The CNS aerial work platform is a lifting device with an extendable platform for lifting personnel. These are highly suitable for entering high-altitude work sites such as rooftops and HVAC equipment. For projects where scaffolding is not the best choice or for hard-to-reach work locations, this machine is an ideal option. However, when operating these machines, it is very important to put safety first.
The CNS aerial work platform is a lifting device with an extendable platform for lifting personnel. These are highly suitable for entering high-altitude work sites such as rooftops and HVAC equipment. For projects where scaffolding is not the best choice or for hard-to-reach work locations, this machine is an ideal option. However, when operating these machines, it is very important to put safety first.
The safety of aerial work platforms is of Paramount importance as accidents related to them account for 3% of all construction deaths. To prepare you and your team, please refer to the CNS guidelines for a list of common safety hazards, certification information, and tips to stay away from danger.
A good way to start incorporating safety into your work is to check the high-altitude safety checklist. Creating a safety process will enable you and your team to develop the habit of checking any danger signals before and during the operation of the aerial work platform. We have listed 14 safety tips that your team should follow when operating aerial work platforms. See what steps you and your team should follow.
Verify whether the employees operating the aerial work platform have received training and certification.
Only trained and certified personnel are allowed to operate aerial work platforms. Make sure your employees' certifications are up-to-date and they are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines for each machine they will operate.
2. Before operation, inspect each component of the aerial work platform.
Take some time to inspect each part of the aerial work platform. Start from the machine itself. Check the liquid levels, including engine oil, hydraulic fluid, fuel and coolant. Other things to check include the battery, charger, wheels, tires, horn, lights and backup alarm.
When using an aerial work platform, you should check all systems, such as hydraulic, air and electrical systems, as well as whether all operations and emergency controls are normal. Look for any loose or missing parts, lost or unreadable operation or guidance signs or marks to know if your team needs to replace anything. Before loading any personnel or materials, you should also test the machine to ensure it is working properly.
3. Check whether there are any dangers in the surrounding work area.
A safe working area is as important as a safe aerial work platform. When working indoors, you should check the ceiling to ensure it has sufficient height and whether there are any potential high-altitude hazards. You should also check the floor and the surrounding area for any unstable surfaces, bulges or any other places that may cause obstacles.
When working outdoors, check the surrounding area for any falling objects, holes, ditches, slopes, debris and other ground obstacles that need to be cleared or avoided. You should also pay attention to the overhead wires and communication cables nearby. Strong winds and bad weather conditions are the main dangers to be cautious of, otherwise they may toppling over or endanger your employees.
Safety precautions must be taken both before and during the operation. Understand the different things that should be done when operating an aerial work platform.
4. For whatever reason, do not forget the hydraulic, electrical or mechanical safety features.
Any temporary convenience (such as moving devices more quickly) is not worth increasing the possibility of accidents in exchange.
5. When working near power cords and wires, pay attention to the surrounding environment.
A good rule of thumb is that whether circuits, wires and other conductors are disconnected or insulated, they should be regarded as electrified. If you can't avoid power lines, you should keep a distance of 3 meters to prevent possible accidents. If possible, you should also avoid placing overhead aerial work platforms and other overhead hazards between power lines.
6. Do not exceed the stretching and weight limits.
In terms of weight limits, before loading and operating the aerial work platform, you should take the time to calculate the weight and remember to consider the total weight of the operator, tools and materials. Always comply with the weight limit specified by the manufacturer to avoid overturning. For the same reason, reaching the limit should also be observed.
7. Do not lean against, sit on or climb along the edge of the aerial work platform.
Guardrails are designed to protect workers from falling and should not be used for climbing or sitting. Doing so will put employees at risk of falling or the aerial work platform overturning. Although things that are out of reach are tempting, lowering the aerial work platform and moving the entire machine a few centimeters is safer than taking the risk of serious injury.
8. Use outriggers, brakes and wheel stops as much as possible.
The outriggers and brakes add an extra layer of stability to prevent any accidental movement on the ground or the aerial work platform. Even if the ground seems stable at first glance, these should still be used. When working on a slope, wheel stops are crucial for ensuring that the machine remains in place.
9. Do not place scaffolding on aerial work platforms.
Adding scaffolding to the aerial work platform will greatly increase your risk of falling. Whether the scaffolding is below the capacity limit or not, you should avoid this situation. Due to its shape and potential height, there is a series of different dangers worth noting. If not operated carefully, its ability to extend vertically and its ability to move can cause problems. Keep reading to see what you should do to stay safe when operating the aerial work platform.
10. Keep the aerial work platform away from other equipment.
Operate the aerial work platform and clear the surrounding areas of other machines. If the machine hits another machine, it may tip over.
11. Do not move the aerial work platform vertically.
Unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer's manual, employees should lower the aerial work platform before moving. When lifting the machine, even a slight movement can pose a risk of it toppling over. Because its design also has unique safety precautions. Its range of motion can pose some potential dangers, keeping your team vigilant on the spot. Check the following safety tips for machine lifting and lowering.
12. Wear a full-body seat belt.
In aerial work platforms, the possibility of falling off the machine is particularly high because, in addition to moving up and down, it also moves forward and backward. Make sure you are safe before moving the machine.
13. Clear workers and pedestrians from the chassis and surrounding areas of the aerial work platform.
The movement range of high-altitude work provides more opportunities to harm people around. Before starting any work, clear the entire area around the aerial work platform and set up a work area warning to alert others and keep the area unobstructed.
14. Do not lift overweight items or supplies on aerial work platforms
Since the aerial work platform is used for lifting personnel and tools, do not load any heavy objects or supplies. This puts the machine at risk of overturning and the entire team at risk.
