Not all wireless infrastructure is on towers. Installing and maintaining small cells, aerial cables or in-building systems is handled better by mobile elevated work platforms, or manlifts, and bucket trucks so contractors can work from the ground.
At NATE UNITE 2023 yesterday, Paul Fuentez, Environmental, Health & Safety Manager at ENERTECH and Ken Hill, Crown Castle Director of Network Safety presented an in-depth discussion of do’s and don’ts in an educational panel titled, “Using Aerial Lifts.” They made clear that working with manlifts and bucket trucks takes a lot of training along with proper planning and oversight on any site to perform the work efficiently and safely. Continue Reading
They warned of hazards: electrocution if working around power lines; falling or being ejected from the cage if the lift is bumped or makes unexpected moves; tips and rolls over; if something is dropped from a bucket; is not on level, solid ground; or, not properly protected in a work zone from street traffic.
OSHA and ANSI standards stipulate safe aerial lift operation with fall protection. The two experts emphasized repeatedly the importance of always referring to the Operations Manual that comes with the equipment being used. As well, it is imperative to always have a rescue plan in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Training must involve operators, supervisors and occupants with coordination among the three on any job. Aerial lift operators should have experience with that specific type of equipment. Manlift operation requires two people, one in the bucket and one on the ground. Bucket trucks can be operated by one person, although two are recommended.
In the end, they emphasized the importance for all involved to understand regulations and standards and to identify and mitigate potential hazards beforehand. It is necessary to employ a trained workforce on the proper and safe use of manlift and bucket trucks. More importantly, they reiterated the importance of selecting the right equipment for the job and to inspect the equipment for proper operation before the work begins. A pre-job meeting is mandatory so that everybody at the job site is on the same page.
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