ACS Assorted Commercial Services

Have you been asking: how do you use a cherry picker safely? ACS Assorted Commercial Services provide cherry picker hire for Daventry and the surrounding areas of  Northamptonshire. This article looks at cherry picker safety and offers information about the considerations when using a cherry picker.

Cherry Picker Safety

Choosing the appropriate equipment for elevated access work is of paramount importance. In many scenarios, utilising a cherry picker not only offers a quick, cost-effective, and minimally intrusive alternative to scaffolding platforms or towers, but it also prioritises safety.

However, the selection and use of cherry pickers require careful consideration and planning to ensure that the working environment and conditions align with the equipment's requirements. Let's delve into the four key safety points to consider when opting for a cherry picker as your working-at-height solution.

One critical aspect is conducting a thorough check of the ground conditions before commencing work with a cherry picker. It is imperative to verify that the ground is level and suitable for supporting the equipment.

Certain conditions should be avoided when using a cherry picker, such as unstable or sloping ground, high winds, extremely cold temperatures, thunderstorms (due to the risk of lightning strikes), proximity to power lines (to prevent electrical arcing and entanglement), darkness, and exceeding the maximum safe working load, as it can lead to toppling over.

Maintaining safety and avoiding risks is paramount when operating a cherry picker. The equipment provides a movable platform for a wide range of high-level access tasks.

It is crucial to adhere to the boundaries set by the harness and working platform at the top of the cherry picker to ensure personal safety. It is vital not to underestimate the dangers associated with overreaching while working from the platform, such as when pruning trees. Engaging in risky behaviours or heroic acts is highly discouraged. Instead, it is far safer to relocate the cherry picker as needed to access different areas.

Carrying out a comprehensive risk assessment is a fundamental step for any job involving the use of a cherry picker. A robust risk assessment should consider various factors, including mechanical equipment failure, ground conditions, serious falls, and potential collisions with other vehicles.

However, assessing the human element can be challenging since people may engage in unpredictable and hazardous actions. Therefore, it is advisable to keep other distracting personnel away from the cherry picker operation or integrate them into the safety plan to minimise potential risks.

Providing adequate training is crucial to ensure the safe operation of cherry pickers. While general health and safety training, including working at height training, is essential, specific training is necessary for operatives working with cherry pickers.

Operating a movable elevated platform like a cherry picker requires specialised knowledge and skills beyond those needed for static high-level access equipment such as ladders, platforms, and scaffold towers. It is imperative that all cherry picker operatives undergo comprehensive training before operating the machinery, familiarising themselves with the equipment's operation and all relevant safety precautions.

Regular training updates are particularly vital for those who only work with cherry pickers occasionally, as they ensure the continued protection and well-being of everyone involved, whether working at height or on the ground.

By diligently following these key safety points and implementing appropriate measures, the level of cherry picker safety can be significantly enhanced, and potential risks associated with working at height can be effectively mitigated.

When operating powered access equipment like cherry pickers, prioritising safety should always be the topmost concern. The diligent adherence to safety guidelines and best practices ensures a secure and protected working environment for all individuals involved in elevated access work.

How Does A Cherry Picker Work?

Considerations when using a Cherry Picker

When it comes to working at height jobs, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before using a cherry picker. Understanding these factors can help ensure the safe and efficient use of the equipment while minimizing potential risks. Let's explore some key aspects to consider when operating a cherry picker.

What does the working at height job involve?

Before using a cherry picker, it is crucial to assess whether it is the appropriate equipment for the job. Consider if there might be a better solution available. Understanding the limitations of the machine is essential.

Never force, adapt, or exceed safe limits. Having a cherry picker with some extra capacity in terms of platform height or reach can provide a buffer for unexpected challenges. This can help avoid operators resorting to potentially unsafe improvisations in the spur of the moment.

What's the site and working area like?

Conducting a thorough assessment of the site and working area is vital for safe cherry picker operations. Start by inspecting the ground conditions where the cherry picker will be used. While a visual inspection is a good starting point, it is important to perform testing and research as well.

Even seemingly solid surfaces like roads or concrete slabs can have construction defects or erosion. Additionally, look up and identify any obstacles that may obstruct the movement or positioning of the cherry picker's boom. Power or other cables are obvious concerns, but there may be other potential hazards to be aware of.

In a broader sense, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary authority on-site to maintain control over the working area. You must be able to prevent others from compromising your safety.

Does the Cherry Picker Operator know what they're doing?

While there is no legal requirement for operators to have specific qualifications to use cherry pickers, site operators and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees and those working on their sites. It is highly recommended that operators receive proper training and can demonstrate their competence.

Many sites and employers insist on trained operators who possess a PAL card (Powered Access Licence) issued by IPAF (International Powered Access Federation). This qualification attests that the operator has undergone training on the operation and safety aspects of the specific type of cherry picker being used. Recognized qualifications are often required by major contractors and site management to comply with risk assessment procedures.

Can anyone or anything else interfere or go wrong?

Performing a thorough risk assessment is crucial to identify and mitigate any potential factors that could compromise the safety of the cherry picker operation. Adopt the mindset of "expect the unexpected." While site-specific factors will vary, consider any elements that could impact the safety and stability of the cherry picker.

Unpredictable human actions should be taken into account, and it is advisable to exclude other individuals from the working area, especially those operating plant machinery or vehicles.

Additionally, assess the potential risks associated with the specific job to be performed. This is particularly important when there is a possibility of sizeable or heavy objects becoming unstable or moving unpredictably. Furthermore, when working outdoors, closely monitor the weather conditions, as strong winds, gusts, rain, and snow can significantly affect the safety of the operation.

What happens if something does go wrong while using a Cherry Picker?

Preparation is key in handling unforeseen incidents. Designate someone responsible for coordinating the response to any emergencies or issues that may arise. This could involve contacting emergency services, administering first aid, or operating the cherry picker's emergency backup systems, among other necessary actions.

It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and each situation may have specific considerations. However, these factors provide valuable insights into the key aspects that should be taken into account when using a cherry picker.

Proper training is highly recommended and, in most cases, required by law for operating this type of equipment. The IPAF courses for a Cherry Picker License, often referred to as a "ticket," are widely recognized qualifications that ensure operators are trained in the safe operation of cherry pickers.

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We hope you got some useful information about how to use a cherry picker safely. If you require access equipment hire in Daventry and Northampton contact our specialists today. 

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