Sign installation companies traditionally used ropes, pulley systems, lifts and ladders to complete various aerial jobs. However, the recent introduction of sign installation trucks allows industry operators to work efficiently even in hard-to-reach locations.
Purchase of a sign truck requires careful consideration due to changes in regulations and challenges facing small business owners, especially with recent regulations shifting towards digital technology and challenges posed by social media.
Safety First
Safety should always be at the forefront when operating a sign installation truck. Workers must always follow client instructions exactly and be ready to address any potential issues as soon as they arise, including using equipment like booms or platforms capable of reaching required heights for projects, as well as wearing personal protective equipment like fall harnesses, lanyards, hard hats and safety glasses.
If the project involves painting or coating signs, particular care should be taken to protect them from chemicals and environmental pollutants. Some manufacturers now offer protective overlays which are more tolerant of chemicals, paints and cleaning agents; similarly abrasive scrubbers which could reduce retroreflectivity should be avoided at all costs.
Signs essential to driver, pedestrian and bicycle safety must be regularly assessed for legibility and visibility in accordance with guidance provided in the current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; state standards or directives; or legal procedures or requirements.
When reviewing signs for legibility and visibility, it’s essential to keep in mind that they must be visible both during the daytime as well as night. A service technician can do this by flashing a bright light onto the sign from their vehicle (ideally with a 200,000 to 400,000 candlepower bulb). If it flashes back at them then their sheeting material is in good condition and its retroreflectivity adequate.
At any worksite, whether constructing an independent sign or freestanding pylon structure, it is imperative to keep overhead obstructions clear so as to not endanger anyone below. Workers should also ensure the crane truck does not exceed its capacity by using a dynamometer to weigh the load before lifting.
Utilising a properly rated breakaway device is another way to enhance sign safety in case of accidents or other unforeseen situations, making this an inexpensive investment that could save your company both in terms of lost productivity and liability claims.
Aerial Work Platforms
Sign professionals often need to complete work at height, but aerial work platforms offer an effective alternative to ladders or scaffolding. Powered by hydraulics and controlled from a driver’s platform, this versatile piece of equipment can be positioned like a crane; sizes and shapes vary accordingly allowing it to reach many different areas – be it installing signs, servicing them, cleaning building exteriors or cleaning them completely!
Aerial work platforms – commonly referred to as MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) — are an indispensable asset in the signage industry for both installation and service work, enabling one person to reach locations that would otherwise be inaccessible by hand. MEWPs offer superior safety features over ladders or scaffolding; although their initial investment may appear expensive, MEWPs enable organizations to establish long-term cost reserves by eliminating equipment rental costs and decreasing downtime due to malfunctioning equipment.
At first, signage industry workers used boatswain chairs as the only method of attaining elevation for work. These consisted of seats attached to load line cables that could be raised or lowered based on user motion or gusts of wind; but these were often unsafe mechanisms.
Truck-mounted aerial lifts have quickly become an excellent solution for sign and lighting industries. Engineered specifically to meet their unique requirements, these MEWPs allow a large working platform on which tools, supplies, and materials may be transported to elevated locations. Elliott offers oversize aerial lifts that include an additional tool carrier which has ample room for 110V power supplies, welding leads, oxy/acetylene hoses, air hoses, pressure washer hoses etc.
These vehicles typically feature an articulated boom lift and can extend both horizontally and vertically with the addition of an articulating arm, making them capable of accessing hard-to-reach spots as well as maneuvering around obstacles like trees or buildings with ease. They may be self-propelled or trailer mounted for added versatility and come in both electric and gas models.
The Swiss Army Knife
The Swiss Army Knife is one of the world’s most iconic tools. This multi-use tool has been utilized in situations ranging from opening canned food to disassembling rifles. Karl Elsener, an patriotic Swiss citizen and owner of a surgical equipment company in Switzerland, invented it. Karl’s initial plan involved procuring government contracts to manufacture German-designed knives; later he switched over to Swiss manufacture as production increased.
These knives were constructed out of high-grade stainless steel that was corrosion and rust proof, earning him the name Victorinox (after his mother). Today, this iconic Swiss Army Knife continues to be beloved across the globe.
A Swiss Army knife may contain several different tools, depending on its model, including main and small blades, screwdrivers and wood saws. The more tools it contains, the more useful it becomes; however, more tools could make it heavy or more challenging if you lack experience using one.
As such, it is vital to select a model with all of the tools that meet your requirements most effectively. There are many models to consider and each offers unique advantages; Victorinox Spartan may be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as it includes two blades, corkscrew, bottle opener, flat and Phillips screwdrivers as well as various handle scale colors including classic red and military camouflage options.
The main blade can easily cut various materials such as string and rope, as well as being easy to sharpen with additional blades, with its locking mechanism ensuring safe use. Screwdrivers can also be used for home improvement projects as well as woodworking/metalworking tasks; additionally there’s even a wood saw for more precise cuts!
The Swiss Army knife is widely credited with saving many lives. One instance was when an elevator passenger became stuck inside and unable to escape; his Swiss Army knife helped loosen screws from a window on the mezzanine level and allowed him to escape safely. Additionally, doctors in Ireland used it to insert drainage tubes in his wound.
Reliability
Installation is the final step of sign production and this is where expertise of sign companies comes to the fore.
Finding a local company with both the skills and equipment needed for the task at hand is crucial to successfully completing it on time and according to safety practices mandated by law. A fully stocked truck saves both time and resources when working together on projects like these.
Large sign shops typically own their own bucket trucks, while smaller counterparts often rent or borrow them as needed – this can create delays and be more expensive if the vehicle is damaged.
Reliable bucket trucks must be well-kept and available when needed, which is why it’s crucial to find a company who takes pride in its fleet and is willing to invest time and money in maintaining it properly.
Initial sign installation required elevating to work heights using a block and tackle system attached to scaffolding. Gradually, this evolved to hand-crank gin poles attached to scaffolding for temporary work heights; hand-crank gin poles eventually transitioned to truck-mounted aerial ladders equipped with stem/brass bushing bases or ball bearing turntables for greater stability for installers; eventually these systems gave way to articulating telescoping bucket trucks that could be operated either manually or hydraulically and had 12, 110-volt electrical systems capable of driving the rigging mechanism; eventually these systems gave way to articulating telescoping bucket trucks equipped with 12, 110-volt electrical systems equipped with ball bearing turntables to complete sign installations.
Hancock Sign Company boasts a diverse fleet of small and large crane trucks capable of reaching high elevations for high elevation tasks as well as carrying signs. Their cranes can also be equipped for painting and cleaning jobs as well as carrying tools needed for various maintenance jobs. Their capacity allows Hancock Sign Company to complete parking lot light maintenance as well as install signs in North Central Texas clients’ parking lots as well as other projects throughout Texas.
