Hiring a cherry picker and want to be certain you and your team are as safe as possible? If so, this is the article for you.
Here, we’ll discuss how you can be certain of your safety when using a cherry picker – from choosing the right equipment to risk assessments – and how the team at Performance Tower Hire can assist you.
Note on this Article
This blog article is intended to give you a brief guide of the things you need to do and what you need to consider in order to be safe when using cherry pickers.
It should not be used as a replacement to training or as an instruction manual for unlicensed operators.
Safety While Using Cherry Pickers
There are several things you need to do and take into account when using a cherry picker on a worksite. In this section, we’ll go through the things you need to do and what you need to take into consideration in order to be safe while using a cherry picker.
Use Only Licensed Operators
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Cherry pickers – and other machinery used for working at heights – should only be operated by a licensed professional with the appropriate qualifications and certification.
If you’re unlicensed, you should not be operating the machinery.
Choose the Right Equipment
When hiring a cherry picker for use on site, it’s important to ensure the machinery you choose will do the job you need it to.
Check Access Requirements
Equipment like cherry pickers and boom lifts can be bulky, even on truck-mounted varieties like those we offer at Performance Tower Hire. As such, it’s important to check that the equipment you hire will actually be able to access the area in which it needs to operate.
If it doesn’t, you may have to reconsider your options.
Conduct Risk Assessment
When hiring any type of equipment – be it a cherry picker or a boom lift – it’s important to conduct a thorough risk assessment to protect yourself and your fellow staff members.
This means ensuring that the ground is stable, identifying other potential hazards and getting your team out of harm’s way while the machinery is in operation.
Hire for the Right Amount of Time
Part of ensuring you work safely when using a cherry picker is not rushing things or overlooking safety in a hurry to get the job done quickly.
By hiring the equipment for an appropriate amount of time you’ll need to complete your work efficiently and safely, you won’t feel pressure from external factors like the time you need to be finished using the equipment.
Don’t Neglect Safety Equipment
Using the right safety equipment like harnesses and other protective gear is paramount when operating a cherry picker or working at heights. Neglect this and you put not only your own safety, but that of others at risk.
How to Ensure Complete Safety When Hiring a Cherry Picker
In our opinion, there’s only one way to ensure complete safety when hiring a cherry picker: seek professional assistance.
At Performance Tower Hire, our truck-mounted cherry pickers and spider boom lifts come equipped with qualified operators who are well trained in using the equipment safely, whilst you and your team can focus on other aspects of your project.
To book a cherry picker with a qualified operator who is familiar with safety protocols, contact our experienced team today.
