Bucket trucks are very versatile pieces of equipment that have become important utility vehicles on the modern construction job-site. The bucket that is attached to the boom is the mechanism that enables a worker to perform many aerial tasks. Along with its usefulness, there are many hazards associated with the entire boom apparatus. Electrocution is one of those hazards and has become the primary cause of injuries and even fatalities.
Insulation Facts
Owning an insulated bucket truck does not necessarily make the operator immune from electrocution. Just like any other piece of equipment, these vehicles' parts contain metal which is a strong conductor of electricity. Even with an insulated boom, there are parts that do not provide any insulation. For example, these vehicles may have a band of arrows to indicate the point at which the insulated part of the upper boom ends.
In addition, covers and guards that are installed do not fully guarantee protection from electrocution in cases of power line contact, so it is better to take extra precautions and not rely solely on the insulation that is part of the vehicle.
Non-Utility Usage
There are quite a few non-utility company operators who routinely use bucket trucks for aerial tasks that place them close to live utility lines. Their job may be to put up holiday lights, trim trees, paint buildings and other high structural maintenance work. Awareness about the dangers of working near live power lines is necessary for such workers.
It is highly recommended that non-utility company operators know and practice safety standards for such tasks; they should be aware of the risks of working near live power lines. The following are recommended safety procedures for non-utility company bucket truck operators to perform prior to beginning any aerial work.
* Check for No Ground Path - Be sure to check that the equipment is free from any ground paths, especially with the insulated bucket of the truck. Always remember not to rely completely on the insulated protection provided with the vehicle.
* Tool Job Ratings - Check all electrical tools and equipment to make sure that they have the correct job ratings.
* Check Insulation Barriers - Make sure that all insulation barriers and other equipment subject to wear-and-tear are checked routinely. Never use any tools or equipment that are dirty, wet or with deteriorated insulation.
* De-energize Power Lines - For aerial tasks that will be performed near power lines, ask the utility company to de-energize the lines or install additional protective insulation for the duration of the task.
When the work has begun, following are some important things to remember:
* Do Not Touch Any Line - Operators should treat all wires and utility cables as if they are energized and should not attempt to touch them.
* Keep Safe Clearance - Make sure that there is adequate clearance between the equipment and the bucket of the truck and all electrical wires. It is recommended to keep at least ten feet away.
* Wear Protective Gear Always - All operators should wear approved protective gear when performing jobs that are electrical in nature, for example, putting up decorative lights.
* Don't Use Tools Near Lines - If the operator needs to use a tool that extends away from the bucket, be sure that the truck is positioned further than the length of the tool from any electrical wires.
For all operators, safety should be the first concern. All workers should be familiar with the equipment and be well informed about the work site where the jobs will be performed. A comprehensive bucket truck training and certification program is very important to preserve life and property; it should be the goal of every operator to complete a training and certification program. Should any uncertainties arise during operations, it is better to seek help from professionals and thereby prevent injury or loss of life. Insulated bucket truck safety facts are the most important thing a worker can learn before operating this heavy duty equipment!
Showing posts with label Facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facts. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Important Facts About Becoming a Qualified Dump Truck Driver!
Becoming a qualified dump truck driver opens up a range of new possibilities and job opportunities. Obtaining the essential education and on-the-job skills training to safely operate a new or used dump truck will have gained a sense of confidence and should experience greater success in the dump truck industry than an unqualified driver.
It is also important to note that possessing a normal driver's license does not automatically qualify a person to operate a dump truck. Heavy machinery handled by unqualified personnel can cause serious or even fatal injuries to the operator and co-workers; this is exactly why precautionary training courses must be completed before a person can have the necessary qualifications to drive this heavy-duty vehicle.
Training Programs
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that provide the necessary training to operate a dump truck. Successful students will receive a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) once they have completed the program and passed, all necessary tests. Specific CDL's are issued for different types of vehicles, which means that holding a CDL for one type of truck does not automatically qualify the driver to operate another type of heavy-duty vehicle.
These programs involve hands-on training, where applicants are taught how to: properly operate the vehicle; loading and unloading of the truck; comprehensive safety instructions; and general maintenance information.
Safety
Not surprisingly, learning about safety is the most important part of becoming a qualified dump truck driver. Vehicles that carry heavy loads are harder to steer on the road and have the potential to cause more injuries and property damage to other vehicles if there is a collision. Under circumstances involving adverse weather conditions or slippery road surfaces, a driver's job becomes even more difficult.
Used dump trucks must be thoroughly inspected before being put on the road. Trainees must also learn to exercise extreme caution not only for their own safety, but also to ensure the safety of co-workers while on the job site. Securing cargo using chains or ropes is also part of the necessary precautions, as is the method of loading of the truck. This may involve using forklifts or even manual loading, both of which require specific training.
Load Supervision
In addition to safety, students are taught: how to examine an incoming load; how to calculate the volume and weight of the cargo; and various methods for handling the many different types of material that could be carried. Ensuring that a vehicle is safe to use before putting it into operation is the responsibility of the driver; therefore, most schools include courses about vehicle examination and maintenance, tire replacement, cleaning, and emergency repairs in case of a breakdown while on the road.
It is important to note that there are many different kinds of dump trucks, such as trailers, semi-trailers, off-road, side dump and articulated models, all of which have slightly different operating procedures. There are many truck driving schools across the country from which aspiring drivers can choose to be able to meet all of the essential qualifications required to obtain a CDL for the operation of a specific dump truck. These are the important facts to know how to become a dump truck driver!
It is also important to note that possessing a normal driver's license does not automatically qualify a person to operate a dump truck. Heavy machinery handled by unqualified personnel can cause serious or even fatal injuries to the operator and co-workers; this is exactly why precautionary training courses must be completed before a person can have the necessary qualifications to drive this heavy-duty vehicle.
Training Programs
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that provide the necessary training to operate a dump truck. Successful students will receive a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) once they have completed the program and passed, all necessary tests. Specific CDL's are issued for different types of vehicles, which means that holding a CDL for one type of truck does not automatically qualify the driver to operate another type of heavy-duty vehicle.
These programs involve hands-on training, where applicants are taught how to: properly operate the vehicle; loading and unloading of the truck; comprehensive safety instructions; and general maintenance information.
Safety
Not surprisingly, learning about safety is the most important part of becoming a qualified dump truck driver. Vehicles that carry heavy loads are harder to steer on the road and have the potential to cause more injuries and property damage to other vehicles if there is a collision. Under circumstances involving adverse weather conditions or slippery road surfaces, a driver's job becomes even more difficult.
Used dump trucks must be thoroughly inspected before being put on the road. Trainees must also learn to exercise extreme caution not only for their own safety, but also to ensure the safety of co-workers while on the job site. Securing cargo using chains or ropes is also part of the necessary precautions, as is the method of loading of the truck. This may involve using forklifts or even manual loading, both of which require specific training.
Load Supervision
In addition to safety, students are taught: how to examine an incoming load; how to calculate the volume and weight of the cargo; and various methods for handling the many different types of material that could be carried. Ensuring that a vehicle is safe to use before putting it into operation is the responsibility of the driver; therefore, most schools include courses about vehicle examination and maintenance, tire replacement, cleaning, and emergency repairs in case of a breakdown while on the road.
It is important to note that there are many different kinds of dump trucks, such as trailers, semi-trailers, off-road, side dump and articulated models, all of which have slightly different operating procedures. There are many truck driving schools across the country from which aspiring drivers can choose to be able to meet all of the essential qualifications required to obtain a CDL for the operation of a specific dump truck. These are the important facts to know how to become a dump truck driver!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Important Facts About Becoming a Qualified Dump Truck Driver!
Becoming a qualified dump truck driver opens up a range of new possibilities and job opportunities. Obtaining the essential education and on-the-job skills training to safely operate a new or used dump truck will have gained a sense of confidence and should experience greater success in the dump truck industry than an unqualified driver.
It is also important to note that possessing a normal driver's license does not automatically qualify a person to operate a dump truck. Heavy machinery handled by unqualified personnel can cause serious or even fatal injuries to the operator and co-workers; this is exactly why precautionary training courses must be completed before a person can have the necessary qualifications to drive this heavy-duty vehicle.
Training Programs
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that provide the necessary training to operate a dump truck. Successful students will receive a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) once they have completed the program and passed, all necessary tests. Specific CDL's are issued for different types of vehicles, which means that holding a CDL for one type of truck does not automatically qualify the driver to operate another type of heavy-duty vehicle.
These programs involve hands-on training, where applicants are taught how to: properly operate the vehicle; loading and unloading of the truck; comprehensive safety instructions; and general maintenance information.
Safety
Not surprisingly, learning about safety is the most important part of becoming a qualified dump truck driver. Vehicles that carry heavy loads are harder to steer on the road and have the potential to cause more injuries and property damage to other vehicles if there is a collision. Under circumstances involving adverse weather conditions or slippery road surfaces, a driver's job becomes even more difficult.
Used dump trucks must be thoroughly inspected before being put on the road. Trainees must also learn to exercise extreme caution not only for their own safety, but also to ensure the safety of co-workers while on the job site. Securing cargo using chains or ropes is also part of the necessary precautions, as is the method of loading of the truck. This may involve using forklifts or even manual loading, both of which require specific training.
Load Supervision
In addition to safety, students are taught: how to examine an incoming load; how to calculate the volume and weight of the cargo; and various methods for handling the many different types of material that could be carried. Ensuring that a vehicle is safe to use before putting it into operation is the responsibility of the driver; therefore, most schools include courses about vehicle examination and maintenance, tire replacement, cleaning, and emergency repairs in case of a breakdown while on the road.
It is important to note that there are many different kinds of dump trucks, such as trailers, semi-trailers, off-road, side dump and articulated models, all of which have slightly different operating procedures. There are many truck driving schools across the country from which aspiring drivers can choose to be able to meet all of the essential qualifications required to obtain a CDL for the operation of a specific dump truck. These are the important facts to know how to become a dump truck driver!
It is also important to note that possessing a normal driver's license does not automatically qualify a person to operate a dump truck. Heavy machinery handled by unqualified personnel can cause serious or even fatal injuries to the operator and co-workers; this is exactly why precautionary training courses must be completed before a person can have the necessary qualifications to drive this heavy-duty vehicle.
Training Programs
There are hundreds of schools across the United States that provide the necessary training to operate a dump truck. Successful students will receive a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) once they have completed the program and passed, all necessary tests. Specific CDL's are issued for different types of vehicles, which means that holding a CDL for one type of truck does not automatically qualify the driver to operate another type of heavy-duty vehicle.
These programs involve hands-on training, where applicants are taught how to: properly operate the vehicle; loading and unloading of the truck; comprehensive safety instructions; and general maintenance information.
Safety
Not surprisingly, learning about safety is the most important part of becoming a qualified dump truck driver. Vehicles that carry heavy loads are harder to steer on the road and have the potential to cause more injuries and property damage to other vehicles if there is a collision. Under circumstances involving adverse weather conditions or slippery road surfaces, a driver's job becomes even more difficult.
Used dump trucks must be thoroughly inspected before being put on the road. Trainees must also learn to exercise extreme caution not only for their own safety, but also to ensure the safety of co-workers while on the job site. Securing cargo using chains or ropes is also part of the necessary precautions, as is the method of loading of the truck. This may involve using forklifts or even manual loading, both of which require specific training.
Load Supervision
In addition to safety, students are taught: how to examine an incoming load; how to calculate the volume and weight of the cargo; and various methods for handling the many different types of material that could be carried. Ensuring that a vehicle is safe to use before putting it into operation is the responsibility of the driver; therefore, most schools include courses about vehicle examination and maintenance, tire replacement, cleaning, and emergency repairs in case of a breakdown while on the road.
It is important to note that there are many different kinds of dump trucks, such as trailers, semi-trailers, off-road, side dump and articulated models, all of which have slightly different operating procedures. There are many truck driving schools across the country from which aspiring drivers can choose to be able to meet all of the essential qualifications required to obtain a CDL for the operation of a specific dump truck. These are the important facts to know how to become a dump truck driver!
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