Safety device for an aerial lift, a method of operation thereof, an aerial lift having the safety device, a kit of parts and a method of installation thereof for providing the safety device in an aerial lift

A method for providing a safety device in an aerial lift comprising a moveable platform having a control panel operable to manoeuvre the platform provided near a first side of the platform, the method comprising:

• providing proximity sensing means on the platform and arranging the proximity sensing means to, in use, remotely sense the presence of off-platform objects within a sensing zone opposite the control panel.

A method of averting an accident when operating an aerial lift comprising a moveable platform having a control panel operable to manoeuvre the platform provided near a first side of the platform, the method comprising:

• remotely sensing whether or not an off-platform object is present in a sensing zone of proximity sensing means arranged to remotely sense the presence of off-platform objects within a sensing zone opposite the control panel;
• and
• if an object is sensed in the sensing zone, signalling an alarm and/or shutting down the aerial lift to stop further movement of the platform.

A kit of parts for installing a safety device in an aerial lift, comprising:

• one or more proximity sensors;
• and
• one or more members adapted to be mounted to a platform of an aerial lift and to receive and support said one or more proximity sensors such that, in use, the one or more proximity sensors are arranged to remotely sense the presence of off-platform objects within a sensing zone opposite a control panel provided on a moveable platform of the aerial lift.