Replacing scaffolding with aerial work platforms has become an industry trend, which greatly improves work efficiency and safety.
Now here come the questions:
Question 1: Do aerial work platforms have safety risks?
Answer: Definitely yes.
Question 2: What safety risks do aerial work platforms have?
Answer: We will explain this question with a set of data.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management of China and industrial research, the proportions of direct accident causes are as follows:
•Operational errors: approximately 45% - 55%
•Ground and support problems: approximately 20% - 25%
•Equipment failures and lack of maintenance: approximately 15% - 20%
•Environment and safety management issues: approximately 10%
It can be seen from the above data that improper operation is the primary cause of accidents. To help operators operate aerial work platforms correctly, we will introduce the standard operation methods below.
Step 1: Pre-operation Preparation - Sufficient Preparation Is the Foundation of Safety
Personnel & Qualifications
①Operators must hold valid certificates and be in good physical condition.
②Operators shall carefully read and fully understand the operation manual.
③Drinking alcohol or taking medicines before operation is strictly prohibited.
④Wear standard protective equipment including safety helmet, 5-point safety harness, labor protection shoes and reflective vest.
Equipment & Environment Inspection
①Inspect tires, hydraulic system, electrical system, engine and other parts for damage or leakage.
②Check if all outriggers of the aerial work vehicle are fully extended.
③Verify that safety devices including alarm device, emergency stop device and fire extinguisher are complete.
④Confirm there are no obstacles around the equipment, the ground is solid and flat, and check if power lines pass above the work area.
⑤Additional inspection: platform load marking, manual emergency lowering valve, battery power (electric models), fuel level (diesel models).
⑥Site isolation: Set warning fences and signs on the ground of the operation area, and prohibit unauthorized personnel from entering the dangerous zone under the boom.
Step 2: During Operation - Master Standard Operating Methods
Standard Operation Requirements：
①Correctly attach the safety harness: follow the principle of "high anchorage, low use", and hook it on the special anchor point (D-ring).
②Complete a lifting and telescoping test before formal operation to confirm all components work normally.
③Check that carried tools are firmly fixed before operation to eliminate the risk of falling objects.
④Overloading, lifting heavy objects and other illegal uses are strictly prohibited during operation.
⑤Follow the operation sequence: lift first, then extend; retract first, then lower. Avoid over-range operation as much as possible.
⑥Operate the joystick slightly and slowly when approaching the work target to prevent extrusion accidents.
⑦Personnel movement rules: Do not climb guardrails, cross railings or stand outside guardrails on the platform.
⑧Emergency handling: Press the emergency stop button immediately if abnormal noise, oil leakage or alarm occurs during operation; evacuate steadily and do not continue working with faulty equipment.
Step 3: Post-operation - Complete Closing Work Properly
Standard Closing Procedures:
①Lower the work platform to the initial position after work, park the vehicle at the designated parking area and cut off the power supply.
②Fill in equipment usage records and complete equipment handover work.
③Clean debris and tools on the platform, wipe oil stains on hydraulic pipelines; report minor damage to maintenance personnel in a timely manner, and do not disassemble or repair the equipment privately.
Core Safety Red Lines (Absolute Prohibitions)
•Overloading: Do not exceed the rated load, passenger capacity and lifting height specified by the equipment.
•Operation under dangerous weather: Stop all operations when wind force exceeds Grade 6, or in rainy, snowy, foggy and thunderstorm weather.
•Operation with faulty equipment: Do not operate any equipment with faults or abnormalities.
•Standing under the boom: No personnel or goods are allowed to stand or be stacked under the platform and telescopic boom.
Safety Production, Life First!
