What Should I Know Before Tenting an Aerial Lift?

by | Jun 12, 2017 | Construction and Maintenance

If you are considering aerial equipment rental in Orange County, it is important to understand the options available to you. There are a number of lift types you can choose from depending on your requirements.

 * Scissor lifts. One of the simplest designs, a scissor lift extends a platform straight up and down using a cross-shaped mechanism.
 * Knuckle booms. Also known as articulated booms, that have the most flexibility and maneuverability compared to other lifts, although their horizontal reach can be shorter.
 * Straight booms. This design only extends in a single direction but is simple to operate and ideal for jobs where extreme vertical reach is required.

Fuel types

Most of the lifts described above will be available with two fuel sources – diesel and electric.

 * Electric. These are designed mainly for indoor use on level, smooth surfaces. They require charging before use but are substantially quieter in operation and produce no emissions, making them ideal for enclosed spaces. Electric lifts are usually smaller and have less reach.
 * Diesel. Much more suitable for outdoor work and use on rough terrain. Diesel powered models are noisier but easily refueled and maintained. They have wheels capable of dealing with uneven ground.

Both fuel types are typically available from Orange County aerial equipment rental companies.

Safety Considerations

For anyone working with lifts, safety must be a priority. Working at even low heights can be dangerous – over fifty percent of fatal workplace falls are from less than twenty feet. Most Orange County aerial equipment rental firms will supply you with information on safety. There are two main concerns if you plan to use a lift.

 * Training. It is not required by law to have external certification or licensing to use aerial equipment, however, it is an obligation to make sure that any operator has received sufficient training in the use of the machinery. Whoever uses the lift should have received instruction in how to operate it safely.

 * Fall Arrest Systems. Lifts should be fitted with a system to prevent dangerous falls by the operator. This usually takes the form of a harness fitted to a fixed point on the lift using a shock-absorbing lanyard which will slow a fall.

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