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| Aerial lifts, also known as manlifts, allow you to reach elevated areas to perform your job more efficiently. However, without the proper preparation and precautions, they can be hazardous—especially when operated near power lines. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when operating manlifts around power lines and other utility equipment. |
Order our FREE worker safety kit on the PG&E
e-SMARTworkers website. |
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| Vaults |
| Underground vaults sometime serve areas with underground distribution lines. These spaces contain much of the equipment found on overhead utility poles, including power lines, transformers, regulators and switches. When working near vaults: |
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Carefully examine your work site for: |
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Overhead power lines, poles and guy wires |
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Work zone hazards such as drop-offs, holes, debris, cords and pedestrians within proximity |
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Point out the utility facilities to crew members and reconcile hazards as feasible. |
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Make it a habit to check for utility facilities and hazards when erecting, moving or lowering manlifts. |
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| Stay Alert |
| When operating: |
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Use fall protection, such as a body harness appropriately attached to the equipment with a lanyard. Consult osha.gov for details. |
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Use a spotter on the ground as a second pair of eyes to help you stay clear of power lines and other hazards. |
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Do not lean on the platform guardrails or basket. |
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Do not move the manlift while the platform is raised, extended or occupied. |
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If you must drive the lift on a slope, ensure that the platform is lowered and retracted, and do not exceed your equipment's maximum slope rating. |
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Do not raise, extend nor operate the lift on a slope or an uneven surface. |
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Do not exceed the platform's load capacity; always factor in your weight and that of tools and materials. |
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Secure tools, materials and any other objects on the platform. These could fall and cause serious injury (or worse) to pedestrians below. |
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Know what to do if your equipment contacts utility facilities. |
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| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on PG&E's e-SMARTworkers website. |
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