By Mark van der Feyst
On every aerial apparatus, there are override and back-up controls in place. The back-up controls allow for emergency operation when the hydraulics fails causing the aerial device to be suspended in position. The back-up controls are powered by a small electrical motor that will operate the aerial device for a short period of time. It is good to know how long that time will be. For some, it may be only 5 minutes or longer depending upon the manufacturer. Test the back-up controls every once in a while to ensure they work.
The override controls allow the operator to override the system when the situation dictates. There are many safety systems in place in aerial devices that are essential to the operation of it. However, there are times when they may need to be circumvented. These controls are not always in an obvious location — so knowing where they are is a start. Knowing how they work and the order they must be operated in is also good to know. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manuals for directions on how and when to use these controls.