Hoist Safety Procedures

This document outlines the safety procedures for operating a hoist, including pre-operation checks, load limits, and emergency stop protocols. Adherence to these procedures is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

Pre-Operation Checks

Before operating a hoist, a thorough inspection must be performed. This inspection should include, but not be limited to, the following:

• General Condition: Ensure the machine is fully serviceable and has passed pre-use checks. Do not use the machine if it is not fully serviceable. Operating this equipment without all safety and control decals in place can be hazardous. Immediately report any erratic noises, vibrations or malfunctions of the unit to supervisor. Machine must be removed from service until diagnosis and any necessary repairs have been completed.
• Fuel System: Check the fuel system for leaks or damaged fuel lines. If any damage is found, contact your supervisor immediately. The machine must be removed from service until diagnosis and any necessary repairs have been completed.
• Tires: Ensure that all tires are in good condition and meet the manufacturer's specifications. Ensure that air-filled tires are properly inflated.
• Hydraulic System: Be sure to turn all hydraulic valves back "ON" before starting the machine, or extensive pump damage will occur.
• Safety Decals: Verify that all safety and control decals are in place and legible. Operating this equipment without all safety and control decals in place can be hazardous.
• Worksite Inspection: Inspect the worksite for ground conditions, overhead obstacles, and electrical hazards before operating. Check for clearances from obstacles before operating. Be sure the area you will be moving the aerial lift in is free from obstacles you could collide with. Check the overhead clearances and be aware of obstacles when elevating (raising) the platform.
• Surface Conditions: Surfaces should be level whenever the platform is to be elevated. Surfaces should be free from bumps and potholes. Surfaces should be able to support the weight of the aerial lift and its contents. Surfaces should be firmly prepared. Make sure the grades to be traveled do not exceed 5% (3°) (side to side) and/ or 10% (6°) (front to back). Lift ramps must be strong enough to support the weight of the aerial lift and wide enough to provide plenty of side clearance beyond the wheels. Be clean and free of debris and obstacles.
• Wind Speed: The wind speed during operation. The wind-speed rating of the aerial lift-with platform raised--is 10 m.p.h. Wind speeds in excess of this can cause the platform to tip over. The wind-speed rating is based on the surface area of the platform, scissor, personnel. and tools in the platform. If items with a large surface area are in the platform-The wind speed that an aerial platform can be safely operated in will be reduced.
• Wheel Loads: The Wheel Loads (wheels' weight on surface) for this aerial lift-when fully loaded-is indicated on the identification plate posted on the platform base and listed in the Specifications section of this manual. The traveling surface must be able to support these loads. Wheel loads are based on load in the platform being evenly distributed.
• Capacity: The separate capacities for the platform and for the extended platform. These capacities are posted on the platform and in the Specifications section of this manual. The combined weight of personnel in the platform and any supplies and tools to be carried in the platform. This weight must be included as part of the overall weight in the platform. The combined weight of personnel plus tools and supplies must not exceed the total/maximum platform capacity. Do not exceed the maximum number of personnel allowed on the platform. This information is posted on the platform and can be found in the Specifications section of this manual.
• Guardrails and Gate: The aerial lift has a removable chain gate guard-Be sure this is fixed securely in place. Some aerial lifts have removable or folding guard rails-Be sure these are fixed securely in place.
• Platform Surface: Make sure the surface is undamaged and free from oil, grease, or other substances which could cause a slip or fall.
• Platform Loads: The capacity of the aerial lift is based on even distribution of weight. Position all personnel, tools, and supplies on the platform to assure an even distribution of weight. Position all tools and supplies in a manner to prevent anything from being accidentally knocked- off the platform. Make sure the aerial control box is in its "normal" position for operating. Position all tools and supplies in a manner to prevent personnel on platform from tripping on or colliding with them.

These checks are essential to identify potential hazards before operation begins.

Load Limits

Adhering to load limits is critical for safe hoist operation. The following guidelines must be observed:

• Maximum Load: Do not exceed the platform rated load. The platform is designed to hold two persons only, and the safe working load of 225 KGS must not be exceeded, unless specified otherwise in chart 4 (section 1 - specification).
• Load Distribution: The capacity of the aerial lift is based on even distribution of weight. Position all personnel, tools, and supplies on the platform to assure an even distribution of weight. Wheel loads are based on load in the platform being evenly distributed.
• Horizontal Pull: DO NOT exceed the maximum platform horizontal pull of 100 pounds (45.4 kg).
• Crane Usage: DO NOT use the boom or platform as a crane to lift oversized or hanging loads.

Exceeding these limits can lead to tip-over, structural failure, and potential injuries.

Emergency Stop Protocols

Emergency stop protocols are vital for quickly halting the hoist operation in case of danger. The following procedures must be followed:

• Emergency Stop Button: PUSH EMERGENCY STOP to disable all platform movements. Actuation of the red "EMERGENCY STOP" button will apply brakes immediately, causing unexpected platform movement as the machine comes to a sudden stop. Brace yourself.
• Ground Control Emergency Descent: Make sure the emergency stop switch at ground panel is turned on by turning the knob clockwise. Make sure no material or personnel are beneath the platform. Make Sure master switch is turned "on". Operate platform lift/lower control in the "lower" direction to lower platform. Watch out for hazards beneath deck extension if extended. Note: If controls are inoperable-pull "out" on red handle labeled "Manual Platform Lowering Cable-Emergency Down" (if equipped), (located on the right outside of right battery compartment, to stop manual lowering-release handle. Note: If emergency stop is activated at aerial-control box all controls at aerial-control box will be inoperative and platform cannot be lowered from this station, but can be lowered from ground panel.
• Platform Emergency Descent: If ground personnel are present, have them make sure the master key is on and the emergency stop switch at the ground panel is on by turning the knob clockwise. Make sure no personnel or materials are below the platform. Turn the platform-control emergency stop-switch clockwise. If the platform is extended-simultaneously operate the controls-enable switch, the descent-override switch (located on the face of the aerial control box), and the "lower" toggle switch. If the platform is not extended. it is not necessary to operate the "descent-override switch".

These protocols ensure a swift and safe shutdown of the hoist in emergency situations.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to the above, the following safety measures should be observed:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety belts and helmets should be worn at all times, and the platform door/bar must be in position when the operator(s) are in the cage. Use safety belt or body harness as required by federal, local or employer regulations.
• Electrical Safety: Avoid contact with electrical lines or equipment. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from electric lines or equipment over 300 volts. Additional clearance is required over 50,000 volts. This machine is not insulated. Keep away from machine if near electrical lines or equipment. Death or serious injury will result from contact with this machine if it should become electrically charged. Consult the local electrical authorities for advice.
• Operating Environment: Care must be exercised when working in an area where there are live electric cables. Where there are obstructions such as pillars, additional care should be taken to avoid collision between the obstruction and the work platform, and to prevent the operator(s) from being trapped. When working in areas with other moving machines, special care should be taken to prevent collisions with objects that may enter the working envelope. When working in public or peopled areas, special care should be taken to prevent members of the public from approaching the work platform. The working area should be cordoned off and people prevented from walking or working underneath, where objects or the structure may descend onto them. Consideration should be given to the use of a warning hooter to signify motion of the machine where circumstances may prevent persons close to the machine being aware of its movement. Adequate visibility should be available when the work platform is being used. The work area and the adjacent operating envelope may require illumination to prevent collision between the work platform and an obstruction. Additionally, it should be remembered that in darkness the shape or extent of the work platform may not be apparent to others, and consideration should be given to the location and extent of warning lights, etc.
• Platform Stability: DO NOT modify machine in any way which affects stability. DO NOT raise or extend boom on soft, uneven or sloping surfaces. DO NOT drive with platform raised or extended on soft, uneven or sloping surfaces. Near potholes or dropoffs. If so equipped, fully extend axles before raising platform.
• General Precautions: DO NOT use the platform or boom functions to push or tow the unit or another vehicle. Avoid sudden braking or steering, go slowly and leave more maneuvering room during cold weather operation until the machine is warm. Under no circumstance should this machine be used in such a manner as to contravene any international, national or local health and safety at work regulations, or factories acts and subordinate regulations. Use of the platform should be avoided in areas where rescue of the operator in an emergency would be difficult. The operator should not interfere with, or make adjustments to the hydraulic circuit in an attempt to increase the machine speeds outside the range given in the specification.

By adhering to these comprehensive safety procedures, the risks associated with hoist operation can be significantly reduced.

Safety powered by SALUS