Basket lift for live work

Work on electrical installations and devices is usually carried out with the voltage switched off, but sometimes it is necessary to carry out certain activities "under the curlease". In such cases, it is very convenient to use a special basket lift for work under voltage. What features should such a lift have and when is it worth using it? Let's check!

Fig. Working under voltage require appropriate security and compliance with specific procedures to increase employee safety.

Working under voltage – what should you remember?

According to the standards, working under voltage is one during which the employee comes into contact with live parts or reaches into the zone with any part of the body or with tools, elements of equipment or devices working under voltage.
Work on live electrical installations must be carried out under direct supervision authorized persons. Employees should receive security measures and detailed andninstruction regarding the division and sequence of planned work.
To perform working under voltage employees should be equipped with tools for electricians designed to carry out this type of tasks, including insulated tools. If work is to be carried out at height, use lifts equipped with an insulated work basket.
Performing workers work under electrical voltage should have a range of safeguards at their disposal, including:

• insulating and handling rods,
• insulating rods for installing grounding devices,
• insulating measuring sticks,
• insulating pliers and holders for fuses,
• voltage indicators,
• personal protective equipment (gloves, shoes, dielectric boots, insulating protective helmets),
• insulating bridges,
• rubber mats and rugs,
• insulated tools, 
• portable protective earthing devices etc.

A basket lift for electrical work – what should it have?

Basket lift is a perfect solution for carrying out electrical works, including assembly, maintenance or repair of electrical infrastructure elements. However, it should be remembered that work involving electrical installations requires the use of appropriately adapted insulated lifts. Insulated basket lifts ensure operators’ safety even when work is carried out on high-voltage installations.

Working height of the lift

A basket lift for working under voltage has a specific working area, which consists of two quantities – maximum working reach and maximum working height. In the first case, it is about the lateral distance from the lift axis that the basket can move. Working height of the lift This is the maximum height to which the basket of the boom can be raised in relation to the ground. within the operator's reach.

Fig. Telescopic basket lifts are controlled from the top panel, and the arm can rotate 360°, as well as move horizontally and vertically, which allows for a large lateral reach.

Adaptation of the basket for work under voltage

Working under voltage may only be performed by qualified employees with appropriate qualifications, equipped with the necessary equipment and insulated tools for working under voltage. They should also use specially insulated Lifters for working under voltage.

Basket insulation

Lifting equipment for working under voltage They can be equipped with an insulated work basket or an insulated arm, as in the case of telescopic platforms. These lifts can be used for work under voltage in the nominal voltage range from 1 to 800 kV.
Basket lift for live work has accordingly insulated basket working, but it should be remembered that people in the basket must still be equipped with, among other things, insulating sticks and specialist personal protective equipment, such as gloves and electrically insulating sleeves.

The material from which the basket is made

Depending on the type of lift, basket of the basket lift can be made from plastic, including fiberglass, which does not conduct electricity. In the case of some lifts, the basket can also be made made of polyester and be double insulated or equipped with special insert, which protects the operator from high voltage.

Basket load capacity

Lifting capacity of the basket lift is a parameter that determines the permissible weight that can be placed in the basket of the boom lift. It consists of the weight:

• employees,
• tools,
• all components and equipment taken into the lift basket. 

It is worth remembering that a basket lift should not be used as a crane and for weights exceeding (including the basket and operator) 500 kg it is usually necessary to use an additional crane.

Method of controlling a lift for working under voltage

Basket lifts can be controlled from the lower platform, directly from the basket or remotely. 

Photo: When leaseing a lift, you can benefit from the assistance of an operator who knows the machine and has experience in controlling the basket both from the ground and from the lift basket.

If the company provides electrical services and often performs orders of this type, it is worth investing in purchase of an appropriate basket lift. Manufacturers of basket lifts provide all the necessary information about the features of a given boom, which makes it easier to optimally match it to individual needs. 
Regarding basket lift, price depends on many factors, including the type of lift, its features and purpose or additional equipment. When planning to buy a basket lift, it is worth contacting authorized dealers who offer used basket lifts and new and parts for lifts at favorable prices. 
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Basket lift for live work allows you to safely and comfortably perform electrical work. Thanks to a wide range of applications and a design that allows you to work even in hard-to-reach places, it will allow you to effectively and quickly complete almost any order.