5 Safety Tips When Operating Man Lift Equipment

Safety when operating man lift equipment is a top priority. Every employer must put their staff through mandatory safety training before allowing an individual to operate the equipment. Employers must consider follow-up training for employees as many fail to remember the safety procedures. As a person becomes comfortable in their job, they can often forget the small details that could save their life. Here are five safety tips to follow when operating a man lift equipment.

Tip # 1: Inspection of the Machinery

Always walk around the man lift equipment to determine if it is safe. Do you notice any mechanical issues that need to be serviced? Inspectors should check all the emergency controls, operating controls, the outriggers and guardrails, wheels, tires, and personal fall-protection gear. While doing a visible inspection of these areas, it is wise to consider checking for possible leaks of air, fuel, and hydraulic fluid. If there is a need for repair work, always have a qualified mechanic make the repairs and test them before operating the man lift equipment. Maintenance is an important factor to consider, regardless of what type of machinery you’re operating: man-lift, powered forklift, 3-wheel or 4-wheel. There may be maintenance issues without you realizing it and then again, sometimes, there can be an easy answer to a maintenance problem.

Tip # 2: Inspect the Worksite   

No matter what the job may be, you need to walk around the worksite to determine if you can safely operate a lift on the site. If there are concerns about a level surface, you need to be aware. Can you safely drive the lift on a sloped ground? The machine will have problems working appropriately on certain steep slopes that exceed the requirements of the manufacturer. There are certain hazards to be concerned about when operating the equipment. Look for bumps, drop-offs, debris, holes, and power lines that could cause a problem. Conveyor belt systems can facilitate efficient process and transportation procedures.

Tip # 3: Test the Equipment

Each man lift has a different testing requirement. You need to follow the testing procedures to make sure the equipment can run safely. If a malfunction is found, it must be fixed before the equipment can be used. The function tests are required to make sure the man lift is operating in the right manner. Some tests are required every time the machine is used while others request the test to be done every three to six month or after 150 hours of use. Make sure the individuals operating the machines know how to perform the test and have their annual certification to be a qualified mechanic.

Tip # 4: Select a Good Operator

Far too many people become injured because they are not competent to run the machine. You need to avoid safety concerns by evaluating the people operating the equipment to make sure they can handle the man lift. Not only do they need appropriate training, they need to have the right safety training and mindset to handle it. OSHA requires the workers to have documented training. The need to be able to demonstrate the ability to use the lift according to the requirements from the manufacturers.

Tip # 5: Shutting Down Equipment

One other safety tip is to understand how to turn off the man lift. If an individual is not competent when using the machine, they can panic if there is an issue. The operator must be able to learn how to shut down and store the equipment properly to prevent problems. Some of the things they need to do is to engage the red emergency-stop button, completely lower the platform, turn all key switches to off, and remove the key. The machine must be stored in a safe area and secured properly to prevent accidents.

Following these five steps will reduce the risk of accidents when operating man lift equipment.