Basket for a basket lift – how to use it properly?

The basket is one of the most important elements of the basket lift. It allows you to safely perform work at heights. It houses both employees and the tools and materials they use. How to use the basket correctly in a lift?

Basket load for the lift

All basket lifts have a specific lifting capacity. There cannot be more people in the basket than indicated in the device instructions.

When calculating the weight pressing on the lift, you should also take into account the tools and materials that workers use. Lifts usually support more weight than specified by the manufacturer, but under no circumstances should the manufacturer's specifications be exceeded.

Overweight sensor in the basket lift

Newer basket lifts are equipped with special overweight sensors that inform when the permissible load is exceeded. Such solutions are usually not available in older models, so it is worth calculating the weight before starting work. Otherwise, the entire structure may collapse. The operator is responsible for supervising the use of the machine.

Harness and basket for the lift

Using a basket lift is considered work at height. Therefore, when performing tasks from the basket, it is necessary to have special accessories. The employer must equip his employees with harnesses that have appropriate certificates. They help protect people working at heights from the consequences of a possible fall from the basket.

Anchor point in the basket for the lift

The harness will not perform its function if it is not properly attached to the lift structure. There is an anchor point in each basket. It allows you to stably attach the harness in the right place. In the event of a fall, the user attached to the anchor point should not be able to hit other structural elements of the lift.

The anchor point must be located in a place where it ensures full safety in the event of a fall and at the same time does not restrict the employee's movements. Information about its location appears in the manual included with the device.

Leaning on the handrails in the lift basket

The handrails in the lift basket are designed to prevent workers from falling from great heights. However, leaning on them or leaning out may pose a serious threat to people on or under the platform. 

Workers working at heights should keep their feet steady and treat handrails as additional protection, not support. If the basket is too far from the work area, the operator should move the arm to bring it a little closer.

Additional height and a basket for a basket lift

Basket lifts are available in many versions. They differ primarily in arm length. This parameter must be perfectly matched to the location and characteristics of the planned works. It must be remembered that if employees are too low while performing tasks, they will not be able to use additional stands or ladders. Using such accessories from the lift platform is very dangerous and increases the risk of falling over the railing.

Cleanliness of the basket for the basket lift

The basket on the basket lift should be cleaned regularly. Loose leaves or greasy dirt caused by the substances used may increase the risk of slipping while working. 

Cleaning the machine is also intended to prevent dirt from getting into important components of the device's installation. For this reason, lint-free cloths are used to clean the lift.

Inspection of the technical condition of the lift basket

Basket lifts must undergo regular inspections. Lack of such checks means that the device cannot be operated in accordance with applicable regulations. During the inspections, the functioning of the most important installations, as well as the elements of the basket itself, are checked. If faults are detected during the inspection, they must be removed as soon as possible. Only after confirming the appropriate technical condition of the machine does the person delegated by the Office of Technical Inspection make an appropriate entry in the log.

The technical condition of the lift should also be checked immediately before starting each job. This is one of the many responsibilities of the operator of such a machine. Before employees enter the bin, they must confirm that the device is safe for use.

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