The Delivery MAN

March 1, 2008
Every day, drivers deliver aerial work platforms to jobsites, and conversations such as the following are typical: Do you know how to run this? Sure do.

Every day, drivers deliver aerial work platforms to jobsites, and conversations such as the following are typical:

“Do you know how to run this?”

“Sure do.”

“Sign here.”

“Thanks.”

If this is the extent of your driver-customer exchange at the time of delivery of a scissorlift or boomlift you could have problems. Thankfully most of the time the equipment works great, customers get their job done and no one gets hurt. Sometimes though, things can go wrong, such as:

  • The operator may not be able to operate the lift.

  • The operator may not know the lift's limitations.

  • The operator may not even know how to start the lift.

  • The operator may not know how to activate the emergency descent feature should he lose power.

  • The operator may hurt or even kill himself or someone else.

If any of those occur, the rental company loses. The customer or operator is not satisfied and is looking for someone to blame, and it usually ends up to be the rental company.

Is the rental company obligated to show customers how to operate the aerial lift? Yes. ANSI/SIA A92 spells this out in the Manual of Responsibilities that is required on all aerial work platforms and is called “Familiarization upon delivery” for dealers and owners and “Familiarization before use” for users.

Familiarization upon delivery

Upon delivery for lease, rental or any form of beneficial use, the owner shall have the responsibility with the person designated by the receiving entity for accepting the aerial platform to:

  • Identify the weather-resistant compartment (for manuals storage).

  • Confirm that all manuals, as specified by the manufacturer, are on the aerial platform.

  • Review control functions with the operator or person(s) designated by the user.

  • Review safety devices specific to the model aerial platform being delivered.

Besides being an ANSI requirement it is to the benefit of the rental company to make sure its driver or someone designated from the rental company show the customer and operator how the lift operates and its safety features. This will help insure that the customer is satisfied with the aerial platform they rented.

It is important to keep in mind that customers' rental experience starts when they contact your store.

After the person on your counter has completed the rental reservation on the phone they should inform the customer on the phone that, “Our driver will go over the controls with your operator when we deliver the lift, please make sure that the operator is there for this demonstration.” While many of you may argue that this statement is pointless, I feel if you don't make this statement it will always be pointless. This statement makes two points clear, someone needs to be there and this is very important to your successful and safe use of the lift for your work. This also helps get an accurate delivery time and a signature on the rental agreement, which is very important!

“Let me show you some of the features on this machine.”

The best line a driver can use to help customers and operators understand what is involved in operating an AWP is, “Let me show you some of the features on this machine.” The driver then starts by pointing out where the manuals are located on the machine and says, “Be sure and read the operator's manual.” Then the driver should walk to the ground controls and explain how to start the machine, how to operate any emergency descent features located at the ground controls, then switch the key to platform controls and walk to the basket, open the guardrail gate and climb into the basket, close the gate and hook their lanyard to the manufacturer anchorage point, pointing out that personal fall protection, harness and a short lanyard are a requirement to operate this machine.

Drivers should then explain how to start the machine from the basket. Be sure and show them how to operate any emergency descent devices in the platform. After getting some acknowledgement from the customer and operator then show them where to check the engine oil and other maintenance items such as how to charge the batteries and add water to the batteries. This entire exchange only takes 10 to 15 minutes. It will be the best 10 to 15 minutes you will spend with your customer. Be sure your rental agreement acknowledges that when the customer signs it that this familiarization happened to document that you did show them these features.

While these procedures will certainly help your customer it will also help protect you should something go wrong and an accident happen.

Jeff Stachowiak is national safety director for Sunbelt Rentals, Fort Mills, S.C., and a member of the board of directors of the Scaffold Industry Association.

Manual Dexterity

It is the responsibility of aerial work platform owners to ensure that up-to-date operators' manuals are on each machine. ANSI/SIA Manuals are available from the Scaffold Industry Association at www.scaffold.org. Keep in mind you must have the most recent year manuals on your machines. They are as follows:

  • ANSI A92.5-2006 Boomlifts (needs to be replaced on all existing units)

  • ANSI A92.6-2006 Scissorlifts (needs to be replaced on all existing units)

  • ANSI A92.2-2001 Vehicle-mounted (tow-behind booms)

  • ANSI A92.3-2006 Push-around Personnel Lifts (needs to be replaced on all existing units)