Prestart Inspection; Work Place Inspection And Practices; Operation; Tip-Over And Falling Hazards - Snorkel TB42J Operato's Manual

Chapter 3 – Safety

Prestart Inspection

Perform a prestart inspection before each shift as de-
scribed in Chapter 7. Do not use the aerial platform on
the job unless you are trained and authorized to do so.

Work Place Inspection and Practices

Do not use the aerial platform as a ground connection
when welding. The welding ground clamp must be at-
tached to the same structure that is being welded. Elec-
trical current flow can be very intense, causing serious
internal damage to some components.
Inspect the area before and during aerial platform use.
The following are some potential hazards that may be in
the work place.
• Debris
• Slopes
• Drop-offs or holes
• Bumps and floor obstructions
• Overhead obstructions
• Unauthorized persons
• High voltage conductors
• Wind and weather conditions
• Inadequate surface and support to withstand load
forces applied by the aerial platform in all operating
configurations
Before using the aerial platform in any hazardous (classi-
fied) location, make certain it is approved and of the type
required by ANSI/NFPA 505 for use in that particular lo-
cation.
Know and understand the job site traffic-flow patterns and
obey the flagmen, road signs, and signals.
While operating the aerial platform, a good safety prac-
tice is to have qualified personnel in the immediate work
area to:
• Help in case of an emergency
• Operate emergency controls as required
• Watch for loss of control by platform operator
• Warn the operator of any obstructions or hazards
that may not be obvious to them
• Watch for soft terrain, sloping surfaces, drop-offs,
etc. where stability could be jeopardized
• Watch for bystanders and never allow anyone to be
under, or to reach through the booms while operating
the aerial platform
A
Danger
Pinch points may exist between moving compo-
nents. Death or serious injury can result from be-
coming trapped between components, buildings,
structures, or other obstacles. Make sure there is
sufficient clearance around the machine before
moving the chassis, booms, or platform. Allow suffi-
cient room and time to stop movement to avoid con-
tact with structures or other hazards.
10
Always look in the direction of movement. Drive with care
and at speeds compatible with the work place conditions.
Use caution when driving over rough ground, on slopes,
and when turning. Do not engage in any form of horse-
play or permit riders any place other than in the platform.
Secure all accessories, containers, tools, and other ma-
terials in the platform to prevent them from accidentally
falling or being kicked off the platform. Remove all ob-
jects that do not belong in or on the aerial platform.
Never steady the platform by positioning it against an-
other platform.
Do not operate the aerial platform if it is damaged or not
functioning properly. Qualified maintenance personnel
must correct the problem before putting the aerial plat-
form back into service.

Operation

Use three points of support when entering or exiting the
platform. For example, use two hands and one foot when
climbing into the platform.
Never cover the platform floor grating or otherwise ob-
struct your view below. Make sure the area below the
platform is free of personnel before lowering.
Keep both feet positioned firmly on the platform floor.
Operate the controls slowly and deliberately to avoid jerky
and erratic operation. Always stop the controls in neutral
before going in the opposite direction.
Do not dismount while the aerial platform is in motion or
jump off the platform.
Properly stow the aerial platform and secure it against
unauthorized operation at the end of each work day, be-
fore transporting, or if it is left unattended.

Tip-Over and Falling Hazards

Operate the aerial platform only on a firm, flat, level sur-
face capable of withstanding all load forces imposed by
the aerial platform in all operating conditions. Raise the
booms only when the aerial platform is on level ground.
A
Danger
The aerial platform can tip over if it becomes un-
stable. Death or serious injury can result from a tip-
over accident. Do not drive or position the aerial
platform for elevated use near any drop-off, hole,
slope, soft or uneven ground, or other tip-over haz-
ard.
All platform occupants must wear a fall restraint device
connected to a lanyard anchor point.
It is best not to transfer from the platform to another struc-
ture or from the structure to the platform, unless that is
the safest way to do the job. Judge each situation sepa-
TB42J – 0172310