A used bucket truck could be a great investment for any business that works in high places. Bucket trucks work great for tree trimming, installing wires on poles or anything else that would normally require a ladder. With a bucket truck you eliminate having to climb a ladder all day and are much easier to stand in the bucket than to try and hold on to a ladder and work at the same time.
A used bucket truck can be purchased for a lot less than a new truck cost, and if properly maintained a used bucket truck can be just as dependable as a new one. This is a great way for a new company to get started for a fraction of the cost. With the economy being poor it only makes sense to go with a used bucket truck instead of a new one unless you have a business that is doing really well and need the tax rite off.

• On ladder trucks and tower trucks, secure aerial ladders in the lower traveling position by locking the device on top of the truck cab and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder prior to moving the truck. Insure outrigger devices are properly stored prior to moving.
• Set the brakes and position the outrigger devices on pads or similar solid surfaces and install the wheel chocks before using aerial lift equipment.
• Do not move aerial lift trucks with employees located in the elevated work boom position, except for equipment specifically designed or certified as “field modified” for this type of operation.
• Insure that aerial lift devices equipped with working elevated platforms contain both elevated platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls are located in or beside the elevated platform, within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls are designed to override the upper controls.
• Do not position the aerial lift device against another object to steady the elevated platform.
• Do not use aerial lift devices as a crane or other lifting device.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices from trucks, scaffolds, or similar equipment unless approved in writing by the manufacturer.

• Limit travel speeds of aerial lift devices according to the conditions of the ground surface, congestion, visibility, slope, and the location of personnel. Also take into consideration other factors that may cause hazards to other nearby personnel.
• Shut down the aerial life device engine prior to fueling. Fuel engines or charge fuel cylinders in well ventilated areas free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.
• Charge batteries; check to be sure that controls are plainly marked as to their function.
• Test lift controls each day prior to use to ensure safe working conditions.
• Insure loads and distribution on working platforms and platform extensions are in accordance with manufacturer’s rated capacity and do not exceed rated load limits. Affix stickers to vehicle that indicate manufacturer’s rated load capacity of the working elevated platform and/or elevated platform extensions.
• Insure all personnel in the working elevated platform are wearing appropriate personal protective devices at all times (e.g. hard hats, safety shoes/boots, goggles/safety glasses with side shields/hard hat with shield, gloves; other protective clothing).
• Insure that each employee uses an appropriate body belt/harness and lanyard device attached to the boom or basket or other appropriate passenger device as fall protection when working from an aerial lift device.
• Insure that only trained and authorized employees operate aerial lift devices.
• Keep feet firmly on the floor of the basket or elevated platform at all times.
• Do not sit, climb or position yourself on the edge of the basket or elevated platform.
• Do not use planks, ladders or other devices as substitute work positions.
• Do not operate lower controls unless permission has been obtained from the employee(s) in the elevated platform, except in case of an emergency…
• Be sure to maintain a clear view of the path of travel, maintain a safe distance from other obstacles, debris, drop offs, holes, depressions, slopes and other hazards. Maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles (including overhead power lines).
• Stunts and horseplay are prohibited.
• Do not position booms and elevated platform devices in an attempt to jack the wheels off the ground. Do not operate aerial lift devices on grades, side slopes or ramps that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If elevated platforms or elevated work areas become caught, snagged or otherwise do not operate properly, remove personnel from the platform prior to freeing the elevated platform using ground controls.
• Do not alter the insulated portion of an aerial lift device in any manner that might reduce its insulating effectiveness.
• Insure the area surrounding the elevated platform is clear of personnel and equipment prior to lowering the elevated platform.
• Perform inspections of aerial life devices per manufacturer’s, ANSI/SIA and other regulatory agency schedules. If needed, make repairs immediately.
• Do not operate aerial lift devices with noted, reported deficiencies until repairs are made and equipment is authorized for use.
• Perform electrical system safety tests on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.2 requirements.
• Inspect hydraulic and pneumatic system components (Bursting Safety Factor) on aerial lift devices per ANSI/SIA A92.2 requirements.
• Conduct welding operations on aerial lift devices per Automotive Welding Society (AWS) Standards.

Aerial lifts are frequently used in the industry for maintenance painting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 26 construction workers (8% are industrial painters) die each year from using aerial lifts. Approximately 70% involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; 25% of the other deaths involve scissor lifts.
Aerial Lift Deaths from Boom Lifts
Half of the falls from boom lifts involved being ejected from the bucket, after being struck by vehicles, cranes, or crane loads, by falling objects, or when a lift suddenly jerked. Two-thirds of the deaths from collapses or tip-over’s of boom lifts occurred when the bucket cable or boom broke or when the bucket fell; almost one-third were due to tip-overs. Over one-third of the electrocutions involved an overhead power line contacting the lift boom or bucket. In most of the caught in-between deaths, a worker was caught between the bucket edge and other objects such as roof joists or beams while repositioning the bucket.
Aerial Lift Deaths from Scissor Lifts
Three-quarters of the tip-over accidents of scissor lifts resulted in fall deaths; in the remaining accidents, workers died from being struck by the falling scissor lift. About two-fifths of the tip-over accidents occurred when the scissor lift was extended over 15 feet, mostly while driving the lift. In one-fifth of the falls the worker was ejected from the scissor lift, mostly when an object struck the scissor lift. Other fall deaths occurred after removal of chains or guardrails, or while standing on or leaning over railings.
Operator Training Is Vital

Frequently operators lack the training to know that they are actually creating safety hazards. An aerial lift is a potentially dangerous tool when the operator has not read the operator’s manual. In addition to the lack of training, many lift accidents are caused by misapplication of the machine, obstacles, and lack or use or incorrect use of outriggers. Contractors should provide required manuals to operators and maintenance mechanics. If they cannot read or understand the language of manuals, ANSI safety standards allow others to explain the manuals. OSHA requires a qualified person to train all users on:
• Any electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards.
• Procedures for dealing with hazards.
• How to operate the lift correctly (including maximum intended load and load capacity). The user must show he/she knows how to use the lift.
• Manufacturer requirements
If the hazards change, the type of aerial lift changes, or a worker is not operating a lift properly, workers must be retrained. Ask manufacturers and suppliers for specific instructions for the operation of special use aerial lift trucks. OSHA, NIOSH, the National Safety Council and their local affiliates, vocational-technical schools or other training institutions provide resources to learn this skill (find contact information below).
Inspect Before Operating Lifts
Identifying and controlling hazards is very important for job site safety. OSHA regulations state that employers cannot force employees to use unsafe equipment. Generally a pre-start inspection is required for all types of aerial lifts at each job site. Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as outriggers and guardrails), personal fall-protection gear, wheels and tires, and other machine components specified by the manufacturer. Look for possible leaks (air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and loose or missing parts.
Contractors should immediately remove from service aerial platforms that do not operate properly or are in need of repair. A qualified mechanic must make all repairs using equivalent replacement parts. Substitution of parts is not wise; they have been known to cause accidents. De-energize and lockout/tag out aerial lifts before any maintenance or repairs. Each aerial lift must be inspected as the manufacturer requires – every 3 months or after 150 hours of use, whichever comes first.
Check the job site where the lift will be used. Look for a level surface that won’t shift. Check the slope of the ground or floor. A machine may not work properly on slopes that exceed the limits set by the manufacturer. Look for hazards, such as holes, drop-offs, bumps, debris, and overhead power lines or other obstructions. Set outriggers, brakes, and wheel chocks – even if you’re working on a level slope.

Report of a bucket truck accident and subsequent litigation in the United States.
Imagine as follows, it’s a nice fall day…
A new signalized intersection has been installed as part of a state contract. The only work remaining over the roadway is to finish hanging the new vehicle signals from the span wire. It is late afternoon and you plan to ‘wrap up’ the day’s work by installing a turn arrow in a new signal head….maybe a 15 or 20 minute job….
The intersection is 5-legged with the 5th leg a 1-way outbound. The primary roadway is 4-lanes, with traffic volumes moderate and traffic speeds are posted at 30 mph. So, you have your bucket truck parked in the curb lane, and the traffic control devices are placed to close this (curb) lane, you can angle the boom over the 2nd or inside lane so you schedule a patrolman from 9-3 for traffic control.
Sounds ‘routine’ right?
Now consider,
The work runs late, and the foreman dismisses the patrolman and assigns the electrician’s helper to conduct traffic control. The helper is also working on a corner pedestrian signal pedestal and passing tools to the bucket operator while the foreman and the other electrician leave for another job. However, the foreman is aware of a municipal “no work rule” from 3 PM through 6 PM and did not disclose this to the workers. There are high voltage trolley lines through the overhead area so the electrician has the bucket ‘low’, at about 13 ½ foot clearance.
So, what happens?
A tractor trailer truck goes through the intersection and hits the low bucket; the electrician is flipped out of the bucket and lands on the roof of the trailer. He didn’t have a lanyard nor was he harnessed, so in effect, the electrician has substantial medical bills, needs surgery; and he can’t work for months.
So, what happened here?
The CDL truck operator ‘failed to maintain a lookout’, or a safe distance between vehicles, and he doesn’t recall the exact height of his truck. The truck driver says, “… I am generally familiar with this intersection, as I’ve driven through it before. I saw the cones and followed them around the bucket truck. I just followed the car in front of me through the intersection. I don’t recall seeing the bucket or its operator and I don’t recall seeing my signal light…”
What about Traffic Control?

The foreman and crew members disagree slightly but more or less say:
“…The traffic control, for the primary lane, was set up with a flashing arrow board, a road construction sign ahead, and a right lane closed sign. The other inbound approach had signs as well.”
The injured electrician says:
“…The trolley wires prevented me from raising the bucket higher…”
He didn’t object to the traffic control in place.
He has 10 years operating bucket trucks but only about 6 months with this traffic signal company. His prior experience was as a lineman for a power company.
The other electrician says:
“…Before I got called to go to the other job, I was going to install the signal arrows. I went into position (with the bucket) with no problem…”
Now consider the electrician’s company:
They had generic tail-gate safety meetings and company literature, but they had no formal training program. Prior to the accident, the foreman was IMSA certified; the other workers were not. Since the accident, the other workers have been IMSA certified.
So what should have been done?
1. Provide an exclusive trained/certified traffic controller or traffic regulator.
Even though the policeman was dismissed, how could the electrical helper control traffic, work on the signal, and pass tools to the bucket man simultaneously? NO way!
2. Recognize hazards and adjust the TCP (Traffic Control Plan).
The nonstandard 5-legged, complex geometric intersection with moderate volumes and speeds combined with the low trolley wires and/or the inside lane work required the staging of the work by either:
• Closing the inside lane(s)
• Closing the intersection
3. Traffic Control Devices
Granted, the usual traffic control devices were in place, but where was the ‘Flagger ahead’ sign? This is an extraordinary situation. Supplemental devices should have been used to maximize conspicuity. (Remember, the truck driver didn’t see the bucket or bucket man). They should have had a minimum of:
• High level warning devices such as flag trees,
• Supplemental signs flags, or
• Type B high intensity flashing warning light(s)
4. Training
Why was the electrical helper assigned as a traffic controller or regulator without training? NO Way! Why was the electrician (and other crew members) not formally trained until after the accident? To say to a new employee in this case, go up in the bucket with no training, NO Way!
5. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Abide by OSHA regulations (harness, lanyard).
6. Work Over An Open Lane
While not precluded by OSHA, consider a local policy prohibiting work over an open lane (vehicles pass under the boom).
Clearly, many issues are at hand in this case. The major ones are improper supervision, improper traffic control, and lack of adequate training. And don’t forget, the bucket operator was too low and the truck driver failed to maintain a lookout.
The result?
An out of court settlement (to the electrician/bucket operator) was reached at the last minute. The employer and the trucking company combined for a several hundred thousand dollar payment.
What Should You Learn?
Remember, temporary traffic control zones are dynamic changing areas. Your Traffic Control Plan must be proportionate with the risk at hand. The MUTCD and state/provincial manuals prescribe minimum standards. This case is an extraordinary situation requiring more than just minimum adherence.

The operator of the bucket truck should conduct a bucket truck safety check of the bucket truck to determine hazards, identify damage and leaks.

Daily Check shall include but is not limited to a visual inspection of the bucket truck exterior, including;

• Oil and hydraulic leaks.
• Weld integrity, such as cracks and rust.
• Lighting (beam, directional and safety).
• All required decals and stickers on or around the articulating boom.
• They must be in place, legible and understandable.
• Broken, damaged, loose or missing parts.
• Tire bulges, cuts and pressure.
• Worksite Inspection.
• Do not to park on uneven ground.
• Keep an eye out for holes, bumps, and debris, drop-offs.
• Do not operate the boom if there is a threat of an electrical storm or wind gusts exceed 30 mph.
• Set emergency brake.
• Position wheel chocks.
• Look out for overhead obstructions.

Fall Hazards

• Always keep feet on the floor of bucket.
• Do not sit, stand, or climb on the edge of the basket.
• Do not place any item in the bucket for the purpose of increasing work height (ladders, step stools).
• Do not try to climb down from the bucket when it is raised.
• Make sure bucket floor is clear of debris.
• ALWAYS WEAR FALL PROTECTION!

Tip-Over Hazards

• Do not push or pull toward anything while raised in the bucket.
• Do not carry ladders, etc. in bucket.
• Do not exceed the 300 lb load capacity.
• Do not move the truck when bucket is raised.
• Do not operate in high winds.
• Make sure bucket truck is parked on even ground.
• Make sure the outriggers are positioned properly.
• Never use the bucket truck as a crane

Collision Hazards

• Watch for traffic and beware of blind spots when driving the bucket truck, remember bucket trucks are top heavy and can turn over easier than your car.
• Watch for overhead obstructions.
• Slow down on bumpy or sloped ground and when driving near other workers or pedestrians.
• Improper Use
• Never leave the bucket truck unattended unless the key is taken out and the bucket truck is secured from unauthorized users.
• Never refuel the truck when the engine is running.
• NEVER USE A DAMAGED MACHINE!

Electrocution Hazards

• Maintain safe clearances from power lines and apparatus.
• No aerial platform insulated or not, provides any electrical protection to the occupant if there is phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground contact.
• Remember bucket truck safety starts with you