1. Safe Bucket truck Operation
Safety Meeting Topics
Safe Bucket truck Operation
Slide Show Notes
Welcome to this training session on Safe Bucket Truck Operation. This session is intended for the lineworker that utilizes a bucket truck for electrical or communication type of work. This session will cover from Inspecting your bucket’s engine, drive train and aerial lift to keeping ground workers safe around the equipment.

2. Introduction
If a bucket truck is misused or a failure occurs, an accident can happen. However, certain steps can be taken to minimize the possibility of a bucket truck related accident:
Inspecting equipment
Planning jobs with safety in mind
Knowing and following safety procedures
Slide Show Notes
The safe operation of a bucket truck starts with taking good care of the unit, from driving to set up to operation. Accidents, incidents and injuries begin with the failure to inspect the equipment before use, planning each job with safety in mind, while working on and around the bucket, and knowing safe work procedures as well as best practices.

3. Learning Objectives After this training you should be able to:
Conduct a basic pre-use inspection of a typical bucket truck
Describe the safety issues associated with setting up a bucket truck at a job site
Explain methods used to protect personnel from shock hazards
Slide Show Notes
This training will provide you with tools to;
Conduct a pre-trip inspection of a typical bucket truck used in the utility industry.
The safety issues involved in set up and operation at a job site.
Protection for the ground workers when a bucket truck is in the energized working vicinity.

4. Pre-Use Inspections
A bucket truck crew typically performs a visual and operational inspection of a unit at the beginning of each shift
Inspections should include:
Fiberglass boom portions for cracks or nicks
Hydraulic reservoir for proper fluid levels
Lower controls for emergency operation
Pins and cables for correct alignment
Outriggers for stability
Emergency equipment for rescue
Slide Show Notes
A bucket truck should always have a pre-flight inspection before any personnel get into the bucket.
Inspections include;
Fiberglass boom portions for cracks or nicks
Hydraulic reservoir for proper fluid levels
Lower controls for emergency operation
Pins and cables for correct alignment
Outriggers for stability
Emergency equipment for rescue

5. Pre-Use Inspections
During the inspection, the condition of the boom, the bucket and the truck’s hydraulic system should be checked
Slide Show Notes
The condition of the boom, pins, cables and fiberglass should be inspected before each shift
The hydraulic reservoir should be checked for correct amount of fluid

6. Pre-Use Inspections
Check the boom for any fractures or ‘crazing’ in the fiberglass:
Damage to the boom’s fiberglass could mean that the boom’s rated lift capacity or its insulating ability has been compromised
Image Credit: OSHA
Slide Show Notes
If the boom has any cracks, crazing or nicks, the insulated rating or lift capacity may be compromised.
If there is any question as to the crack, chip or nick, have the boom retested.

7. Pre-Use Inspections
Check hydraulic hoses. Worn high-pressure hoses may rupture causing equipment failure and/or injury to near-by personnel
Slide Show Notes
Check the hydraulic hoses and fitting to make sure there are no leaks. If a leak is detected, NEVER place your hand near a hose under pressure. Use a piece of cardboard to try and determine where the leak is originating from.

8. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots
Pre-Use Inspections
OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots
(p) Mechanical equipment. (as of January, 2007)
(1) General requirements.
(i) The critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment shall
receive a thorough visual inspection before use on each shift.
(q)(3)(x) (as of April, 2007):
Before employees are elevated into the work position, all controls, (ground level and bucket) shall be checked to determine that they are in proper working condition.
Slide Show Notes
The lower controls should be utilized before each shift to determine safe operation and the ability to lower the bucket in an emergency situation.

9. Pre-Use Inspections Check the bucket’s quick release mechanism:
Slide Show Notes
If the bucket has a quick release or hydraulic tilt, it should be checked so that the pin is in its proper position for working aloft and the ability to tilt the bucket in an emergency situation.

10. Pre-Use Inspections The outriggers should be operational
Slide Show Notes
The outriggers should always be placed up and down in the view of the operator. The bucket should always be operated with the truck body as level as possible, never more than a 3 degree angle. Pads or cribbing should always be used, whether or not the ground may look sturdy enough.
(b)(2)
Clear view. Outriggers may not be extended or retracted outside of the clear view of the operator unless all employees are outside the range of possible equipment motion.

11. Pre-Use Inspections Check emergency rescue equipment
If rescue blocks are not attached to the boom, make sure they are easily accessible.
Make sure everyone has the ability to use the lower controls properly and how to use the rescue blocks
Slide Show Notes
Check all of the emergency recue equipment.
If rescue blocks are not attached to the boom, make sure they are easily accessible.
Make sure everyone has the ability to use the lower controls properly and how to use the rescue blocks.

12. Job Planning Effective job planning includes: Job variations
Setting up the job site
Preparing for an emergency
Maneuvering the bucket
Load limits
Slide Show Notes
Job planning involves the pre-job briefing or tailboard conference. All crew members should be involved and at least these topics covered;
Hazards associated with the job
Work procedures involved
Special precautions (emergency procedures)(bucket load limits)
Energy Source controls
Personal Protective Equipment

13. Job Planning Job Variations
No two jobs are exactly alike. Variations are found in equipment, site conditions, traffic patterns, weather… and on and on
When a job is planned, it is important to consider all the variations and identify the hazards associated with them
Slide Show Notes
Although most jobs seem routine, no two jobs or jobsites are exactly the same. There are variations in the equipment used, conditions at the jobsite, traffic, weather, the mindset of the crew, it may be a Friday afternoon and the crew is thinking about the weekend.
Utilize all of the crew members to identify and list the hazards of the job.

14. Job Planning Setting up the Job Site:
Prepare the site for the equipment before arrival
Slide Show Notes
Best practice is to have someone inspect the jobsite before the equipment arrives so the work site can be prepared. Have traffic control in place, signs ready and always alert traffic as to what you plan for them to do.

15. Job Planning Setting up the Job Site
If possible, the truck should be positioned so that the job can be completed without moving the vehicle again
Slide Show Notes
Plan the job so the equipment can perform without having to be moved if at all possible.

16. Job Planning Setting up the Job Site
Before the truck is moved into position, set out signs, cones and barricades per your company’s policy
Slide Show Notes
Set up the work area before the equipment arrives.
Delineate the traffic so that the flow is not interrupted unless there are flaggers in place.

17. Job Planning Preparing for an Emergency
In the pre-job or ‘tailgate’ session, discuss procedures, tools, equipment, PPE and individual responsibilities. Identify hazards associated with the job and how to protect personnel. Determine emergency procedures and communications; list hospitals and emergency numbers
Slide Show Notes
Job planning involves the pre-job briefing or tailboard conference. All crew members should be involved and at least these topics covered;
Hazards associated with the job
Work procedures involved
Special precautions (emergency procedures)(bucket load limits)
Energy Source controls
Personal Protective Equipment
The crew should know what to do and who to call in an emergency.

18. Job Planning Preparing for an Emergency
Set out emergency safety equipment so that it is ready if needed. Check the radio and other communications devices for working order
Image Credit: OSHA
Rubber Gloves
Slide Show Notes
Make sure communications are operable, if cell phones are used, make sure there is a signal and everyone knows the address of the worksite.
Set out rubber gloves and climbing gear if a worker is climbing.

19. Job Planning Preparing for an Emergency
Check, once again, the operation of the lower controls and the auxiliary power system
Slide Show Notes
Make sure everyone on the crew is familiar with the lower control unit and is proficient with operating the bucket safely in case of an emergency situation.

20. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shot
Job Planning
Preparing for an Emergency
CPR / 1st Aid Training
OSHA Regulations Snap-Shot
(b) (1) & (i) & (ii) (as of November, 2006):
“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training.”
When employees are performing work on or associated with exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, persons trained in first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shall be available as follows: For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, only one trained person need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid, including CPR, within 3 months of their hiring dates. For fixed work locations such as generating stations, the number of trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is insufficient to meet this requirement (at a remote substation, for example), all employees at the work location shall be trained.
Slide Show Notes
OSHA requires that at a minimum, at least two persons on a crew should be trained in CPR/1st Aid.
New employees should be trained in CPR/1st Aid within 3 months of hire.
At fixed locations, i.e. generating stations, service centers and offices, employees should be trained in CPR/1st Aid in order to respond to an emergency within 4 minutes. If not, all employees should be trained.

21. Job Planning Maneuvering the Bucket
To increase the stability of the bucket truck, the boom should be kept over the truck whenever possible. With the boom in this position, its weight is distributed over all four wheels.
The boom should always be operated smoothly. Jerky movements put additional stress on the boom and the components in the hydraulic system, which can damage them. The boom tends to move faster when it is descending, because the hydraulic system has to do less work. For this reason, special care should be taken when the boom is lowered onto its rest.
Slide Show Notes
Always try to set the bucket on a job so that the boom does not have to overreach to the side, causing instability.
Persons operating the bucket should be trained in its smooth operation before beginning work.
The lineworker in the bucket, as well as the Qualified Observer should always be aware of the movement of the upper and lower booms.

22. Job Planning Maneuvering the Bucket
The lineworker in the bucket should always look in the direction of movement. If the lineworker is uncertain of the position of the bucket in relation to other obstacles, he should stop the bucket and check its position before making the next move.
The bucket should be maneuvered smoothly and efficiently to place the lineworker in the safest position for the work
The lineworker in the bucket should always look in the direction of movement. If the lineworker is uncertain of the position of the bucket in relation to other obstacles, he should stop the bucket and check its position before making the next move.
The bucket should be maneuvered smoothly and efficiently to place the lineworker in the safest position for the work

23. Job Planning Maneuvering the Bucket
A lineworkers position should always be below the conductors to prevent any unwanted contact with other phases or ground
Always contact only one (1) phase at a time, never a difference in potential when working energized lines and equipment
Slide Show Notes
The bucket should be maneuvered smooth and efficient to place the lineworker in the safest position for the work.
A lineworkers position should always be below the conductors to prevent any unwanted contact with other phases or ground.
Always contact only one (1) phase at a time, never a difference in potential when working energized lines and equipment.
(l)(5)(i)
The employer shall ensure that each employee, to the extent that other safety-related conditions at the worksite permit, works in a position from which a slip or shock will not bring the employee's body into contact with exposed, uninsulated parts energized at a potential different from the employee's

24. Job Planning Load Limits
Most bucket trucks are not designed to carry heavy loads. The load limit for a bucked is usually shone on a plate on the pedestal. The Load limit should NEVER be exceeded.
A bucket’s load includes not only the weight of the lineman and his tools and equipment but also the momentary stresses that occur during the operation of the boom
Lineman: 200 lbs.
Clothes and Tool Belt 70 lbs.
Equipment lbs.
Total Weight 310 lbs.
Bucket Load Limit 300 lbs.
Over Limit 10 lbs.
Slide Show Notes
Boom load limits, bucket load limits and jib load limits should NEVER be exceeded.
A phase or conductor should never be placed onto a bucket.
A bucket’s load includes not only the weight of the lineman and his tools and equipment but also the momentary stresses that occur during the operation of the boom

25. Truck Shock Hazards
Bucket trucks are designed and maintained to provide a safe, insulated, mobile platform for personnel working on energized equipment while reducing the possibility of shock hazards to crewmembers on the ground.
To minimize the hazard of shock you must:
Test the dielectric quality of the boom routinely
Ground the truck body and chassis
Ground personnel should never touch the truck while the boom is in the air
Slide Show Notes
Dielectric tests should be performed routinely according to your companies procedures.
During the inspection, if there is any doubt as to the integrity of the boom, it should be tested for dielectric and weight standards.
The truck body should always be grounded according to your company’s standards, or barricaded so that no one can touch the vehicle while it is in the air.
Even when a bucket truck body is grounded, it should never be touched while the boom is aloft.
A Qualified Observer should always be aware of ground personnel locations.
(d)(2)
Observer. A designated employee other than the equipment operator shall observe the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and provide timely warnings before the minimum approach distance required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section is reached, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained.

26. Truck Shock Hazards Dielectric Testing
Routinely, each bucket truck boom should be given a dielectric test to ensure the insulating value of the boom is adequate
Slide Show Notes
Dielectric tests should be performed according to ANSI 92.2.
(c)(3)
"Electrical tests." Electrical tests shall be made in conformance with the requirements of ANSI A , Section 5. However, equivalent DC voltage tests may be used in lieu of the AC voltage test specified in A DC voltage tests which are approved by the equipment manufacturer or equivalent entity shall be considered an equivalent test for the purpose of this paragraph (c)(3).
(Periodic) Confirmation Test of Upper Control Components with High Electrical Resistance. Upper controls that incorporate components for their electrical resistance should be tested to assure resistance by testing them at either 40 kV AC or 56 kV DC for 3 minutes with a maximum current level of 400 microamperes for the AC test and 56 microamperes for the DC test.

27. Truck Shock Hazards Truck body and chassis Grounding
Grounding of the truck body and chassis minimizes the chance of a shock hazard by providing low resistance path to ground, if needed
Slide Show Notes
The truck body should be grounded according to your company’s standards, however the minimum requirements are 2/0 copper grounds with approved clamps rated for the equivalent ground potential.

28. Truck Shock Hazards Never touch truck while boom in the air
If the boom or the truck become energized, current will flow through every path to ground
Boom Contact
Victim Touching Ground & Truck
Simultaneously
Slide Show Notes
The truck body should be grounded and no one should be allowed to touch the truck body while the boom is in the air.

29. Truck Shock Hazards Never touch truck while boom in the air
Some companies require barricading and the use of insulated matting or overshoes for additional protection
Slide Show Notes
Utilize proper techniques such as wearing rubber protective overshoes, or stand on an equipotential ground mat when the truck body may be touched. Keep all personnel aware of hazardous Step and Touch Potentials.

30. Do you have any questions about how:
Q & A
Do you have any questions about how:
To conduct a basic pre-use inspection of a typical bucket truck ?
To describe the safety issues with setting up a bucket truck at a job site ?
To explain methods used to protect personnel from shock hazards ?
Slide Show Notes
Now you know how to inspect, set up and work safely around Bucket Trucks!!!!!