Where’s the job?

Overview

• Operating a cherry picker to lift personnel and materials to elevated work areas safely and efficiently.

• Skill level: 4 / 5 (requires certification, spatial awareness and mechanical aptitude).

• Typical duration: Varies from a few hours for short lifts to full-day operations for complex tasks.

Safety First

• Always perform a pre-start inspection of the machine and safety equipment before use.

• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmets, hi-vis jackets and safety harnesses.

• Confirm that the work area is clear of obstructions and unstable surfaces.

• Always maintain communication with ground personnel during operations.

• Ensure the cherry picker’s stabilisers are fully deployed and secured.

Tools & Materials

Step-by-Step

1. Conduct a complete pre-operation inspection including the machine controls, safety harnesses, and stabilisers.

2. Position the cherry picker on a flat, stable surface with clear access to the work area.

3. Deploy the stabilisers and ensure all safety checks are completed before ascent.

4. Use the control panel to operate the lift slowly, maintaining continuous communication with ground personnel.

5. Secure personnel and materials on the platform, ensuring weight limits are not exceeded.

6. Lower the platform steadily once work is complete, following all standard safety procedures.

7. Document and report any issues encountered for maintenance or process improvement.

Completion Checks

• Platform is fully lowered and secured.

• All operational checks have been documented and any faults rectified.

• The work area is clear, and the machine is ready for its next assignment.

When to Call a Pro Instead

If the machine experiences mechanical faults, if the work involves unusually high-risk environments or if certification has expired, always call a certified operator or professional service to ensure safety and compliance.