Bucket trucks are unique, a useful vehicle that has been designed for very specific uses that improve the safety of the work being carried out. Using bucket trucks for just those specific jobs is an easy and safe decision, after which the primary focus is on knowing how to best use the vehicle. An often overlooked safety detail that is actually quite important is the correct positioning of this handy aerial forklift – it can make the difference between job success and failure.
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Even though bucket trucks are equipped with articulated cranes and rotating buckets that can turn in almost any direction to get to the right places, vehicle location for any job is critical. The primary consideration when deciding how to position a bucket truck is finding the best and safest location based on ground surface, crane type and access to the work area. By following OSHA guidelines on use and positioning for the different types of work being performed, safety will have been maximized in most cases. Therefore, before starting work, it is vital to analyze the work environment to find the best working arrangement.
Positioning and Obstacles
According to OSHA, the best location for any aerial lift vehicle is where the truck, crane pedestal, and bucket face the pole and work area, providing optimal access. If there are obstacles in the way, or if the ground is uneven, damaged, or soft, other approaches must be taken for a safe installation.
When it comes to a physical obstacle preventing the ideal location of the vehicle, it is important to find a good setup that provides easy access while keeping an eye on the position of the primary and secondary live wires. The best option would be not to maneuver through both sets of cables; however, sometimes care must be taken to reach an area on the other side of a post. In this case, the bucket truck should be positioned so that the pedestal is behind the pole; the barrier can then be carefully guided over or under secondary lines to reach any set that needs to be accessed.
Ground Surface Concerns
The best surface for a bucket truck will always be concrete or pavement that is clean, flat, and in good condition. When this is not feasible, adjustments must be made. Great care should be taken when parking over storm drains, curbs, or broken asphalt, as the material could break and/or collapse under the weight of the truck. On soft ground, it is recommended to use steel skids to prevent vehicles from getting stuck.
It is important to remember that when placed on such a surface, once the bucket is raised, the balance of the vehicle will change; therefore, parking should be where it remains stable, unaffected by the weight shift of the boom when climbing. On sloping terrain, a vehicle should be parked facing up the slope, with the pole facing the crane pedestal. In this way, the mobile weight of the ascending crane leans over most of the vehicle, which keeps everything balanced. The opposite position could allow the vehicle to roll over backwards.
Regardless of the position of the truck, there is one detail that OSHA insists on following: the use of vehicle stabilizers. Properly extended to block leaning to the most vulnerable sides, outriggers are an essential part of proper positioning and tip-over prevention.
These tips may seem simple; however, it is important to understand how to maneuver a bucket truck and position it correctly despite any obstacles or hazards. By taking the extra time to check and re-check the location of bucket trucks, a safe work area can be achieved and the risk of an accident can be greatly reduced.