Tips & Best Practices When Material Handling on an Aerial Device

Proper training and routine inspections are only a couple best practices to know when lifting materials with your Terex bucket truck. To help ensure safe and efficient material handling on an aerial device, follow these other essential tips. 

Use and Care of the Winch Rope 

Always use synthetic rope for the winch line on insulated aerial devices versus wire rope. Synthetic rope is lightweight, easy to handle and has a higher resistance to corrosion than wire rope. The material is nonconductive, but contamination will reduce insulation to the point you cannot depend on its insulation capabilities.  In addition, remember to properly maintain the rope by inspecting it daily for damage or fraying. Keep the winch rope clean and dry as contaminants can damage the inner strength fibers and weaken the rope.  

When using the jib and a line lifter, remove the rope from the sheave to avoid damage and never allow the rope across the insulating section of the line lifter because it cannot be considered insulating in use. Never use the winch rope as a sling as this can damage the rope and reduce its strength – always use an actual sling rated for the load for lifting. In addition, make sure the safety hooks are equipped with a safety latch to prevent accidental detachment of the load.  

When Lifting 

Always know the weight of the load that you are lifting to prevent overloading and equipment failure. Follow the load chart that is supplied on the aerial device to ensure you’re within safe operating limits for the boom positions. When lifting, ensure the load line is centered directly above the load center of gravity to prevent unintended change in load orientation. Do not use the jib and winch to pull the load sideways or string lines as these actions are beyond the intended use and can damage the equipment.  Aerials are to be used for vertical freely suspended loads within the capacity indicated on the load chart.  If there is not load chart on the unit contact the manufacturer to get a replacement before further use. 

Remember to use safe work practices while lifting – including never allowing personnel to be under loads being lifted or in the fall area. Remember to allow for deflection when lifting a load. Make sure there is adequate clearance for this movement when applying and removing the load as the boom tip moves up and down. Do not attempt to pull poles or objects embedded in the ground as the force required is unpredictable and can exceed the unit’s capacity or even damage the unit. If the rope fails or the load should suddenly come free the boom will turn into a catapult.  Finally, keep the rope away from energized power lines. Even though the rope is made from non-conductive materials, it may be contaminated and conductive. Do not rely on this to stay safe.  

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This article was drafted with the aid of AI. Additional content, edits for accuracy, and industry expertise by Jim Olson, Sr. Product Engineer, and Craig Ries, Product Safety Engineer.