The utility industry requires numerous workers to perform different duties. Many of these workers must work in boom trucks and work with or near power lines. To handle these duties, you must have the proper training to ensure the job is done properly and that you remain safe.

Anyone working with a boom truck, there are some specific precautions that must be given consideration. Here are some basic safety procedures for any situation where you will use a boom truck:

• Always wear a body belt as part of your restraint or tethering and make sure there is a lanyard secured to the basket or boom.
• Test the lift controls every day before they are used to ensure that they work properly.
• Don’t sit on the basket sides or climb on the basket, and always keep feet firm on the floor.
• Don’t exceed the maximum load set by the boom lift manufacturer.
• Be sure any jerky, sudden movements are avoided so the basket doesn’t collide with power lines or other nearby objects.

Follow Safety Protocol

When you are working in a boom lift near or on power lines, you should always use all the proper protective gear. That gear includes:

• Tools that are insulated
• Rubber sleeves and gloves
• Insulated hard hat
• Voltage-rated shoes

When working near power lines, use a boom lift that is designed for electrical work. These boom lifts have additional insultation to protect the workers from electrical currents, but remember, only certain parts of the lift may be protected by the insulation.

Here are some details about the insulated buckets:

• You should never try to alter or modify the basket insulation, as the protection level could be reduced.
• The portion completely covered by the basket liner is the only potion that is covered by it. Any conductive materials that extend beyond the extend farther than the liner can cause electricity conduction, making it ineffective.

Associated Training Schools (ATS), which was founded in 1959, offers specialized training, including training for individuals who plan to work with cherry pickers, boom lifts, and in the electrical industry. To learn more about the training programs, call (800) 383-7364.

There are an increasing number of homes and new businesses being built around the country, with projects in every state providing new builds or renovating existing structures or repurposing larger developments. However, that construction does not end at the project site, and all this activity means that there is an increase in utility needs and digger derrick operators as well. Couple that with the steady upgrading of utility supply and you find that in every state, utility work is in high demand.

There are a number of skills that are essential for utility work of any kind, but one of the most common is for digger derrick operators. Digger derricks are some of the most versatile heavy equipment in use today, not just in utility work, but in all construction. With a history dating back over 70 years, these machines have adapted to the changes in utility work as the years have passed, until today we have a machine that can dig holes and turn in screw anchors, lift and set poles and transformers, and provide a lift platform for linemen when needed. It is at the core of almost all utility work, and because the machine is, so is the digger derrick operator.

At ATS we provide a comprehensive, accessible training solution that not only gives you the skills to operate a digger derrick accurately, safely, and effectively in any situation but the on-site awareness and confidence to build a successful, lucrative career. Our digger derrick course covers all aspects of operation and includes both classroom-based education as well as practical, hands-on experience with the machines in our dedicated sites. This ensures our students are prepared for the reality of site work, something employers are looking for and appreciate.

With a curriculum that includes all aspects of operation, from the detailed safety-focused operation, including the components of the machine itself, an inspection of all equipment and site evaluation, through to all aspects of the machine operations for its various functions, identifying and dealing with underground hazards, safely pulling poles and operating around overhead utility hazards. From setting the machine up, to stowing the digger derrick components for transport and everything in between is covered in this comprehensive course.

At the end of the course, students are ready to successfully pass both written and practical digger derrick exams administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). This is a nationally recognized award that employers are looking for, putting students in the best position to launch a successful career in an industry that values their skills. With ATS to guide you, that career could be yours sooner than you think.

While driving down a highway or interstate, have you ever wondered how telephone poles or large electrical poles get there? How about when passing road work and seeing a large truck drilling in the ground? The truck is known as a Digger Derrick. A Digger Derrick is a large, crane-like truck with an attachment called an auger. The auger looks like a giant corkscrew and is used for drilling in the ground. The Digger Derrick is an essential piece of equipment in the utility trucking world. In fact, here are five ways a digger derrick is used:

1. Telephone Pole Installation – A digger derrick can dig a hole up to 18 inches round and 10 feet deep. It can dig the hole for the telephone pole as well as lift and place the pole in the ground.
2. Electrical Pole Installation – Much like the telephone pole installation, digger derricks are also used to install electrical poles and wiring.
3. Electrical Work – Digger derricks can be used to fix electrical wires that have been damaged due to storms or other natural disasters.
4. Trimming Tree branches – Because of the ability to reach heights, digger derricks can be used to transport workers to trim tree branches so they won’t get in the way of the electrical wires and cause unnecessary power outages or wire damage.
5. Road work – Digger derricks can be used to take personnel below ground to make underground repairs to things as well as fixing potholes in the road.

The digger derrick is an extremely useful truck in the utility world. If you are interested in more information or interested in becoming a digger derrick operator, sign up for more information on digger derrick training classes.

A digger derrick is a type of truck that allows you to dig holes, lift heavy materials, and hoist long objects like utility poles. Associated Training Services now has a Digger Derrick Training Class where we teach potential operators how to operate the equipment safely, among other things. Here is a short rundown of some of the things you’ll learn in the Digger Derrick Training Class:

• All the different components of a digger derrick truck
• How to perform an inspection on your digger derrick
• Setting up your digger derrick to operate more efficiently
• Tips for stowing and unstowing the auger
• How to set a utility pole using the digger derrick
• Underground hazards and how to identify them
• Power tools to use with a digger derrick
• Overhead hazards and how to work around them

And much more.

The Principle Use of a Digger Derrick

The primary use for a digger derrick is for digging deep post holes, such as utility poles. The digger derrick is a crane-like truck with a huge boom on it, and its primary tool is the auger. The boom and auger are powered by a heavy and powerful hydraulic system.

The reason companies use a digger derrick is that it can dig holes quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. With the right training, you can be a great digger derrick operator. Due to the specialized nature of this equipment, ATS offers a digger derrick training class where you can learn everything you need to know to operate a digger derrick safely and efficiently.