Normally this blog
keys on a major issue related to the business of GET, LLC.
Something completely
different here.
The Maui News is
reporting that earlier today, two power lines in Kahului burned and fell to the
ground after coming in contact with a Genie Lift. According to the Maui Electric Company, the
downed lines on Hobron Avenue cut power to about 60 customers and traffic
signals in the area at 2:41 p.m. local time.
The Maui Police
Department said the power outage affected a number of traffic lights on Hana
Highway from Hobron Avenue to Haleakala Highway. Police officers were stationed
at Hana Highway intersections with Kamehameha and Hobron avenues and traffic
was light and with limited traffic delays.
There were no
injuries or accidents as a result of the power outage. Power was restored to the area about two
hours later.
From one island to
another, now is a good time to remind you all of how to protect yourself when
using an aerial lift. Ever see the U.S.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Quick Card?
Things that could
have prevented the accident in Maui and can help you when using an aerial lift
on a jobsite where ever in the world you are:
- Make sure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
- Maintain and operate elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
- Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
- Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest energized overhead lines.
- Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
- Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
- Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
- Use outriggers, if provided.
- Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment-Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.
GET, LLC is committed
to providing responsible information to avoid and or prevent accidents like the
one that happened in Maui today. We all
should do our part to be safe on the jobsite. If you have any aerial lift needs
and would like to discuss potential solutions, please drop GET, LLC a line via
our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-797-0789.