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One possible solution when reaching for something on a difficult part of a building or large structure is to use a cherry picker. We know at Luchang, when using equipment of this type, speed and safety are crucial. Whatever your current experience of using this type of machinery, safety must be your main concern when you operate a cherry picker and in this guide, you'll discover how to choose the correct one for your business and which safety features to look out for, which will keep the rest of your team safe.
When it comes to choosing the correct one for your company it can be very tricky indeed, as there are so many to choose from, with each machine being built with certain different components and made for different jobs. Firstly you must consider how far you are needing to reach, as some cherry picker have a maximum lift height of over 60ft, whereas others are made more for short bursts at short distances. As a rough guide when using the machine for a large building you will require one with the larger lift height. You must also take into consideration how much weight you will be needing to lift on the lifting platform; if you are taking along large tools or more than one person then one with a greater load capacity will be needed.
Safety features are built into the machinery of every cherry picker.
These have many features which can save an employee's life. Firstly there are guard rails which protect workers from falling from the platform when it is raised at the highest points. An emergency stop button should also be fitted to stop the machinery at an emergency situation. Make sure you have a inclinometer which will alert you to unsafe ground if it's tilted and therefore makes the machine dangerous to use. You will also need a seatbelt which keeps the operator firmly on the machine.
How to Inspect a Cherry Picker Before You Use It?
When it comes to safety and you intend on using a cherry picker it is essential that it is in full working order and fully safe for use, therefore a thorough inspection needs to be carried out on every machine that you use. First check the machine for damage, you must look carefully at all the exterior sections of the cherry picker, looking for dints, scratches and signs of rust etc. The wheels must be checked; for obvious reasons they must be properly inflated and have plenty of treads, otherwise a damaged wheel could prove extremely hazardous. Next in the order of importance is to check all the controls, these must be operating smoothly without being too stiff.
Check the lifting platform to make sure there are no obstructions etc, on the actual platform that would cause you or another worker to trip or be endangered, check guard rails to make sure they are in place and undamaged, since you'll be operating at an extremely high level, make sure all safety lights and alarms are switched on and are in full working order. You must also check that you have an instruction manual, it should contain all information necessary regarding the machine you have so you must read it fully and completely, make sure you do everything you need to do before using the machine, otherwise you must not use the cherry picker and get it serviced as soon as possible if anything needs to be done. Safety is priority at Luchang when working at heights, even on cherry pickers.
Tips for New Operators on Cherry Pickers
As a first-time operator of a cherry picker hire you're bound to be nervous, but with these tips, you'll be a confident operator in no time. Receive a thorough training session in operating cherry pickers, and if your first attempt and if it's needed ask for the assistance of an experienced professional when you first get in the machine. Make sure when working at high heights, you have the appropriate protective gear when getting into the machinery, such as safety glasses, hard hat and a safety harness to prevent any falls.
Once properly geared up and ready to start up the cherry picker make sure you have enough room around you to get the machine operating as safely as possible. Turn on the engine and test the controls whilst the cherry picker is stationary and the lifting platform is low. After doing this and you're positive that everything is working correctly proceed to raise the machine carefully up to your desired height making sure there is enough clear space above you and the machinery, so that you won't hit any power lines or branches for instance.
Typical Issues Encountered When Using a Cherry Picker
Although quite efficient, you will sometimes face certain issues when operating your cherry picker. The most common issue is when operating the machinery without first examining the area; there are numerous cases where injuries have happened due to operators not checking if there was a power line or an obstacle in close proximity. Another problem faced is not using the safety harness correctly, users have a tendency to completely forget to put them on, or simply attach them the wrong way. You can easily get hurt as a result when operating your cherry picker hire at a height. A further issue is to overload your cherry picker, the manual provided will clearly state how much your specific machine can lift and how much you should not exceed, otherwise the machinery becomes dangerously unstable. Finally some users forget to communicate with their other employees, inform your colleagues when moving at close proximity with them, especially if they are positioned above you, or in the path where you may need to maneuver yourself.