Aerial Manlift Dangers
Aerial man lifts are personnel lifts such as articulated boom lifts, scissor lifts and boom lifts that use an articulated boom or a series of folding, linked supports. These machines enables employees to get up high into previously inaccessible areas. In some ways, these machinery have made construction a lot easier and safer, however, the general safety which comes with the unparalleled mobility of aerial manlifts has implemented a new list of dangers that could accidentally result in severe injury or even death to drivers who are unaware.
Falls
Falls from a man lift often occurs when employees fail to or are unable to wear a safety harness or cannot secure the harness to the lift. Falls can take place when somebody on the platform acts inappropriately and takes part in an activity like for instance climbing the guard rails to be able to gain added height. In addition, mishaps can be caused if the operator on the ground causes the machinery to move in an unexpected motion before the employee being properly secured.
At times employees could fall when the lift's base is struck inadvertently by a heavy object. In this situation, the force of the blow below becomes amplified by the lift's length, therefore causing the worker to be suddenly catapulted off of the platform. Clearly this hazardous action has terrible outcome.
Tip-Overs
Boom lifts are susceptible to tipping over. Tip overs are more common in articulated boom lifts, but could occur in any type of lift. Since boom lifts can move both horizontally and vertically, they can change the machinery's overall center of gravity. Hence, if the lift is parked on an incline of some sort or over loaded, totally extending the boom when it is in the wrong position could result in a tip-over situation.