Protections in basket lifts – systems that ensure your safety

Working at heights requires the use of key safeguards that will protect the employee against potentially dangerous events - for example, falling out of the lift basket. For this reason, basket lifts are equipped with special systems that prevent such incidents

They are implemented primarily in modern machines. They are adapted in every respect to all occupational health and safety rules and other criteria that affect the use of the equipment. This is one of the reasons why it is always worth choosing high-quality devices.

Working on a basket lift - health and safety

And speaking of safety rules, it is worth briefly mentioning the most important ones related to: lifters. As the regulations indicate, this type of devices (such as basket lifts) must be equipped with:

• protective railings at least 1,1 m high,
• curb withlocated at a height of 15 cm,
• filling or cross beam located between the curb and the balustrade,
• secured gate input.

Occupational health and safety criteria additionally indicate that the basket lift should be operated in such a way that the employee does not have to lean out. It is also important that do not exceed the permitted load equipment.

Check also: How much does a basket lift course cost?

Basket lifts – what other protections can be used?

Meeting the above requirements is the absolute minimum that every company should remember. Regardless of the specific nature of the tasks performed using boom lifts. However, these are not all the solutions that can be used by workers operating basket lifts. As already mentioned, modern, good quality equipment often has additional protective equipment. In addition, there are all accessories intended for the aerial lift operators themselves.

Basket lift and electrical work

A specific group of tasks performed using the machines in question are works related to the assembly, service and maintenance of electrical infrastructure. They require special protection. This is mainly about insulation of the basket lift - appropriate materials are included in the construction of the basket and arm. This allows you to work safely with high voltage lines.

Of course, isolation understood in this way is not enough. Additional elements are also needed to ensure that the activities carried out do not pose any threat. These include:

• overalls and gloves protective,
• electrical insulating sleeves,
• insulating bars.

In addition, there are the previously mentioned safeguards designed to protect people from falling out. Safe work on a basket lift also depends on what materials it is made of. In this case, of course, materials that do not conduct electricity are recommended.

Personal protection

Appropriate construction and protection of basket lifts is sometimes not enough to be 100% sure that the device will be operated completely safely. We should also not forget about: employee equipmentwho will have to work at heights. All elements are intended to protect them mainly against falling, although other threats must also be taken into account, such as falling objects or even unfavorable weather.

Key accessories include safety harness. A basket lift is able to lift the basket to a height of up to several meters, so such protection seems to be essential. It must not be treated as optional equipment. It is attached to the harness special line, which is then attached to permanent elements that will be able to support a person in the event of falling out of the basket. What other personal protective equipment should an employee wear? Essential products include: kask protective, reflective vest, gloves and footwear – necessarily with a rubber sole, which ensures the best grip on the ground. Instead of standard harnesses, you can also choose a specialized harness or mountaineering equipment.

Protective basket lift systems

Modern machines are valued not only because of their excellent performance and operational efficiency. All functions, mechanisms and systems that increase occupational safety are also of great importance. Their specificity depends on the specific model, but the most important ones include:

• anti-crush systems,
• speed limiters,
• measuring mechanisms (for example lifting capacity and tilt),
• safety valves (protecting the boom against overload).

Safe basket lift

Even the best security solutions are insufficient if the equipment is simply inoperable. Therefore, when purchasing or – especially – leaseing a basket lift, you should make sure that it has one curlease inspection – both technical and UDT. Lifts (basket and other) must be checked regularly (monthly), so such an inspection is a guarantee that the device works without any problems.

It is also important the behavior of the operators themselves, who must comply with all health and safety rules. Combined with the safety systems used in the machine, this will translate into efficient, trouble-free operation.