How to Operate a Manlift: Everything You Need to Know

How to Operate a Manlift: Everything You Need to Know

Meta Description: Learn proper safety procedures for operating a man lift or scissor lift device, including fall protection, weight limits, inspection steps, and avoiding hazards.

Operating aerial lifts safely is crucial in many industries. This article provides a step-by-step guide to operating these important pieces of equipment safely. It begins by outlining proper inspection and training procedures. Next, controls and functions are explained.

The article concludes with best practices for hazard avoidance and risk prevention. Following these guidelines can help ensure aerial lifts are used efficiently while protecting operators and others on job sites.

Key Takeaways

• Always wear a safety harness and attach the lanyard to an approved anchoring point when using an aerial lift.
• Inspect the lift and work area thoroughly for hazards before each use.
• Follow all safety rules for operating controls, capacity limits, and stabilizing the lift.
• Get certified training specific to the lift you’ll operate to learn safe practices.
• Conduct pre-start and worksite inspections to catch any issues before accidents occur.

Manlift Operating Instructions

Operating an aerial lift safely requires understanding the machine’s controls and functions. Standardized procedures ensure efficient work completion without risks to the operator or others on site.

Starting the Engine

To begin, inspect the lift thoroughly, as described earlier. Then, turn the remote key switch at the platform floor ground panel to “Platform Control” and pull out the red kill switch. Pull out the control lever in the basket and engage it with your foot to power the console. Next, push the engine start switch, which is typically marked with a cranking engine symbol. Give the engine a moment to warm up before proceeding.

Familiarizing Controls

Take time to understand each function clearly labeled on the console. This includes the front boom control, basket controls, and the drive and steering mechanisms. Lift a safety ring below the joysticks to allow motion. Test the boom and basket movements at low speed by gently toggling the corresponding joysticks. Note any automatic safety features that prevent unintended operation. Swing and telescope the boom within the clear area to practice its range of motion.

Raising the Platform

When familiar, commence work by raising the boom joystick slowly. Maintain full control and watch for overhead obstructions as the basket elevates. Use cookies and data intermediate boom positions to get a feel for the lift’s dynamics at different heights. Stop periodically to ensure stability before continuing upward. Hold the basket level and avoid over-extending reaches that could compromise safety.

Driving and Steering

With the boom lowered for optimal visibility, engage the drive by toggling the right joystick forward or back. Steer right with the top button and left with the bottom. Practice maneuvering in open spaces depending on your settings to get comfortable operating the lift when mobile. Drive cautiously and avoid sudden movements to keep the platform stable for passengers. Always survey the intended path for potential hazards beforehand.

By learning operating procedures systematically in low-risk situations, aerial lift operators can work confidently while fully observing safety practices. Following standardized controls and techniques helps ensure productive and incident-free work at heights.

Safety Considerations While Operating Manlifts

Safety should always be the top priority when operating heavy machinery such as aerial lifts. Taking proper precautions can help prevent injuries and protect equipment operators and those working around the lift.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a snugly fitting safety harness, is crucial for aerial lift operators. Harnesses should be inspected before use to ensure all straps and clips are in good condition without signs of wear and tear. When working in the lift basket, operators must attach the safety lanyard of their harness to an approved anchor point on the basket to prevent falls in case of a slip or loss of balance. Hard hats are also recommended as a precaution, especially when working near overhead hazards.

Pre-Operation Checks

Thorough pre-operation checks of the lift and the work area are important personalized content and ad safety measures. Lift operators should inspect hydraulic functions, safety mechanisms, tires, and control panels to verify everything is in working order before each use. Fuel levels and battery charge should also be checked. Any issues detected during inspection require repair or maintenance before operation.

Work Area Inspection

Inspecting the work area is equally crucial for preventing accidents. Operators must check for overhead power lines, low ceilings, or beams that could impact the lift basket. Proper training on clearance distances is important. Ground stability, slopes, and surface irregularities should also be assessed to ensure safe maneuvering and set up of outriggers or stabilizers if needed. Debris or other obstructions that could cause tipping hazards must be addressed before commencing work at height.

Understanding Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial work platforms, commonly known as AWPs or bucket trucks, provide an important tool for various industries to help workers complete jobs at height safely and efficiently. These machines come in different varieties to suit diverse needs.

Types of AWPs

• Boom Lifts: Boom lifts have an extendable and telescoping boom arm that raises the platform where workers stand. The boom can extend both vertically and horizontally. Boom lifts are versatile and suitable for tasks like pruning trees, washing windows, and maintenance services of buildings and structures.
• Scissor Lifts: As the name suggests, scissor lifts use a scissor-like mechanism instead of a boom to raise the platform. They generally have a smaller platform than boom lifts and are best suited for low-height indoor jobs. Common applications include stocking warehouse shelves, installing ceiling tiles, and replacing lightbulbs.
• Articulating Boom Lifts: These combine features of both boom lifts and scissor lifts. They use a front boom lift arm but also have articulating joints along the arm that allow it to bend and reach around obstacles like boom lifts while maintaining stability like scissor lifts. Articulating boom lifts are useful for tasks around complex structures.