Bucket Trucks - The Importance Of Annual Safety Testing

USA (SANEPR.com) June 26, 2009 -- Even if OSHA and ANSI did not require annual safety testing for bucket trucks, digger derricks and other similar specialized aerial devices, it is just good common sense to make sure that the equipment has been properly maintained and tested. Everyone that uses bucket trucks, forestry trucks or digger derricks on a regular basis recognizes the need for safety - but companies should not overlook the fact that equipment failure can cause downtime and downtime will cost a business money and credibility with their clients.

It goes without saying that bucket truck manufacturers take into account the latest safety criteria and standards when designing their equipment, but these safeguards cannot take into account minor accidents, misuse (such as overloads and improper handling) and inevitable equipment fatigue. However, since many private companies in the forestry and electrical industries rely on used equipment purchases for maintaining their fleet, thorough safety testing on a regular basis is a smart business practice. By testing their bucket trucks and other equipment annually, these companies have an opportunity to identify problems before they cause injury or downtime.

Oftentimes companies will schedule on-site testing by well-equipped mobile crews. The tests range from structural inspections – both visual and with diagnostic equipment – to dielectric tests and everything in between. Defects found during the testing are rated by severity and a report and recommendation of required action is issued.

Used equipment sellers, like I-80 Equipment, take into account safety factors before they begin offering their used bucket trucks, or digger derricks for sale. Each vehicle offered by I-80 goes through a rigorous reconditioning process to assure that no used vehicle will be offered for sale until it has passed a 77-point inspection and is properly certified.

Annual safety testing takes into account OSHA and ANSI standards that deal with issues of stability, operator safety, and functional and operational performance as well as Department of Transportation issues. Many of the tests are done through visual inspection. However there are a number of tests that require specialized, non-destructive equipment to check for surface cracks, weld stability, potential pin replacement and other issues that can affect the safety and performance of bucket trucks and similar equipment. Sometimes Oil Spectroanalysis is done to determine the amount of contamination found in hydraulic system as well as the engine and transmission.

Bucket trucks, digger derricks and similar vehicles are all powerful tools that allow workers to get jobs done – so long as they are well maintained and used properly. Because, as all equipment operators and their crew know, when it comes to working with equipment such as this, safety is job #1.