DIGGER DERRICK
1-71
Digger Derrick Terex South Dakota, Inc. 463280 - 9/14
OPERATION GUIDELINES
CONTROL VALVE FAILURE
A control valve malfunction could develop in either the individual control levers or the multifunction single
stick control.
If the Aerial Device motion cannot be stopped because the control valve will not return to the centered or
neutral position, activate the emergency stop mode by pushing down the emergency stop. The emergency
stop position will disable the boom controls, which will stop the Aerial Device's motion. If the engine stop/
start control is installed, shut off the engine. The engine and the Aerial Device's motion will cease. Then
manually attempt to center the spring-loaded control lever before restarting the engine. If the spring-loaded
control lever at the platform will not return to neutral, the Aerial Device can be returned to a stowed position
by overriding the upper controls from the lower controls.
After any emergency situation, it is the operator's responsibility to notify appropriate maintenance personnel
to make sure the Aerial Device is repaired and adjusted.
Identifying the problem and initiating the recommended emergency procedures will help to minimize or
possibly prevent injuries.
FALL PROTECTION
Fall protection is required whenever in an aerial or digger derrick platform. An OSHA compliant fall arrest
system with the lanyard attached to the provided anchor at the boom tip must be used. The issue is not
falling from the platform; but being ejected. You can be ejected by failure of a component causing
unexpected motion, sudden release of energy from catching or snagging and releasing, or an external force
on the vehicle, boom or boom tip.
RESPONSE TO A FALL
ANSI and OSHA state that no more than 6 minutes should pass from the time a worker falls to when he is
reached. These time limits are to mitigate the risks of unconsciousness or further injury of the suspended
worker. Each company must have a rescue plan in place to recover a suspended worker. Practice the
rescue plan with all workers including the ground persons in this training, who may be the only ones
available to perform the rescue. Train all employees to follow your rescue plan to recover the fallen person
as quickly as safely possible without endangering the rescue personnel. Determine whether first aid is
required as quickly as possible. Notify emergency services if the worker needs to be transported to the
hospital according to your companies policies.
One of the dangers of being suspended in a safety harness is suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance).
Immobile workers suspended in their harness may lead to fainting or an unconscious state. Depending on
the length of time, anywhere from few minutes to about 20 minutes, the suspended worker may become
unconscious and depending on the level of venous pooling, the result may lead to death. Because the
person will have limited ability to move their legs, blood will pool and not be available for circulation to the
other parts of the body and brain. Communicate with the fallen worker to encourage them to move their arms
and legs to promote blood circulation to the extremities. If the worker has signs of physical injury, or signs of
suspension trauma such as; dizziness, fainting, nausea, sweating, paleness, hot flashes, increased heart
rate, breathlessness, unusually low heart rate, unusually low blood pressure, or loss of vision contact
emergency medical services immediately. A dangerous condition that sometimes occurs with suspension
trauma is compartment syndrome. Also watch the fallen person carefully after rescue. A condition known at
Reflow Syndrome can occur. The return of pooled, hypoxic blood and its metabolic byproducts from the
extremities to the heart can cause medical issues even after rescue. Refer to your safety department,
rescue plan, or local health providers for more information.
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