4 Top Vertical Lifts for Hire Safety Tips

When aerial equipment is operated, the users have to deal with a wide variety of safety issues both on the ground and in the air. The challenge of working at height and staying safe at the same time is certainly a formidable one. There are many aspects to consider, and it’s important to remember that you need to think about safety carefully. In order to help we have compiled four safety tips for vertical lifts, but these are also useful for users of other aerial lifting equipment.

1. Training is Essential

The place to start in promoting safety at work is with adequate levels of training. The temptation is to glance at the manual, play with the control and call it a day. This will not be sufficient in a modern working environment, and an employer can open themselves up to insurance and legal problems if training is not conducted properly. This also extends to the current project and any special considerations that the operators need to be aware of.

2. Carry Out Inspections

Before every shift begins, the equipment that will be used should be thoroughly inspected to make sure that it’s safe and ready to use. A pre-operation inspection should examine the functions and look for any signs of unusual wear or leaks. This will not take long, the workers will be safer, and the work can continue without further interruptions.

3. A Job Site Risk Assessment

Following on from an equipment inspection, it’s a good idea to assess the state of the job site. This will alert you to any potential problems that could impair the work and raise safety concerns. Pay attention to the area and look out for any drop offs, slippery surfaces, debris, holes and unstable ground. Don’t forget to look upwards too for any power lines or overhead obstacles. Some of these hazards can be cleaned up and removed so that they are no longer a source of concern. Other potential hazards will have to be negotiated carefully, and all workers working in that area need to be aware of the risks.

4. Wear Fall Protection

All operators working at height need to wear some kind of fall protection to keep them safe if they slip or the equipment malfunctions. This should be a full body harness with a lanyard attached. Another safety option would be a self retracting lifeline, and of course, the guardrails must be in place. Never remove the guardrails for extra reach, move the vertical lift instead, this may take longer, but it will be far safer than over extending at height.

If they are looking for vertical lifts Australia based directors and project managers should get in touch with us here at Access Hire. We supply a wide selection of aerial lift equipment and have vertical lifts for hire and sale. Working at height introduces special risks and to protect you and your employees specialised equipment is essential. Our team is looking forward to discussing your needs in greater detail, and they will be delighted to answer any further questions that you may have.

Access Hire Australia is a specialist division of Access Group Australia that facilitates the hiring, selling, servicing and transportation of boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, all-terrain forklifts, generators and lighting towers.