Insulated Bucket Trucks-What They Do and How Can You Help You

Insulated bucket trucks have been created to protect workers from electrocution. This applies to linemen who may be working on utility lines such as utility poles and transformers. These jobs carry the additional risk of working near very high voltage lines as well as being at high altitude. Therefore, it was necessary to create something that could further protect these workers and reduce the risk of electric shock.

There are three main aspects of Insulated bucket truck It can provide protection from electric shock. These are the most important components to maintain and maintain within the standards defined by ANSI.

Bucket liner -This provides complete protection for the inner part of the liner, such as standing people. When electricity touches the liner, it has no effect on anything inside the liner.

Upper boom insulation -This prevents the flow of electricity from the tip of the boom through only the elbow of the boom.

Lower boom insert -This part provides a section of insulation between the elbow and the truck chassis.

A common misconception is that the rubber on the tires of a utility truck protects against impact. This is incorrect because they are not built to provide electrical insulation. Dirt and salt on tire treads can actually act as conductors of electricity. Never touch the bucket truck in contact with the wires, even when operating with wooden controls, as your body is an even better electrical conductor. The effects of electric current on the body are as follows:

Freezing current -5 to 25ma-may cause involuntary muscle spasms

Knockout current –25-100ma-Unconsciousness may occur and breathing may stop

Nerve block current –100-200ma-Your heart may stop and you will almost certainly need CPR

Fried food -200mA and above-This literally cooks the parts of the body that are in contact with the current. Death is almost always momentary when the current path passes through the chest.

It is advisable to always keep these factors in mind when working near electricity. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider not only the current ambient humidity but also atmospheric electricity such as lightning. If there is a thunderstorm, do not work on bucket trucks, whether near power lines or not.

We hope this article will help you better understand what insulated bucket trucks are and why workers can benefit from them. Please note that you need to operate or use the insulated bucket track only if you approve the training. This is not a replacement for the OSHA or ANSI standards, so make sure you have the appropriate training and certification, if applicable, before using it.