Street lights using a boom lift

Falls: Working at height on the boom lift.

Electric shock: Contacting live wires.

Vehicle collisions: Operating the boom lift near traffic.

Overhead obstacles: Contacting power lines or other overhead hazards.

Tip-over: Instability of the boom lift on uneven terrain.

Weather: Adverse weather conditions like wind or rain.

Falling objects: Dropping tools or materials from the boom lift.

Assess the likelihood and severity of each identified hazard.

Consider factors like the complexity of the work, experience of the workers, and environmental conditions.

Use of fall protection: Harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.

Safe electrical work practices: Lockout/tagout procedures, qualified electricians, appropriate PPE.

Traffic control: Traffic cones, flaggers, road closures if necessary.

Pre-task site survey: Identifying overhead hazards and planning safe routes.

Boom lift operation: Stable ground, outriggers deployed, weight distribution, following manufacturer's instructions.

Weather monitoring: Postponing work in adverse conditions.

Secure tools and materials: Use tool lanyards, bags, and avoid loose items on the platform.

Preparation: Pre-task briefing, site setup, PPE donning, boom lift inspection and setup.

Working on Electrical Components:

Lockout/Tagout: Before any electrical work, follow standard lockout/tagout procedures to isolate the circuit and prevent accidental energization. This may involve obtaining permits and coordinating with the utility company.
Electrical testing: Verify the circuit is de-energized using a voltage tester before commencing work.
PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical work, including insulated gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.
Tool selection: Use insulated tools specifically designed for electrical work.
Safe work practices: Adhere to safe work practices for electrical work, such as avoiding wet conditions, not overloading circuits, and working with one hand in your pocket to prevent accidental completion of a circuit.

Replacing Bulbs/Fixtures:

Bulb selection: Ensure replacement bulbs or fixtures are compatible with the existing system and meet local regulations.
Disassembly: Carefully remove the existing bulb or fixture, following manufacturer's instructions and handling components carefully to avoid breakage and potential mercury exposure (in older fluorescent bulbs).
Assembly: Install the new bulb or fixture securely, ensuring proper connections and alignment.
Testing: Re-energize the circuit and test the functionality of the street light. Report any malfunctions immediately.
Waste disposal: Dispose of used bulbs and fixtures responsibly, following local regulations for hazardous materials if applicable.

Bulb selection: Ensure replacement bulbs or fixtures are compatible with the existing system and meet local regulations.

Limited scope: Due to the inherent risks involved in working with electrical wiring, it's strongly recommended to limit wiring maintenance on streetlights to qualified electricians with specific training and experience.

Minimal tasks: For minor tasks like tightening connections or inspecting wiring visually, follow the same lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety measures, and PPE requirements as mentioned above.

Complex repairs: If extensive wiring repairs are required, delegate the work to a qualified electrician with expertise in street lighting systems.

Clean-up: Dismantling work area, tool and equipment checks, waste disposal.