A hydraulic liftgate is one of the most useful and versatile pieces of equipment on equipped work trucks, and
Diamond Truck Body Manufacturing Inc.is proud to offer liftgate installation services for customers.
We believe that safe operation of your liftgate is key to protecting operators and bystanders from injury, and the six safety guidelines below will help you enjoy your liftgate for years to come.
1. Always Stay Beneath Maximum Load Limits
Each liftgate is rated for a maximum amount of lift capacity by the manufacturer, and you should always keep loads well-beneath the weight limit. In addition, keep in mind that lift capacity is based on more than just the actual component strength. Load limit calculations also incorporate assumptions that the lift was installed correctly and has been properly maintained.
2. Ensure that Operators Are Properly Trained
Most liftgates aren't particularly complicated to use, but operators should still be well-versed in how to use them. As such, be sure to take time to provide training to liftgate users; training should be performed using approved materials and by following a comprehensive plan.
In addition, make use of manufacturer-provided decals and signs. These contain critical user instructions and safety reminders and can prevent accidents if heeded.
3. Prevent Pinch and Crush Injuries
Liftgates contain several moving parts to manipulate the lift and cargo as well as to stow the gate when it's not in use. Several liftgate components, such as the radius arm, can seriously pinch fingers, hands, and feet if not used safely.
In addition, liftgates can cause crushing injuries if the lift platform is accidentally lowered on top of feet. To prevent these types of injuries, always be cognizant of where your feet and hands are at all times during liftgate operation.
4. Avoid Riding the Liftgate
Liftgates are usually more than capable of lifting the weight of a person, but riding on the platform introduces additional hazards. For example, slips and tripping injuries are more likely when a rider is present.
As such, that is why operators should avoid riding the platform whenever possible. Instead, attempt to operate the liftgate while standing to one side, and use other means of securing cargo instead of holding it in place.
5. Stabilize the Vehicle and Load
When using the liftgate, you should always keep vehicle and load stability at the forefront of what you're doing. Sudden movement or unexpected shifts could cause a load to fall, which could result in injury to users or bystanders.
That's why you should ensure the vehicle and load won't move accidentally. For example, always set the parking brake when the liftgate is in use and avoid operating the device on slopes or other uncertain ground.
6. Keep the Liftgate Properly Maintained
Liftgates require a certain amount of maintenance on an ongoing basis to prevent breakdowns and to keep users safe. That is why you should be familiar with maintenance guidelines and know how to keep your liftgate working smoothly.
For example, regularly inspect your liftgate for signs of metal fatigue, loose bolts, cracked or separated welds, and other potentially hazardous concerns. If you notice any problems during operation, such as hesitation or abnormal noises, have the liftgate evaluated by a qualified service professional. Another important safety-related maintenance task includes ensuring hydraulic fluid levels are appropriate; otherwise, controls may fail during operation, or other unpredictable incidents might occur.
If your work truck is involved in an accident, you will need to have the liftgate inspected by a professional for signs of damage before using it. Damage such as bent components could result in accidents or injuries to users and will need to be corrected before the liftgate can be used.
