Best Spider Lift Practices For Telecom Tower Maintenance

Telecommunication is not just an indispensable part of modern life and living - it is the very backbone of our digital world. Can you imagine a day without the internet or the ability to connect with someone instantly? No, right? Then, you can understand the importance of maintaining telecommunication infrastructure.

From supporting cellular towers to servicing rooftop antennas, telecom technicians have many tasks to perform in the maintenance department. Almost every one of these requires them to work at heights, which can be difficult and dangerous, especially with traditional climbing solutions, which are not without their risks.

However, swapping them with capable spider lifts with nimble tracked platforms is a surefire way to improve efficiency, boost productivity, and enhance operators’ safety, provided contractors and operators familiarize themselves with and follow certain best practices. We shed light on them below.

1. Assess the site thoroughly before operation

Navigating around telecom towers is tricky, so make sure you get to know the site well before deploying a spider lift there for easy access. A comprehensive site inspection must include -

• Condition of the ground - whether it inclines, is covered in snow or ice, made of gravel or soft soil
• Presence of overhead hazards such as signage, tree branches, and power lines
• Current weather conditions to determine the suitability of spider lift usage
• Underground utilities to avoid outrigger deployment

Having a preset baseline upon the above conditions will help in the stable placement of the spider lift, ensuring no kinds of variables compromise operator stability and visibility.

2. Get a certified operator only

Operating a spider lift is a proper job. You cannot trust an unskilled worker with it, even if it seems fairly simple. You need trained hands to ensure precise control and the proper usage of leveling systems and outriggers.

The best practices you can follow in this regard include:

• Hiring operators who are certified in accordance with CSA B354 standards
• Conduct on-site assessments and host periodic refresher courses
• Allow only trained personnel to operate the lift

Using unqualified operators can pose a safety risk. Not to mention, it can also lead to equipment misuse and accidents during tricky tasks such as slope positioning or tight maneuvers.

3. Inspect the equipment before use

Your aerial lift platform needs to undergo a thorough check before every shift, even if you’re just renting it for the job. This is to ensure accident-free performance. You should check:

• If the outriggers can be deployed fully and in an even manner
• If the emergency stop functions are working as usual
• If the tilt alarms and safety sensor function optimally
• If the battery or fuel levels are sufficient for the task at hand
• If there’s no visible damage or hydraulic leakage

These quick checks are vital to preventing unexpected equipment breakdowns so you can get the job done faster.

4. Make use of outrigger pads

Often, telecom infrastructure is likely to be located in remote areas with uneven ground. Now, the stability of your aerial lift relies on the evenness of said ground. If that’s questionable, it’s best to use outrigger pads. Deploy them if:

• The ground is made of asphalt, so you don’t dent or puncture it
• You’re on soft ground, so you can keep the lift from sinking
• The terrain is angled, making stability critical

Advanced aerial lifts generally come with auto-leveling capabilities, but manually leveling your machine will give you that extra confidence.

5. Practice safe load discipline

You might require tools to conduct telecom maintenance, but it’s critical to maintain the spider lift’s load limits. Make sure it only carries trained personnel, secured items (no loose equipment), and necessary tools well within its permissible weight limit. Also, make sure workers in the basket wear appropriate fall protection gear and are in constant communication with ground-level staff.

Conclusion

Establishing a safe work zone, monitoring weather and environmental conditions, and having an airtight emergency plan are some of the other best practices you can follow when using spider lifts for telecom tower maintenance. But the most critical best practice of all is using the safest and most efficient spider lift available, which you will only find at Platform Basket Canada. Contact us to get aerial work platforms that telecom contractors approve and trust.