When browsing a selection of bucket trucks for sale, or even when looking at your own inventory of bucket trucks, it is vital for the owner or potential owner to understand the safety measures that must be taken during bucket truck operation. As one would guess, operation of bucket trucks, like most items in the "heavy machinery" category, can pose significant safety risks to those using them. Bucket trucks can be an extremely useful tool, but if used incorrectly, can present very serious danger to the bucket truck operator and those around him.

A bucket truck consists of a large truck, a large mechanical arm or boom mounted in the bed of the truck, and a bucket mounted at the end of the boom. A worker in the bucket can then be lifted up and around to work on things located high on poles or other high objects. The bucket truck can be constructed of wood, fiberglass, metal, or reinforced plastic. In addition, some bucket trucks are designed with a single or double-arm boom or a hydraulic outrigger jack, which provides extra stability. You will also find some designs that are powered by the actual truck engine while others are operated with an auxiliary engine that is mounted on the back section of the bucket truck. These trucks are sold in a number of sizes and shapes, each to help make different types of work easier.

While the bucket truck is used for many different purposes, the most common is usage by power linemen. By using this type of equipment, power lineman can complete their work in a comfortable, safe, and efficient manner, primarily where steel or concrete poles are used. As previously stated, while a bucket truck can save tremendous time and effort, it definitely needs to be respected for the powerful machine that it is.  For the business owner, the key to safety is training. You can obtain a number of excellent tapes for drivers and bucket truck operators to watch through OSHA or directly from the truck manufacturer. Some key safety points for bucket truck operation are as follows:

Bucket trucks may be modified for use other than the intended use but only if the manufacturer or equal authority receives approval to the modification in writing. For bucket trucks to be used near electrical power lines, strict requirements must be followed, which includes keeping to a specific distance, de-energizing procedures, only qualified employees using the truck, and grounding any overhead lines. The brakes on a bucket truck must always be set. Bucket trucks should never be driven while employees are still in the bucket. Controls must be clearly marked and defined by function and should be tested every day prior to the bucket truck being used. Bucket trucks have many toolboxes ranging in size. These boxes contain hazardous chemicals such as oils, greases, and acetylene. When accessing these boxes, staff must open them with caution because the contents could shift during travel.

Any person operating the bucket truck must always wear appropriate protective gear at all times to include safety goggles, safety boots, a hard hat, gloves, etc. to protect from falling objects. The bucket truck operator must keep his feet planted firmly on the floor of the bucket at all times. The lower controls should not be operated without the permission of the bucket truck operator in the bucket except in the case of an emergency. Bucket trucks are often used during power outages, which means working during storms. Bucket truck operators must be certain to park the truck in a safe location prior to performing work and to ground the equipment securely prior to working on power lines. Finally, when working with power lines, a bucket truck operator must be sure to test the electrical resistance of the bucket and the bucket truck.

Central Truck Sales of Miami will continue to provide the necessary information required for safe operation of the different types of used trucks in their inventory. Whether it be bucket trucks for sale or other types of used trucks for sale, CTS believes that the safety of its customers is the number one priority of their customer service. Please browse the selection of bucket trucks for sale at www.centraltrucksales.net but even more importantly, understand the risks and necessary safety measures for optimal bucket truck operation while browsing.