Staying Safe: The Do’s And Don’ts Of Operating Boom Trucks

Boom trucks come in all kinds and colors, sizes andtruck is difficult to maneuver or that they’re
shapes and are designed to help people do jobs theypoorly made pieces of equipment. But, rather that all
wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. While therevehicles, especially specialized vehicles, need to be
are a lot of uses for a bucket truck, it’s usuallyhandled with care so as to avoid accidents.
used by people who work for the electric orFollowing the directions given by the manufacturer of
telephone company. It’s because of thesea bucket truck will ensure the safety of those
vehicles that workers who need to reach unrealworking on and around them. And, OSHA has also
heights can perform their jobs efficiently.set forth its own guidelines for operating these types
These trucks also have a storage bin in the bucketof vehicles. Some of OSHA’s guidelines for the
where workers can store the tools and other itemsoperation of bucket trucks are as follows:
they’ll need while they’re in the bucket.1. Every control in the truck must be clearly defined
Some bucket trucks even have a double-arm boom;as to its purpose.
also known as a hydraulic outrigger jack.  This piece2. Every control is to be tested every day before
of equipment offers extra stability for the personusing the truck.
working in the bucket. Some bucket trucks have a3. All manufacturers’ guidelines must be followed
separate engine to power the bucket, while otherswith regard to load and distribution.
power the bucket and the truck itself with the same4. Workers must wear protective equipment including
engine.gloves, hard hat, goggles, and boots at all times while
All big pieces of equipment, including bucket trucks,working in or around the truck.
have guidelines to follow when it comes to handling5. Workers must stand firmly in the bucket at all
them safely. This isn’t to say that a buckettimes.