The Best Ways to Stay Safe when using Telehandlers
The phrase “safety first” is a commonly used adage that can apply to a wide variety of situations. When it comes to heavy machinery and equipment, however, it is essential to take that phrase seriously. Telehandlers are a popular piece of equipment on virtually every construction site and many other aerial applications.. While they are an incredibly helpful tool that makes so many jobs easier, they can be extremely dangerous if they are not used properly and if “safety first” is not the priority of the operator. Here at Lombardi Lift Attachment have designed our own telehandler aerial work platform, so we know firsthand about the importance of practicing safety when using telehandlers. Let’s take a closer look at why it is important and how to stay safe.
Staying Safe
Not only does a safety checklist keep yourself, your employees, and anyone else on your jobsite safe, but it also allows you to meet industry standards..The Lombardi Lift is designed to comply with ANSI B56.6 ( American National Standards). ANSI provides voluntary standards for products. Other entities like OSHA offer workplace safety guidelines and training. For the most part industry manufacturers set the standards for Telehandlers and Aerial Lifts. Meeting these standards will help to ensure your workers are safe.
Step 1) Telehandler Safety Training
The best place to start your safety checklist is with proper safety training. Ensure that your workers are aware of industry regulations and safety policies, as well as best practices and proper operation of the telehandler before you allow them to step foot in the machine. Safety training includes awareness of risks, the ability to recognize hazards, the confidence to operate the machinery precisely while navigating around obstacles, and the ability to inspect the equipment before and after use.
Step 2) Equipment Inspections
As we mentioned above, the ability to inspect Telehandlers is important for workers and should happen prior to starting a job. Lift operators should inspect both the lift itself as well as the vehicle that the lift is attached to before usage. Some components to consider are:
- Lift Safety Checklist: Electrical, fuel, air, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, emergency and operating controls, guardrails and other safety devices, insulated components like fiberglass, stabilizers and any additional equipment, locking pins , and mechanical fasteners
- Vehicle Safety Checklist: Wheels and tires, steering, battery and charger, fluid leaks and fluid levels, brakes, and all other controls
Once the lift and the vehicle have both been thoroughly inspected, you can begin operating the machinery with much more confidence of safety. While inspections can seem tedious, they are so important because sometimes all it takes is for one small thing to be out of place for a terrible accident to occur.
Step 3) Worksite Inspection
In addition to inspecting your vehicles and equipment, you should also inspect the jobsite itself before you begin your work. Since Telehandlers are often used on construction sites, it is crucial that you thoroughly inspect your surroundings before you begin work. Construction sites in particular pose a number of safety hazards that can make a jobsite very dangerous, especially if these hazards are not taken into consideration before work begins. Let’s take a look at some worksite safety hazards to consider before you start a project.
- Jobsite Safety Checklist: Uneven ground or unstable surfaces, holes and other sudden drop-offs, overhead obstructions such as powerlines, power boxes and other electrical equipment, ceilings, fans, and lighting if indoors, floor obstacles such as debris
You should also consider weather hazards such as high winds, heavy rainfall that weakens the ground, or ice and snow that might make a surface slippery. Also, be mindful of the location of the jobsite. If it is located in a busy area you might also need to be aware of cars driving by, other workers, and even pedestrians.
Step 4) Safety Equipment
You should make sure that your workers all have the proper safety equipment before starting a job. In fact, OSHA require anyone on the jobsite to have fall protection equipment, including helmets, harnesses, and restraining belts. As workers gain more experience and become experts, they may want to resist adhering to these safety measures because of their confidence in their ability to get the job done without safety gear. While it is always great to have confident lift workers who know what they are doing, neither you nor your workers should ever cut corners or avoid following the safety protocols. Accidents can happen, and an accident might not even be the fault of the person who gets hurt, so it is very important to insist that safety equipment is worn and properly used at all times on the jobsite.
Step 5) Work with Caution
The last step is to begin using the telehandler, but to do so cautiously. Once your workers have proper training, the equipment and vehicles are inspected, the jobsite is inspected, and all safety equipment is being worn it is safe to start the job. However, you should always work cautiously to avoid Telehandlers accidents or injuries. Sometimes, hazards might not pose themselves until the job is already underway, so it is best to never get too comfortable on a worksite. Remind your lift workers throughout the day to use caution, be aware of their surroundings, wear their safety equipment, and remember their training. By following this entire checklist, your crew should be able to safely perform their duties with telehandlers and aerial lifts.
Contact the Lombardi Lift Team
We hope that this safety checklist was helpful for you and that you will share it with anyone you know who uses telehandlers and aerial lifts in their line of work. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions for our team about our original versatile work platform. The Lombardi Lift helps you to maintain a safe work environment during all of your projects that require a telehandler.