Safety First: Best Practices for Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Operation and Maintenance

Aerial Work Platform (AWP)

Aerial Work Platform (AWP) ) are essential pieces of equipment for a variety of industries, from construction and maintenance to emergency response and agriculture. While AWPs provide a safe and efficient way to access high-reach areas, their use can also be hazardous if not operated correctly. Therefore, it's crucial to follow best practices for AWP operation and maintenance to ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents.

The first and most crucial step in ensuring safe AWP operation is proper training. Operators should receive comprehensive training that covers the safe operation of the specific type of Aerial Work Platform (AWP) they will be using. Training should include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and it should cover topics such as pre-operation inspections, safe operating procedures, fall protection, and emergency procedures. It's also important to ensure that operators are properly certified and authorized to operate the equipment. Certification programs, such as those offered by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), provide industry-standard training and certification for AWP operators.

The global Aerial Work Platform (AWP) was valued at US$ 9,045.0 Mn in 2020 and is estimate to reach a value of US$ 15,805.6 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2021 and 2028.

Before each use, it's essential to perform a pre-operation inspection of the AWP to ensure that it's in good working condition. Inspections should cover all major components, including the platform, controls, hydraulics, tires, and electrical systems. Operators should be trained to look for signs of wear and tear, such as worn tires or damaged hoses, as well as any loose or missing parts. Any defects or issues should be reported to the equipment maintenance team immediately, and the AWP should not be used until repairs have been made. Workers using AWPs should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from potential hazards. PPE should include a hard hat, safety harness, non-slip shoes, and any other necessary equipment required for the specific job task. Operators should also be trained on how to properly inspect and use their PPE, including how to properly fit and adjust their harnesses, how to inspect the lanyards and other fall protection equipment, and how to properly use the PPE during operation.

Aerial Work Platform (AWP) come with weight capacity guidelines that operators must follow. It's essential to ensure that the AWP is not overloaded, and the weight capacity guidelines are followed. Overloading the AWP can cause it to tip over, potentially causing serious injury or even death. Operators should be trained to calculate the weight of the equipment and personnel that will be on the platform, as well as any materials or tools that will be used during the task. They should also be aware of the AWP's weight capacity and never exceed it. When working with an AWP, operators should always be aware of any overhead obstacles, such as power lines, beams, or tree limbs. Operators should ensure that they are aware of the location of all overhead hazards before beginning the task. It's essential to maintain a safe distance from overhead obstacles, and operators should be trained on how to maneuver the AWP around overhead hazards safely. They should also be aware of the AWP's maximum height limit and avoid extending the platform beyond this limit.