Hydraulic Lift on Trucks Safety

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has safety standards in place for working with hydraulic lifts on trucks. Workers who operate or ride hydraulic lifts must be trained in the OSHA safety standards to minimize on-the-job hazards.

Stationary

• When the hydraulic lift is in the fully extended position, the truck must remain stationary. Moving the truck by driving it forward or back with the lift in the air is dangerous and can cause the worker in the lift to lose his balance and fall. According to OSHA, the only time it is safe to move the truck is when the lift is in its locked, closed position.

Position

• The truck and lift must be positioned on the road so there is a safe amount of clearing from obstructive objects, such as telephone poles and wires. Driving the truck too close to a telephone pole exposes workers to electrical current dangers.

Testing

• It is imperative equipment operators test the mechanical parts of the lift prior to elevating the boom. Running a test and inspection prevents workers from getting into a situation where the equipment malfunctions and causes accidents.