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Setting Up a Bucket Truck or Digger Derrick on a Sloped Surface
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Lineworkers face different challenges in the field when it comes to operating digger derricks or bucket trucks. That is why it is imperative to conduct a job site survey that identifies the risks so certain precautions and steps can be made.
One item that lineworkers consider is the slope of the ground and how the slope will impact the truck. Ideally, the truck should be parked on a slope of five degrees or less; then leveled according to the units requirements. However, there are times when it is necessary to set-up the truck with a larger slope present. If only equipped with one set of outriggers or no outriggers then the tires and axles are critical components in the stability and not fully addressed here. Digger derrick capacities are determined on level ground so they will have reduced capacity if not set up level. The following outlines what to do in different slope situations for aerials:
Setting Up on A Slope
If the chassis is set-up across the slope as shown below, the surface can be up to five degrees from level but must be firm and flat where tires are located.
- If one side of the chassis is low, extend the high side outrigger first and make sure that firm contact is made.
- Extend to the low side outrigger. If full extension does not make firm contact, or level within the unit requirements the outrigger pad must be blocked up. Always chock the wheels.
- If any tires leave the ground crib the tires as required to provide support. This is especially important when only equipped with one set of outriggers.
If the slope exceeds five degrees, before setting the outriggers the tires must also be blocked and cribbed so the truck is parked at less than five degrees.
- If the unit has one set of outriggers do not level the truck with the outriggers.
- On units with one set of outriggers using the outriggers to level the truck does not change the slope, it reduces the truck suspension’s ability to support the load and provide stability.
- Remember, working on slopes that exceed five degrees may result in vehicle tipping.
Setting Up with a Slope
If the vehicle must be set up with the slope, park the vehicle with the cab downhill and always work off the rear of the vehicle.
If the outrigger support surface is not level with the truck, the bank may need to be cut away or brought up to a level so the outrigger will provide proper support. The ground must be able to support the load of the outrigger without sinking.
If the chassis must be set up where an outrigger extends into a ditch or gutter and the full extension does not make firm contact, the outrigger must be blocked or cribbed up.
- Cribbing must be stacked tight and level.
- Cut out the ground if needed to level cribbing.
- Cribbing must not slip under load.
If the vehicle must be set up so an outrigger would be set on a curb or obstruction which reduces the outrigger spread the outrigger span will be shortened. Reposition the vehicle to get the same outrigger spread as on flat ground.
Remember, all of the above conditions may affect the stability of the vehicle and reduce the load capacity of the vehicle.
