Bucket trucks, like all heavy-duty machines, whether purchased at an equipment auction or from a dealer, must be used with caution to protect operators and bystanders from injury. The person inside the royal bucket, which can rise on his arm more than forty feet above the ground, must take special care to avoid falling hazards.
There are many features that contribute to the safety of these trucks that are often overlooked. The Plastic Composites Company (PCC) has developed a range of accessories that can help protect truck operators and increase productivity on site. These attachments have been developed over a period of time in response to feedback received from users since bucket truck production began in 1959; provide the most requested features in the industry.
floor covering
Since the worker in the bucket will be mostly standing, much effort has gone into developing safe and durable surfaces with which to line the bucket floor. Traditionally, the bottom is lined with a fiberglass pad that prevents slipping but is less ergonomic due to the fact that it is a separate layer from the floor. PCC has replaced the scratch pad with an innovative, dielectrically strong material that adheres directly to the floor while retaining the same slip-resistant properties. Field use and extensive testing have shown this material to have a longer wear life than the wear pad alone.
In addition to superior wear pad replacement, a specially developed ergonomic mat is offered that has been shown to reduce user fatigue and stress by up to two hours out of an eight-hour workday. Mats are half-inch thick and made of non-conductive, temperature-resistant PVC; Since the surface is two-thirds air, they are the most comfortable models on the market. The material provides good protection against slipping; acts as insulation in cold weather conditions; and raises the user’s feet above the water level when it rains.
Braces and supports
Multiple workers’ compensation claims are filed every year due to back fatigue and injuries sustained due to non-ergonomic positions required to stand on a bucket for long periods of time. Since modern liner requirements specifically prohibit the use of toe holes, workers are forced to lean on the edge of the bucket to gain strength while working, creating a great deal of stress on the back. The solution is a simple but effective ergonomic stand that can be hung from the top edge of the bucket. By bracing the thighs against the support, a worker can transfer stress from the back to the legs. The thigh support also doubles as a tool tray by opening it at the top.
For those who require a flat work surface to store tools, blueprints, or a laptop, there’s a nineteen-inch square table made of durable fiberglass that can be mounted to the edge of any bucket. When not in use, it can be collapsed onto the outside of the bucket, maximizing use of the work area. This same area can also be equipped with a mounting plate for tools and supplies.
The information provided above should give you an idea of some of the accessories available for bucket trucks that can have a big impact on the safety and efficiency of the workers using them!