Cherry pickers offer an efficient way to work at height, but they can be dangerous if operated incorrectly. Accidents involving a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) can still happen, often due to poor positioning, inadequate checks, or operator error. However, with essential practices each operator can follow, from emergency procedures to helpful checks, you can promote better health and safety on the work site.
Conduct Thorough Pre-Operational Checks
Before using any cherry picker, carry out a full inspection. This takes only a few minutes, but could prevent a serious accident.
- Visual checks first. Check the tyres for damage, wear, and incorrect pressure, and ensure the hydraulic system has no leaks and adequate fluid levels. The boom, chassis, and platform should be free of cracks, rust, or structural damage. Anchor points inside the platform must be secure and undamaged.
- Test the functions from the ground. Press the emergency stop button to confirm it works, and check that all controls respond correctly. Lifting functions should move smoothly. Safety devices, like alarms or lights, should be checked to make sure they work.
Always Wear Suitable Gear
Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect you from injury while operating a cherry picker.
- A full-body harness that fits correctly is essential when working at height. Connect it securely to the designated anchor points inside the platform using a lanyard or lifeline. Before each use, look for any indication of damage.
- Wear a hard hat to protect your head from falling objects; a chin strap can help keep it secure.
- Safety glasses help shield your eyes from dust that obstructs your view.
- Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear prevents trips and helps you maintain stability on the platform.
- High-visibility clothing makes sure other workers can see you clearly.
Position Correctly on Stable Ground
Where you position the cherry picker determines how steady it will be. The machine must sit on firm, level ground, with clearly marked exclusion zones and barriers. Use outriggers or stabilisers fully before raising the platform – these distribute weight more evenly and provide essential stability.
When around power lines, be sure to move cautiously, as they can cause electrocution. Guidelines indicate that, when fully extended, cherry pickers should not be less than 9 metres from a distribution line in these cases. Check for low-hanging branches, beams, and pipes that could trap you or damage the machine.
Never Exceed Weight Limits
Every cherry picker has a maximum safe working load. This includes the combined weight of operators, tools, and materials on the platform. Exceeding this limit causes instability and increases the risk of tipping.
Check your manufacturer’s manual for your specific model’s weight capacity. This should inform what you’re carrying. Additionally, if you’re working with multiple people on the platform, each weight will need to be accounted for.
Operate Smoothly and Avoid Overreaching
When operating a cherry picker, there are simple tips to keep in mind that can help encourage safety:
- Use smooth, controlled movements when raising, lowering, or rotating the platform to avoid destabilisation.
- Avoid rapid direction changes and travelling above the permitted height.
- Keep both feet on the floor with weight centred, as leaning over the guardrails or overreaching is a common cause of falls.
- Lower the platform and reposition it if the work area cannot be reached comfortably.
- Make sure the platform is clear of debris, loose tools, and anything that could cause a trip.
Monitor Weather Conditions Carefully
Wind is a major hazard when using a cherry picker outside. High winds affect stability, particularly with boom-type cherry pickers that have large surface areas at height. Manufacturers specify maximum operational wind speeds for each model. So, before any use, always check your specific machine’s manual.
Know Your Emergency Procedures
Even with precautions, emergencies can happen, so it’s beneficial to learn and make clear what protocols are in these situations.
- Emergency stop button – make sure you and your team know its location and how it works. In case of a power failure, also be aware of the emergency lowering process. Practice these procedures regularly so you can act quickly if needed.
- Establish clear communication – Set up specific signals with ground personnel to indicate urgency.
- Ensure ground controls are accessible – This should be done before elevating the platform. Don’t position the machine so that walls or structures block access to these controls or for rescue personnel.
Carry Out Post-Use Checks
Once you’ve finished working, conduct a brief inspection as part of protocol. This allows you to look for and document any damage that occurred during use. Some examples of hazards that would need fixes before next use include:
- Hydraulic leaks
- Worn components
- Structural issues
When dismounting, lower the platform fully and retract the boom. To avoid any unnecessary movement, engage transport locks on the machine. When parking, ensure you’re on level ground and apply the parking brake.
Ensure Proper Training
Because of the safety risks and particular requirements that come with using a cherry picker, proper training is important. Employers must also ensure operators are competent before using the equipment, according to PUWER’s Regulation 9.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) offers training courses that lead to the Powered Access Licence (PAL Card). This demonstrates you have been trained and assessed as competent to operate specific categories of powered access equipment, such as cherry pickers. Licences are typically valid for five years from the date of training, after which you must renew.
Training usually covers safe operation, pre-operational checks, emergency procedures, and your responsibilities as an operator. Even if you’ve used cherry pickers before, refresher training helps address risky habits.
How to Find a Trusted Cherry Picker Supplier
Selecting the right supplier for your cherry picker is a major safety approach, because it can inform the quality and reliability of your equipment.
Current Inspection Records
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspection reports verify that the equipment has been thoroughly checked and meets safety standards. Reputable suppliers conduct regular, documented maintenance between hires, reducing the risk of malfunctions.
Included Safety Equipment
Safety equipment that might accompany your rental includes harnesses, lanyards, and helmets in good condition. Customer reviews can provide feedback on equipment condition, service reliability, and responsiveness.
Ongoing Support
When renting a cherry picker, suppliers who offer continued servicing are beneficial. This includes technical help for any concerns with the equipment, as well as access to training. With ongoing support, you also have peace of mind that any challenges can be handled quickly.
Work Safely at Height With TAG
Following proper safety practices is essential for ensuring everyone’s safety when working with access equipment. Since 1994, TAG has helped businesses across the North West work safely at height. We supply a range of cherry pickers from trusted brands such as JLG, as well as verified training solutions. All our equipment is maintained to the highest standards with up-to-date inspection certificates.
We offer flexible hire arrangements from same-day delivery to rental or long-term contracts. Our team can guide you in selecting the right access platform for your project, and our technicians provide expert servicing to keep everything working smoothly.
Contact us today, and our helpful team can discuss your requirements.