Working at height comes with a certain degree of risk. When carried out carelessly, it can come with the danger of injuries or even fatalities. This means that if you are carrying out any kind of work at height it is important to use appropriate equipment and understand the dangers inherent to the task.
Using a cherry picker is one of the most popular ways to work at height. And this can actually be one of the safer ways to take on this kind of work. However, just like any other kind of work carried out at height, you must know the risks and put relevant precautions in place.
In this blog, we will explore the risks and precautions of working at heights with cherry pickers.
The dangers of working at height
One of the primary dangers of working at height with cherry pickers is the risk of falls. Falls from height can result in serious injury or death and can be caused by a variety of factors, including equipment failure, human error, or environmental factors like wind, rain, or uneven surfaces.
To minimise the risk of falls, it is essential to regularly inspect and maintain cherry pickers, to properly secure equipment and workers, and to consider environmental conditions when working at heights.
Another significant risk associated with in a cherry picker is the danger of electrocution. Cherry pickers often work near electrical lines, which can pose a serious threat if not properly managed. If you are working on a cherry picker, it is essential to ensure that you receive proper training in electrical safety, to use protective gear and equipment, and to take into account the location of electrical lines when positioning cherry pickers.
Using precautions
However, just as there are risks, there are also precautions that you can take to ensure the level of risk is as low as possible. One such precaution is the use of fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, which can help prevent falls if the equipment fails. Another precaution is the use of secure anchoring systems, which can help keep cherry pickers stable and prevent them from tipping over.
It is also worth noting the importance of training and certification of workers. Proper training is essential to ensure that workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate cherry pickers. This training should cover a range of topics, including safety procedures, maintenance and inspection, and emergency response.
Finally, it is important to have a well-planned emergency response plan in place in the event of an accident or equipment failure. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in case of an emergency and should include the designation of a responsible party to coordinate the response.
Working at height with cherry pickers can be a dangerous activity, but there are a number of precautions and best practices that can help minimise the risks involved. By regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment, ensuring workers receive proper training, and understanding environmental conditions, businesses can help protect workers and ensure safe and successful operations.
If you are interested in using a cherry picker for any kind of work at height, MC Property Maintenance have years of experience hiring high quality cherry pickers. We can offer self-hire or operated hire, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.