Aerial lifts are used to utilize a safe and efficient way of accessing elevated work areas. Aerial work platforms are used for various tasks, from cleaning to construction.
However, just like any other piece of machinery, aerial lifts require regular inspections to ensure their continued safe operation. Without a proper inspection, this becomes very dangerous as most of the time, people work atop these platforms at great heights.
This article will delve into the world of aerial lift controls and inspections, exploring the latest security elements, the necessity of aerial lift safety inspections, the process, and best practices to keep you safe on the job.
What Are Aerial Lift Inspections?
Mobile elevating work platforms, also known as MEWPs, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers, need proper maintenance. Aerial lift inspections refer to a thorough examination of these mobile lifts.
These inspections aim to identify any potential safety hazards or mechanical issues caused by the use or by any faults of the aerial lift manufacturer before they cause an accident. There are two main types of inspections:
1. Routine Inspections
This type of inspection procedure can be called Daily Inspection. These quick checks are typically performed before each use of the aerial lift. They focus on verifying the functionality of critical components and ensuring the overall safe working condition of the equipment.
2. Thorough Inspections
These types of inspections are more periodic in nature. These comprehensive inspections are conducted by qualified personnel at specified intervals, often through an annual inspection.
Aerial lift annual inspections involve a detailed examination of all parts of the aerial lift, including a review of the maintenance schedule of the aerial lift manufacturer.
Why Are Aerial Lift Inspections Necessary?
Most heavy-duty power tools used in construction are dangerous if their safety is compromised. Aerial lifts can be quite dangerous as, most of the time, the user does not have any control over the sturdiness of the machine.
So, lift inspections are mandatory. Frequent inspections of aerial lifts are crucial for several reasons:
- Prevention of Accidents and Injuries: By identifying potential issues like worn components, hydraulic leaks, or control malfunctions, inspections can prevent accidents that could lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
- Regulatory Compliance: OSHA aerial lift standards, often known as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations, require aerial lifts to undergo routine inspections in order to guarantee operator safety. Proper inspection procedures assist prevent potential fines and show compliance with these rules.
- Early Detection of Problems: Inspections can uncover minor issues before they escalate into major equipment failures. This allows for timely repairs, minimizing downtime and ensuring the longevity of the aerial lift.
Inspection Requirements and Standards for Aerial Lifts
Ensuring the safety of workers using aerial lifts is paramount. Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA in short, plays a vital role in establishing a framework for safe operation through its regulations. Here’s a breakdown of OSHA’s role and how it intersects with specific inspection requirements and standards for aerial lifts.
The operators need to be careful with these criteria. The aerial lift truck should never be moved during the use of the boom lift. The boom lift inspections also ensure the operators’ knowledge.
I. OSHA in Aerial Lift Safety
While OSHA doesn’t dictate every minute detail of aerial lift inspections, it sets the overarching safety standards that employers must adhere to.
The mandatory standards are included in OSHA’s part R for cranes, which includes aerial lifts and platforms within its scope. OSHA’s regulations focus on:
- Safe Work Practices: OSHA establishes guidelines for proper aerial lift use, including operator training, pre-operation checks, and limitations on operation during hazardous weather conditions.
- Employer Responsibilities: OSHA mandates that employers maintain their aerial lifts in safe operating condition. This includes conducting regular inspections and ensuring qualified personnel perform maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Accident Prevention: Ultimately, OSHA’s regulations aim to prevent accidents and injuries associated with aerial lift operations. By adhering to the established safety protocols, employers can create a safer work environment for their crews.
II. Inspection Requirements and Standards
While OSHA provides a general framework, the specifics of frequent and annual inspections of aerial lifts and the structural components can vary depending on several factors. Some of the mandatory aerial lift inspection requirements are:
- Aerial Lift Type: Different types of aerial lifts, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, and vertical lifts, may have slightly different inspection requirements due to their design and functionality.
- Manufacturer’s Recommendations: The manufacturer of the specific aerial lift model will have detailed inspection procedures outlined in the owner’s manual. These procedures should be strictly followed to ensure a comprehensive inspection.
- ANSI Standards: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes a series of A92 standards specifically focused on aerial lifts. These standards provide in-depth inspection guidelines for various types of aerial lifts, and referencing the relevant ANSI standard for your specific equipment is highly recommended. To complete the standards under OSHA, aerial lifts must maintain the national standards denoted for Vehicle Mounted Elevating and other standards under ANSI.
How to Perform a Comprehensive Aerial Lift Inspection?
A complete aerial lift inspection encompasses a systematic check-up of various components. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas to focus on:
I. Visual Inspection
- General Condition: Perform a thorough walk-around inspection, looking for any visible signs of damage, cracks, corrosion, leaks, or loose parts on the chassis, boom, platform, tires, and control panels. Pay close attention to welds, pins, and connection points.
- Safety Features: Inspect all safety devices, including emergency lowering systems, overload protection mechanisms, guardrails, and warning decals for proper function and legibility.
- Tires and Wheels: Check for proper tire inflation and any damage to the tires or rims, and ensure lug nuts are tightened securely.
II. Functional Inspection
- Controls: Test all controls, including joysticks, switches, and levers, for smooth and responsive operation. Verify proper functionality of horn, lights, and alarms.
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Listen for any abnormal noises during operation. Check for leaks around hoses, cylinders, and fittings. Ensure proper fluid levels are in hydraulic reservoirs and that there are no signs of contamination in the fluids.
- Platform: Raise and lower the platform through its full range of motion, checking for any jerky movements or binding. Inspect the platform floor for damage and ensure the entry gate functions properly.
- Outriggers (Mobile Lifts Only): Extend and retract the outriggers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Verify proper operation and ensure the outriggers fully deploy and level the lift.
Common Problems Found in the Inspection and Treatment
When the lifts are manufactured, the manufacturer takes the utmost care to make sure the machines do not come out as faulty.
However, like every mechanical equipment usage, there is the general issue of wear and tear, along with some operational issues for an aerial lift. Some of the most common issues that are discovered during these aerial lift inspections include:
- Leaks in hydraulics
- Wheels or tire damage
- Faulty electrical lift components
- Worn cables, couplings, and operating and emergency controls
- Non-functional safety components
FAQs
1. Can anyone conduct aerial lift inspections?
While skilled operators can conduct routine inspections, qualified individuals accredited for the particular type of aerial lift should conduct complete inspections.
2. What happens if an aerial lift fails during an inspection?
The aerial lift should be discontinued and cannot be used for service. This state remains until the issues are solved and repairedand then re-inspected.
If any issues are identified during an inspection, the severity of the problem will determine the appropriate course of action. Minor issues might be addressed with basic maintenance or adjustments. However, for more serious problems, seeking professional repair services is crucial to ensure the safe operation of the aerial lift.
3. How can I stay updated on the latest safety elements for aerial lifts?
Consulting with manufacturers, attending safety workshops, and subscribing to industry publications can help you stay informed about the latest advancements in aerial lift technology and best practices for inspections.
Conclusion
Routine inspections should be conducted using a checklist provided by the manufacturer or a customized one that covers all essential components.
Comprehensive examinations may include extra procedures such as load testing and a thorough examination of the aerial lift’s parts and maintenance records. Whatever the steps are, safety is the main priority that needs to be maintained.
Regardless of the inspection type, using a checklist ensures a systematic and comprehensive review of all critical components. Your workers’ safety and the progress of your projects can be guaranteed by giving regular, comprehensive inspections and appropriate maintenance procedures first priority.
Be in Touch with the Latest Security Elements for Your Aerial Lift Inspections!
If you have any doubts about the condition of your aerial lifts, you have to make sure to get proper and regular inspections for them. Contact us now at Everstar and we will let you know anything you need to know to get verified inspections, and how to improve the safety assurance of your crew.
