSHA Standard .453(b)(2)(vi)

Otherwise, you can risk collapsing the lift and causing serious injury.

So, how much weight can a boom lift lift?

Different aerial lifts types have different platform weight limits.

For example, the weight limit of boom lifts ranges from 350 lbs. to 1,000 lbs., with 500 lbs. being the most common.

Vertical man lifts, on the other hand, are generally rated for up to 350 lbs.

If you&#;re not sure of the weight limit of your aerial lift, here&#;s how to check:

Check the owner&#;s manual
Check the lift&#;s data plate
Check if a decal marks it on the platform

11. Never Use an Aerial Lift as a Crane

A common question folks have is: Can you use an aerial lift as a crane?

As you can tell from this section&#;s heading (and if you read tip #10), the answer is &#;No.&#;

Aerial lifts are designed for elevating personnel, tools, and some materials.

But they&#;re not designed to lift heavy loads.

Using an aerial lift as a crane can cause the mechanical components to fail, leading to injury and possible death.

So if you need to lift heavy materials, use a forklift, telehandler, or crane instead.

12. Inspect Before Operating

How often do aerial lifts need to be inspected?

Answer: OSHA requires a pre-start inspection before every work shift.

This is to verify that the aerial lift and all its components are safe and in good operating condition.

So what&#;s involved in aerial lift inspections?

Step #1: Start with the vehicle itself

This includes:

Checking fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, fuel, and coolant)
Verifying that there are no leaks
Checking the battery level and charger
Inspecting the wheels and tires
Testing the lower-level controls
Testing the steering and brakes
Checking the horn, lights, gauges, and backup alarms

Step #2: Verify the lift&#;s components

This includes the:

Operating and emergency controls
Hydraulic, electrical, fuel, and pneumatic systems
Guardrail systems, cable, and wiring harnesses
Personal protective devices
Insulating components, including fiberglass
Verifying loose or missing parts
Replacing unreadable or missing placards or warnings, including operational, control, and instructional markings
Checking locking pins and mechanical fasteners
Inspecting outriggers, stabilizers, and wheel chocks

Make sure you perform these inspections and tests before loading any workers or supplies.

13. Keep Up on Maintenance

Aerial lifts are like any other vehicle or piece of equipment &#; they need regular maintenance.

Maintenance helps keep the lift safe and in proper operating condition, improving its productivity.

It also saves money on repairs and extends the equipment&#;s life.

So, how often should you perform maintenance on your aerial lift?

ANSI standards (ANSI/SIA 92.6-) recommend both frequent and annual aerial lift maintenance performed by a qualified mechanic or technician.

Frequent inspections should occur every three months or 150 hours (whichever comes first) or if the lift hasn&#;t been in use for more than three months.

Annual inspections must occur within 13 months of the most recent annual inspection.

To learn more about aerial lift maintenance, you can read our guide.

14. Check the Wind Speed

Aerial lifts are susceptible to wind since they operate at elevated heights.

And too much wind can tip over the aerial lift.

So, you need to know the wind speed limit for the area you&#;re operating in to avoid exceeding the lift&#;s rating.

When is it too windy to use a boom lift?

The general rule of thumb is that the max wind speed for a boom lift is 28 mph.

But for exact specifications, you should refer to your owner&#;s manual.

15. Never Disable Safety Features

Safety features help to minimize the risk of hazards, incidents, or near-miss events.

Some safety features include:

Guardrails
Travel alarms
Warning lights
Emergency stop
Tilt alarm
Limit switch
Porthole protection sensors

So, operators must not alter, modify, or disable any aerial lift&#;s safety devices without the manufacturer&#;s authorization.

Disregarding this will put the operator and pedestrians at risk.

Conclusion

That&#;s it: 15 aerial lift safety tips for operators, supervisors, and pedestrians.

Self Propelled Telescopic Boom Lifts - Aerial Working ...

Product Description

Product introduction: GTQZ Self propelled Jib type Aerial Work Platform is a new product developed by our company. The Self Propelled Telescopic Boom Lifts uses the American Trojan large capacity lead-acid battery as the power source, which can adapt to the field application on rough ground and drive smoothly; Four wheel drive, braking, climbing capacity of 45%;

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The boom part is a linkage mechanism composed of two groups of parallel four connecting rods, with compact collection volume and large lifting stroke; The middle part is a simple boom telescopic mechanism, which increases the operating range of the platform. Self propelled telescopic boom lifts is applicable to the high-level exhibition arrangement of the venue, as well as the space operation in the workshop with narrow area or space; aerial work platform is especially suitable for continuous high-altitude operations in airport terminals, stations, docks, shopping malls, stadiums, residential properties, factories, mines and workshops.

Self Propelled Telescopic Boom Lifts Applications

GTQZ self propelled curved arm aerial work platform is used for up and down control and electric lifting. This self propelled aerial lifting platform is small, flexible, convenient and fast. This series of telescopic aerial work platform are widely used for lifting operations in municipal, electric power, street lamps, highways, docks, advertisements, gardens, residential property, factories, mining enterprises, workshops and other industries.

Self Propelled Telescopic Boom Lifts Features

1. Robust Terrain Performance
Telescopic boom lifts platforms feature strong climbing force and excellent traction, allowing them to drive efficiently on rough ground. This ensures reliable operation in diverse and challenging work environments.

2. Durable Telescopic Boom
The telescopic boom is made from high-strength 8-angle alloy steel, minimizing welding deformation and optimizing rigidity and weight. This design enhances durability and stability, reducing main boom droop size for precise operation.

3. Advanced Control Systems
Equipped with a proportional control operating system, working platform offers smooth and precise adjustments. The jib's upper and lower range spans 150 degrees, and the platform can hydraulically rotate 100 degrees, featuring an anti-skid floor and landing sight for safety.

4. Superior Hydraulic System
Telescopic aerial platform boasts a large hydraulic cylinder capacity and continuous oil circulation for efficient performance. The system maintains good temperature control, and the program action function prevents tipping, ensuring vehicle stability.

5. Accurate Weighing and Control
The patented weighing device accurately measures the platform's workload, unaffected by load position. Telescoping boom lift for sale also utilizes PLC and CAN bus controls with IP65-rated industrial controllers, ensuring reliable performance and easy maintenance.

6. Enhanced Safety Features
The electronic leveling system ensures high accuracy, while the double spool hydraulic circuit prevents valve sticking accidents. An emergency power unit allows vehicle collection if the engine fails, and the anti-misoperation function protects critical components and automatically limits speeds when necessary.

Parameters of aerial work platform Technical parameters:

Model

GTQZ-10D

GTQZ-12D

GTQZ-14D

Maximum working height (m)

12.0

14.0

16.0

Maximum lifting height (m)

10.0

12.0

14.0

Maximum horizontal extension (m)

5.8

6.5

7.88

Maximum crossing height (m)

4.78

7.6

Maximum bearing capacity (kg)

200

230

Minimum turning radius (m)

2.16

4.5

Platform size (L x W x H)(m)

1.1×0.65×1.13

1.53×0.76×1.13

Collection size (L x W x H)(m)

4.35×1.5×1.99

5.25×1.75×2.0

6.24×1.75×2.0

Wheel base (m)

1.65

2.0

Tail sweep (m)

Hydraulic oil tank capacity (L)

Gradeability (%)

25%

30%

Rotary table rotation angle (°)

355

360

Platform rotation angle (°)

120

180

Ground clearance (m)

0.15

0.2

Drive motor (kw)

6.5×2

Driving speed (stowed) (km/h)

3.0

5.0

6.3

Driving speed (lifting status) (km/h)

0.8

1.1

Control voltage (V)

Battery (V/Ah)

48/320

48/420

Charger (V/A)

48/40

48/50

Drive wheel size

250-15

Operating Weight (kg)

Parameters of aerial work platform Technical parameters:

Model

GTQZ-16D

GTQZ-18D

GTQZ-20D

Maximum working height (m)

18.0

20.0

22.0

Maximum lifting height (m)

16.0

18.0

20.0

Maximum horizontal extension (m)

10.0

10.8

10.88

Maximum crossing height (m)

7.6

8.5

Maximum bearing capacity (kg)

230

Minimum turning radius (m)

4.5

Platform size (L x W x H)(m)

1.53×0.76×1.13

1.83×0.76×1.13

Collection size (L x W x H)(m)

7.9×2.28×2.0

8.1×2.48×2.38

Wheel base (m)

2.0

2.6

Tail sweep (m)

Hydraulic oil tank capacity (L)

140

Gradeability (%)

30%

25%

Rotary table rotation angle (°)

360

Platform rotation angle (°)

180

160

Ground clearance (m)

0.2

0.425

Drive motor (kw)

6.5×2

Driving speed (stowed) (km/h)

5.0

Driving speed (lifting status) (km/h)

0.8

1.1

Control voltage (V)

Battery (V/Ah)

48/420

Charger (V/A)

48/50

Drive wheel size

250-15

Operating Weight (kg)

As an experienced telescopic aerial work platform supplier, Felici has strong technical force, capable professional designers and professional testing personnel, complete testing equipment and advanced testing methods. The technological process is advanced and reasonable, the production equipment is excellent, with professional production personnel and excellent installation team. All products have passed JB/T.1~.3- inspection standards, ISO: national certification, EU CE certification, Russian GOST certification, etc.

Product Photo

For more 8m Self Propelled Aerial Liftinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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