While we are all preparing for the upcoming “COVID winter,” November is also a good time to get your bucket truck ready for the winter months. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, it does offer a “Cold Stress Guide.” (see link below). Your Operator’s Manual will include guidelines as well. https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/windchill.html Per OSHA, it is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature so that they can gauge workers’ exposure risk better and plan how to safely do the work. For example, at 40 … [Read more...]
Staying Safe on the Job
Whether you are stuck at home or trying to go away for a vacation, summertime is also a time for bad weather. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and derechos can keep utility equipment operators busy no matter what is going on. Staying safe means never skipping your daily pre-operations check or knowing where the manual is … and much more. Everyone knows that bucket truck operators are busy for days and have lots work to do after storms -- repairing wires, fixing traffic lights, and trimming downed trees/limbs. There are two important pieces to staying safe on the job -- having the right … [Read more...]
Daily Bucket Truck Pre-Operations Check
Bucket trucks are remarkably reliable and durable. Replacement parts, both new and aftermarket, are available for units that have been operating since the 1960’s and 1970’s. Because of their durability, there is a tendency for boom truck operators to jump in their bucket truck in the morning and fire it up, not thinking about what the operation manual says or performing a bucket truck pre-operations check. The ANSI aerial platform standards group understands that there are bucket trucks on the road from all eras and for that reason and others, they provides criteria to help manufacturers, … [Read more...]
Happy Lineman Day!
The UEP Guys express our appreciation to the dedicated men and women who work so hard for us every day. Thank you for helping to keep the lights on and everything else you do to keep things working and tidy! :-) Contact Utility Equipment Parts (UEP) today for any parts and accessories for your bucket truck, digger derrick or crane. The UEP Guys … [Read more...]
Accessorizing Your Bucket Truck, I
Your truck may be a fine-tuned machine, and you can accomplish all that you need to, but you might want to make things even better by accessorizing your bucket truck. Let’s start with a basic necessity and comfort issue: have you ever stepped into your bucket and gotten your boots wet? A bucket cover is a simple solution. A vinyl bucket cover will keep your bucket dry and it’s reasonably priced. You can improve the performance of a basic bucket cover with enhancements that keep rain water from pooling on top – some are foam-filled, and some have a pocket underneath for a wood slat that … [Read more...]