Author: Writer

Jackhammers are an extremely useful piece of equipment when it comes to construction projects. They are large, powerful and can break up some of the most durable materials, including asphalt and concrete. Since these devices are so powerful, it’s important to operate them correctly. This can help prevent injury and unnecessary property damage.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about jackhammers and their uses, including some helpful jackhammer safety tips.

Jackhammer uses

First appearing in 1806, the jackhammer has become a staple of construction projects. Through the years, jackhammers were used to facilitate mining, to create tunnels for train tracks and more. The machine operates through either the use of compressed air, electromechanical force or hydraulics. Jackhammers feature a large chisel that moves back and forth against the ground to break up whatever material it’s being used on.

For the most part, jackhammers are used these days in demolition and road construction work. Jackhammers make the process of breaking up concrete and asphalt much easier. They can even be used on stronger materials like metal. You can often hear these machines hammering away at the ground near construction sites.

Different types of jackhammers

Not many people realize that there’s more than one kind of jackhammer. In fact, there are three different types: pneumatic, electric and hydraulic. All of these types fall within either the handheld or rig-mounted category. One of the most commonly used types of jackhammers is the pneumatic, which utilizes compressed air to operate. The air compressor itself is usually fueled by a diesel engine.

Electric jackhammers utilize an electric motor for operation. They are usually smaller than pneumatic jackhammers and need to be plugged into an outlet. Thanks to their small size, electric jackhammers are often used inside buildings to do some light demolition. It’s important for workers to stay aware of the electrical cord used with these jackhammers in order to avoid electrocution.

The last type of jackhammer is also the largest. Hydraulic jackhammers utilize fluid to create hydraulic energy. These jackhammers are usually rig mounted due to their large size and are used mostly for large-scale demolition and construction projects.

Jackhammer safety tips

As with any heavy machinery, it’s important to practice proper safety when using any jackhammer. Fatigue is common after prolonged use of a jackhammer, which is why it’s best to rotate workers when necessary. Also be sure to stay properly hydrated, especially when working outdoors.

Jackhammers are incredibly noisy, which can lead to hearing damage if you aren’t careful. That’s why it’s always a good idea to wear earplugs when operating a jackhammer. You should also be sure to wear safety goggles to avoid chips of asphalt or concrete from hitting your eyes. Other important pieces of protective gear to wear while operating a jackhammer include gloves and safety boots.

Now that you know more about jackhammers and their potential uses, consider renting one or more for your next construction project. At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we offer fair prices on all our heavy equipment rentals.

Those working in construction may end up needing to use a scissor lift at some point. While these pieces of machinery are extremely helpful in certain situations, they can also be dangerous. It’s important to know how to properly operate a scissor lift in order to ensure safety.

If you own a scissor lift or are considering renting one, read the scissor lift safety tips listed below:

• Know the machine: Do you know how to use a scissor lift? An essential part of scissor lift safety is understanding all the machine’s controls. This usually means investing in some sort of training program. There’s currently no certification required for scissor lift operation; however, it’s always best to learn all you can about a machine before attempting to operate it. It’s especially important to know where the scissor lift’s emergency stop button is located. That way, you’ll know exactly how to shut down the equipment should an emergency occur.
• Testing equipment: Another important part of scissor lift safety is providing the equipment with routine inspections and testing. This is best left to professionals experienced in scissor lift operations. Routinely testing your equipment will help ensure that it doesn’t stop working during operation. Components of a scissor lift that are especially important to test include the brakes and the emergency stop button.
• Avoid falls at all costs: Falls are a major cause of injury when using a scissor lift—that’s why it’s important to check all the guardrails as well as the platform before stepping onto a scissor lift. Be sure to also check for signs of rust, and avoid leaning on the guardrails.
• Invest in proper maintenance: Nothing keeps a scissor lift running smoothly more than routine maintenance. That means scheduling maintenance with the manufacturer or another scissor lift professional in the area. Just make sure anyone you work with has plenty of experience in scissor lifts. If you’re renting a scissor lift, you could easily set up a maintenance schedule with the rental company.
• Be aware of the surrounding area: It’s important to never operate a scissor lift in a dangerous area. That means clearing away all possible hazards, including power lines, before bringing the scissor lift in. It’s also important to park the scissor lift on level ground. If the ground is uneven, the scissor lift will likely have trouble stabilizing. You should never attempt to use a scissor lift on uneven ground, as its balance will likely be thrown off.

Renting a scissor lift

While some people prefer to own their own heavy machinery, this isn’t an option for everyone. Heavy machinery is extremely expensive—not to mention the storage fees you may have to pay. Instead, consider renting the equipment from a reputable dealer. This will help you save money and avoid the maintenance fees that go along with owning heavy machinery.

At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we have a variety of heavy equipment available for rent, including air compressors, Bobcats, carpet cleaners, jackhammers, scissor lifts and much more. Contact us today for information on pricing or for more information on how to safely use a scissor lift.