Owning Safety

It might be the last thing on our minds right now, but cold weather is just around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time for us to address the critical aspects of safety for those who work with aerial-lift equipment in the telecom, utility and other industries.

Rather than just going over a dry bullet list of dos and don’ts, let’s first talk about the concept of safety, not just the practice of it. Eighty-seven years ago, vehicle safety expert, Eleanor Everet, made the timeless statement: “Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.” The point she was making, of course, was that, in order to really be safe, you have to “own” safety, not just practice it. Safety needs to be part of who you are, not just what you do.

Regarding high-lift safety, Lift and Access took the opportunity to speak with Rod Hemenway, a long-time utility serviceman in Payette, Idaho, about his safety regimen.

Steve Sniff: Rod, thank you for granting me this interview. We all appreciate getting safety reminders from someone who works “in the trenches.” So, where are you employed and on what occasions do you need to use aerial-lift equipment?

Rod Hemenway: I have worked for the City of Payette for the last 10 years and have used heavy equipment for over 25 years. My high-lift experience is with a 70-foot bucket truck when we trim trees.

Steve: Obviously, equipment like this has high-risk potential. What precautions do you take to prepare yourself personally before climbing on to the machinery?

Rod: Before I use the bucket truck, I inspect my hard hat for damage, my harness for frays and the buckles for proper working order. I also completely inspect the tools that I will be using for the job, such as chainsaw and ropes.

Steve: Are there steps you take to ensure that the machine itself is in good operating condition and the jobsite is safe to work on?

Rod: Yes. Prior to use, I perform an inspection of the hoses and oil levels, and I make sure that the lift is operational and that the levers are working properly. I also perform a full inspection of the site before moving the equipment to ensure that plenty of room is available for the job at hand.

Steve: After you are in place in the bucket, what do you do prior to raising the lift?

Rod: I put on my PPE, which includes my harness, hard hat, gloves and safety glasses. And before the equipment is raised, I perform a second overhead review for powerlines.

Steve: Do you find that there are differences between running lift equipment in the cold of winter compared with the rest of the year?

Rod: Yes, it is definitely different in the winter. For example, the higher you are, the colder it is because of the wind. Also, in winter, more clothing is necessary and that can restrict your movement. We do not use the bucket truck when it is raining or snowing. And during the cold, we set a per person limit on the amount of time spent in the bucket.

Steve: Thank you, Rod. Clearly, you operate in a safety state of mind.

We do need to discuss some of the dos and don’ts of aerial-lift safety, but those with a safety state of mind will view these as timely reminders instead of just what we do because it is a requirement of the job. Rod covered several of the high points, but let’s look at some of them in a little more depth. Keep in mind that, although all operators should have these precautions well in mind, it is particularly incumbent upon employers and superintendents to ensure that a truly safe environment is provided for their employees and that all safety procedures are followed. Because the winter season is fast approaching, we are going to focus particularly on cold-weather safety.

Personal Safety

Remember to “dress for safety.” Dressing in layers greatly adds to the insulating effect. A properly dressed operator will have at least three layers of clothing. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic material will wick moisture away from the body, and it will hold the heat better than cotton. A middle layer of similar material helps to provide insulation even when wet. A vented outer layer will provide protection from the wind and rain while preventing overheating.

All clothing should be loose-fitting to aid movement and allow for good blood circulation. And don’t forget insulated gloves, knit mask, waterproof boots and properly insulated head covering (including a hard hat liner, if needed).

Machine Safety

Before the onset of cold weather, get the equipment ready for the season. Make sure that the machine is properly lubricated with the recommended engine, transmission and hydraulic fluids. This may include switching to “arctic oil,” if the expected conditions warrant it. Ensure that the filters are clean and in good condition. Since hydraulic hoses are particularly subject to damage during extremely cold weather, ensure that they are not cracked and are leak-free. Be sure to check the tires or treads for proper wear.

When the workday begins, follow a start-up routine. After firing up the machine, allow it ample time to fully warm up. When the oil gets warm, it will flow through the system and warm the engine, transmission and hydraulics. Among other things, this will help prevent the intake and exhaust valves from sticking and remove some of the brittleness from wires and hoses.

Besides improving efficiency and safety, pre-warming will cut down on fuel costs. Just as we do some stretching before starting heavy exercise, put the equipment through a few “stretching” exercises before it begins its heavy workday. Cycle through all of the machine’s functions and rotate the hydraulic drive motors slowly.   This will help the cylinders to move and the hydraulic fluids to flow properly. Then put the machine in gear and move slowly forward for a few feet. Do the same in reverse. Although all of these exercises take up some time (in reality no more than 10 to 15 minutes), they will bring the equipment up to operating temperature and condition and reduce down time.

At the end of the work day, the fuel tank should be filled up. This will reduce the amount of air in the tank that could freeze, which could lead to fuel freezing. The vehicle should be parked inside, if possible. If not, park it on some kind of raised surface, such as planking. Doing so will keep the tires or tracks from freezing to the ground. Frozen tires pose a particular hazard. Pulling them out of frozen water or mud could not only damage the tires but also overtax the cold drivetrain. Depending on the degree of nighttime cold, the use of block, pan, freeze plug and hydraulic tank heaters, as well as battery blankets, should be used to ease the machine out of its frigid sleep and get it back on the job as quickly as possible.

Site Safety

Apply a generous layer of grit or deicer over any area that the equipment will be running. Besides the obvious benefit of keeping personnel safe from slips and falls, the grit will also allow the machine to move safely in its designated work area and remain firmly grounded when the operator is working in the air.

As Rod mentioned in the interview, the jobsite should be surveyed at least twice before beginning any operation. And, as a last-minute precaution, the operator needs to ensure that all personnel have cleared the area before the above-ground work begins.

Operational Safety

During inclement weather, the superintendent or someone designated by him needs to monitor changing weather conditions which may make it necessary to alter plans for the day. Take particular note of prevailing winds that become more hazardous the higher the operator is above the ground. Limit the amount of time the operator spends in the air. Make sure there are plenty of warm liquids (no alcohol) available to keep the workers hydrated, alert and warm.

A good rule of thumb when working in cold conditions is to go slow. Move the vehicle at half speed and take extra time in raising the lift. Not only will this eliminate sudden jerks, but there will be time and distance available to stop if a problem is encountered. And be sure to use outriggers, brakes and wheel chocks whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

Arguably the most vital precaution anyone can take in high-lift safety is training. All operators should be OSHA-certified. And even after getting certified, regularly attending training sessions ensures that an operator is up to date on the latest safety protocols and operational procedures.

Remember, safety is a state of mind, not just standard operating procedure. Owning safety is an ongoing process that demands attention and commitment every day. Stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining a secure working environment for yourself and your colleagues, especially as we move into the precarious winter months.

As former governor of Connecticut, Jodi Rell, once said, “At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.”

Indeed, these are the most important aspects of any job.