Aerial Bucket Truck

Aerial Bucket Truck Operations: Be Sure to Be Safe!


Operating a massive piece of equipment with a bucket towering high is a difficult task and adding a worker in it can be very dangerous. There is always the risk of the bucket truck tipping over due to an unbalanced weight distribution. It is also possible for the entire boom apparatus to hit a structure near the location such as a tree, a power cable, or a building. Workers riding in the boom also have the risk of falling from the bucket or getting electrocuted by contact with overhead lines. The reality of these types of scenarios is always present when working in these vehicles. In spite of this concern for ever-present danger, such risks can be avoided by following the safety protocols of bucket truck operations.

Accidents involving such heavy-duty aerial vehicles occur for several reasons, including but not limited to: mechanical failure, human error and environmental factors. These three things are commonly a main contributing factor to bucket truck accidents. To prevent such accidents, it is imperative to consider the following items before operating an aerial bucket truck.

Operator Qualification

Only trained personnel should be allowed to operate a bucket truck. Before entrusting such equipment to a worker, make sure that each worker has been given the right training and properly qualified for all aspects of operating this equipment.

Routine Maintenance

Like any other mechanical device, any commercial vehicle requires regular maintenance. This typically includes regular oil changes, replacement of the air filter, brake parts replacement, tune-ups, etc. Other procedures may still be required depending on the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations. The constant friction and movement of parts will eventually cause them to wear down.

Regular maintenance is also required on the hydraulic lift. For articulated trucks, the moving joints will require routine lubrication to prevent rust from building-up and to reduce friction that could increase the wear on these joints. For telescopic trucks, the sliding shaft needs to be lubricated regularly so that the boom sections will slide out easily without damaging the sections from friction. Hydraulic fluid should also be checked at regular intervals and be refilled if below the recommended levels. It is imperative that routine maintenance closely follows the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid breakdowns due to any mechanical failure that could have been otherwise prevented.

Inspection before Use

Before any bucket truck departs for a job-site, it is the responsibility of the operator to examine the vehicle's condition. A visual inspection should be done around the vehicle to see if there is any damage that may have occurred the last time it was used. This inspection should include looking for: broken or non-working lights including any warning lights; wheels for any cuts or uneven air pressure in the tires; leaks underneath the engine and/or on the hydraulic lines of the boom; and any obvious misalignment of the boom itself. Once the engine is started, perform a quick check of the controls to make sure that the lift is properly moving. If everything checks out as properly functioning, the bucket truck is ready to be sent to the job-site.

Inspection at Job-Site

When the vehicle arrives at the job-site, it is also the operator's responsibility to make sure that the location is safe for operations to proceed. Before deploying the equipment, the location should be checked for any aerial obstructions such as trees and power lines. When this has been confirmed, the next step is to find a safe spot to deploy the outriggers. Ideally, such a location should be solid enough for the outriggers to help support the weight of the truck. Avoid soft ground or anything like a culvert that could collapse from the weight of the truck. When the location is beside a road, always be sure to install visual warning signs for motorists and pedestrians. It is also important to check the weather conditions to make sure it is safe to operate a bucket truck. When wind speeds reach 30 M.P.H. or anytime during a thunderstorm, it is best to postpone the operation until the weather clears.

These are just few of the safety precautions for operating an aerial bucket truck. This vehicle is such a beneficial and safe piece of equipment when properly handled. Any vehicle is only as safe as the person operating the controls, so be sure to be careful and follow all safety guidelines!