Safety First: Setting Up in Icy Conditions

As the seasons shift from the crisp comfort of fall to the harsh bite of winter, icy conditions become a serious challenge for crews working with aerial units and digger derricks. What was a routine setup in October can become a high-risk operation by December.

Icy terrain demands extra attention. Operators must take the time to ensure proper setup procedures are followed as rushing can lead to instability, equipment damage or worse.

Set Up Safely

One of the most critical steps? Using outrigger pads. These pads help distribute weight and improve stability, especially on frozen or uneven ground.

Here’s a question for you: Do you know the slope limit for setting up an aerial unit?

Most operators would say 5 degrees, and in many cases, that’s correct. But not always. Some units are only rated for 2 or 3 degrees of slope to meet stability requirements. That’s why it’s essential to check the manual and slope limitation for each individual unit before setup. And digger derricks? We want to level the derrick completely.

As winter approaches, let’s stay ahead of the weather and the risks. Take the time to properly set up your equipment. Chock your vehicles. Use the outrigger pads. Know your slope limits.

Safety at the job site starts with proper unit setup.

Stay Safe with Training from Altec Sentry

For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation. Altec Sentry is committed to your safety and believe that industry-leading equipment deserves industry-leading training.

Altec Sentry offers a variety of instructor-led and online training courses for aerials, derricks and cranes. For customers looking to take ownership of their safety program, Sentry also offers a Train the Trainer program. To learn more, visit altec.com/safety.