Using Aerial Work Platform Trucks for Enhanced Work at Heights

Aerial work platform (AWP) trucks, also known as bucket trucks or cherry pickers, are specialized utility vehicles used to provide temporary access for workers to heights for job functions like construction, utility work, and maintenance. With a telescoping or articulating boom or bucket, AWP trucks    can safely position workers in an elevating platform to reach work areas above ground level. The most common types of AWP trucks include boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical lifts.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts have an extendable multi-segment articulating or telescoping boom structure with a cable-suspended work platform attached at the end. This allows workers to reach areas up to 130 feet or more away from the vehicle on an elevated working height. Boom lifts offer excellent outreach capability and are well-suited for tasks like installing and servicing building exteriors, streetlights, and overhead lines. Both diesel and electric models are available, with engine-powered booms requiring a hydraulic power system and electrical booms using battery power.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts use a pantographic lifting mechanism of scissoring aluminum or steel arms to raise and lower an elevating work platform. They can elevate workers vertically but do not provide horizontal outreach. This makes scissor lifts ideal for industrial and construction site applications that do not require reaching major distances from the vehicle, such as lighting work. Both self-propelled and towable trailer scissor lifts are common. Engine-powered hydraulic scissor lifts offer greater lifting capacity compared to their electric counterparts.

Vertical Lifts

Vertical lifts have a lifting mast structure that raises and lowers the work platform in a vertical motion like an elevator. Though limited in outreach, vertical lifts allow ultra-precise positioning and offer excellent stability for indoor applications. Typical uses include maintenance of building atriums, warehouse goods, and signage. Electric-powered vertical lifts are better suited for indoor environments with their zero emissions.

Advantages of Aerial Work Platform Trucks

Safety

AWP trucks provide an elevated work area removed from ground-level hazards. This significantly reduces risk of falls, one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in construction and utility work. Safety harnesses and railings add an extra layer of fall protection. AWPs allow tasks to be completed quickly from an elevated, mobile work area rather than using ladders or scaffolding.

Productivity

AWP trucks improve productivity by allowing multi-trade professionals like electricians, painters and glazers easy access to complete overhead work. Tasks are performed much faster compared to using ladders or manually passing tools and materials between workers at heights. The moving, elevating work platform also provides a mobile office for supervisors to inspect jobsites from above.

Versatility

Different types of AWPs satisfy a wide range of jobsite needs. Boom lifts access areas further away, scissor lifts provide vertical lifting for industrial sites, while vertical towers position workers precisely for indoor tasks. Rental fleets offer options to match any scope of work. AWPs can also be fitted with additional equipment like welders, manlifts and compressors for specialized tasks.

Compliance

Use of AWP trucks for elevated work complies with OSHA regulations against use of ladders or scaffolding for long-duration tasks. They provide fall protection, barriers around the elevated work area and safety systems like tilt and overload sensors. Compliance with safety standards reduces liability risks. AWPs also allow compliance with restricted work zone height clearances.

Cost-Effectiveness

While purchase costs of AWP trucks can be considerable, the major safety and productivity advantages provide long-term savings. They eliminate expensive alternative access equipment rental costs and improve schedule performance through faster task completion. Lower occupational injury insurance rates and less labor cost from reduced fall incidents enhance the total cost-benefit over time.

Applications of Aerial Work Platform Trucks

Construction

AWPs are invaluable on construction jobsites for tasks like installing exterior wall panels, laying siding, roof work, glazing, steel erection and facade work. The mobile work area allows multiple trades efficient access to different heights of a structure simultaneously without stopping work.

Utilities

AWP trucks are essential equipment for electric, natural gas, telecom and water utilities to access overhead power lines, cables, poles and equipment for maintenance, new installations and repairs. Their lifts provide safe access for linemen, cable technicians and meter readers to work at heights.

Infrastructure

Transportation departments, State DOTs and municipalities use AWPs for maintenance and construction of bridges, roads, signs and lighting structures. Activities include signage installation, lighting/camera mount work, bridge inspection and repair of overhead structures.

Industrial Facilities

At industrial plants, AWPs are vital for overhead tasks like equipment installation, process piping, tank work, conveyor maintenance, signage installation and facility repairs. Their mobile lifting capacity suits the large footprints of industrial sites.

Commercial Facilities

For the service and maintenance of commercial buildings, AWPs are used to change lighting, access HVAC equipment, install and repair signage, perform building envelope tasks and replace window glass/facade panels from an elevated work area. Their zero emissions lifts even allow indoor use.

Wind Energy

The wind industry relies heavily on AWP trucks with extended booms for crucial maintenance activities like blade repair at hub heights over 300 feet on wind turbines. Mobile elevated access platforms allow turbine components to be worked on safely without stopping rotation.

Making the Choice - Key Considerations when Selecting Aerial Work Platform Trucks

Intended Applications

Carefully evaluate the types of tasks and locations where the AWP will be used, and choose the appropriate lift category - boom, scissor or vertical. Considerations include working heights, outreach requirement and indoor/outdoor usage.

Capacity and Size

Factors like number of crew, lifting equipment and materials must be accounted for in assessing necessary lift capacity in pounds as well as platform size. An oversized lift wastes money while an undersized one can’t do the job.

Power Source

Diesel, gas, electric and hybrid-electric options are available. Consider jobsite power infrastructure and environmental regulations in selecting fuel/power type best suited to applications and duty cycle.

Safety and Compliance Standards

Only choose AWP trucks certified to ANSI/SIA, ISO or CE safety standards. Features like fall protection, tilt/overload alarms and operator training are critical to risk mitigation.

affordability

Examine total ownership costs like purchase price and resale value against productivity gains and safety compliance requirements for an optimal long-term value buy. Leasing may reduce upfront capital.

 

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About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.

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