The 10 most common mistakes when using aerial work platforms

A lack of instruction in the use of aerial work platforms can have serious consequences and is mandatory. Ignorance of the correct handling, safety regulations and dangers can lead to accidents. It is therefore important that all employees who work with aerial work platforms receive comprehensive and regular instruction. This is the only way to avoid accidents and damage and to carry out the work safely and efficiently.

Thorough training, such as that provided by SYSTEM-CARD , covers not only the technical aspects of operation, but also understanding the work environment and adhering to safety protocols. Aerial work platform operators must be able to recognize potential hazards and respond appropriately. A well-trained operator is the key to safe and productive use of aerial work platforms.

Failure to wear appropriate safety equipment is risky behavior that can have serious consequences when used with MEWPs. Safety equipment, which includes helmets, seat belts, hard hats and non-slip safety shoes, is essential to preventing injuries.

Wearing the right safety equipment will not only protect you from falls and injuries, but also from falling objects and other potential hazards in the work environment. It is essential that you and anyone else working near or on MEWPs wear appropriate safety equipment to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.

Overloading the work basket is a common mistake when using aerial work platforms and poses serious safety risks. A work basket has a specific weight limit that must never be exceeded, as this can affect the stability of the aerial work platform. This applies both to the total weight of people and material in the work basket and to the weight distribution.

Adding additional weight at height is particularly dangerous, as this can seriously upset the balance of the aerial work platform. Every aerial work platform has a load diagram that indicates how much weight can be safely transported at different heights. Failure to follow this diagram can cause the aerial work platform to tip over dangerously.

It is essential to carefully monitor the weight in the work basket and never exceed the specified weight limit. This is a basic safety measure to prevent accidents and injuries.

Improper positioning of the aerial work platform is a risky behavior that you must avoid at all costs. Correct placement has a direct impact on the stability and safety of the work process. One of the most common mistakes is setting up the platform on uneven ground or without the necessary shims.

Even on seemingly solid surfaces such as concrete, it is important to use base plates to evenly distribute the weight of the work platform and ensure safe footing. Without these plates, the supports of the work platform can sink or tilt, resulting in an unstable working position. This poses significant risks, especially at great heights.

Correct positioning of the work platform is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure safe work processes.

A serious mistake when using aerial work platforms is not paying attention to the weather conditions. A concrete example illustrates the danger: a worker uses a 47 m long articulated telescopic work platform to work at heights and does not pay attention to the current weather conditions, even though the wind has picked up considerably. In such a situation, dangerous instabilities can occur that not only endanger the worker's life, but can also affect the surrounding area.

It is essential to check the weather conditions carefully and follow the FHAB guidelines before any work with an MEWP. In the event of strong winds, rain or thunderstorms, MEWP work should be postponed for safety reasons. Failure to take these factors into account can have disastrous consequences and must be avoided at all costs. The safety of workers is always the top priority.

Strength	Designation	Effects	m/sec from	m/sec to
0	calm	Smoke rises vertically.	0	<1
1	Quiet Train	Smoke indicates wind direction.	0.3-1.5	1-5
2	Light breeze	Leaves move slightly.	1.6-3.3	6-11
3	Light breeze	Leaves and thin branches move.	3.4-5.4	12-19
4	Moderate breeze	Small branches move.	5.5-7.9	20-28
5	Fresh Breeze	Trees begin to sway.	8.0	10.7
6	Strong wind	Larger branches move.	10.8-13.8	39-49
7	strong wind	Trees sway.	13.9-17.1	50-61
8	Stormy Wind	Trees are uprooted.	17.2	20.7
9	Storm	Significant damage to buildings.	August 20-April 24	75-88
10	heavy storm	Serious destruction.	24.5-28.4	89-102
11	hurricane-force storm	Devastating effects.	28.5-32.6	103-117
12	hurricane	Extremely dangerous.	32.7	>117

Failure to maintain safe distances can be dangerous in a variety of situations. Let's say you're using a MEWP in a tight construction site environment and you don't maintain sufficient distance from surrounding structures and obstacles.

In such a scenario, you could accidentally hit a wall, scaffolding or other building parts while moving the MEWP. This could not only cause significant damage to the machine, but could also cause the MEWP to become unstable or tip over, posing a serious risk to the safety of workers on the MEWP.

To avoid such accidents, it is important to maintain the required safety distances and always ensure that there is enough space around the aerial work platform for safe and efficient work.

Failure to follow the operating instructions is a common mistake when using aerial work platforms. However, the operating instructions are not just an accessory, but an important source of information for safe and efficient operation.

The manual provides clear instructions for safe operation, such as the correct handling of the controls, the load capacity of the work basket and the safety regulations. Anyone who ignores these instructions exposes themselves and others to an increased risk.

To avoid accidents and to get the most out of the aerial work platform, the operating instructions should always be read carefully and followed. It is better to take the time to study the operating instructions than to be confronted with the consequences of improper use later.

Inadequate maintenance of aerial work platforms is another mistake that should be avoided. If aerial work platforms are not regularly maintained, they can become prone to technical problems and breakdowns. This can not only delay work but also lead to dangerous situations.

When you rent work platforms from BIBERGER, you can be sure that they will always be in perfect condition. Rental companies are responsible for ensuring that their machines are regularly serviced and checked so that they work safely and efficiently. If you want to play it safe and always work with well-maintained work platforms, renting is the ideal solution for you. Not only do you get high-quality equipment, but you also get the security you need to complete your tasks successfully.

The risk of fatigue and distraction exists not only when operating aerial work platforms, but when operating machines and vehicles in general. Fatigue and distraction can significantly impair the ability to concentrate and react. This can lead to serious accidents, regardless of whether the task involves operating an aerial work platform or another activity.

It is important to always be well rested and alert. This means taking enough breaks and not overexerting yourself when you feel tired. Distractions, whether from your cell phone or other external influences, should be avoided. Safety is the top priority, both when operating aerial work platforms and in other activities that require concentration.

Conclusion: Work platform safety is the top priority

Avoiding these mistakes and prioritizing safety in the workplace is not only a moral imperative, but also promotes productivity and the safety of the work environment.