10 Basic Boom Lift Safety Tips for the Operators

The boom lifts are widely used by construction companies for high-area jobs. Safety has always been a hot topic that has been discussed since ancient times. However, since entering the new generation, boom lift technology has developed vigorously, and its safety issues have come into people’s sight like dark horses. The development trend of boom lifts is mainly focused on safety. We believe that everyone has already learned about it through various means, so how can we specifically carry out the safe operation of a boom lift?

Learn More About: What Is A Boom Lift

Boom lifts are large and heavy, their structure is complicated compared to other construction vehicles or machines. They pose a significant risk and can be extremely dangerous if operated improperly and without precautions. When operators are not skillful in safety measures, they could get injured. So it is important to learn the tips when using a boom lift.

Generally, a boom lift has a type of Telescopic and Articulated Boom Lift. Although they are both boom lifts, they still have safety attention differences when using them.

Telescopic Boom Lift Safety Tips & Rules

Telescopic Boom Lift is a type of high-aerial work vehicle with a short telescopic arm, suitable for vertical high-altitude operations such as power line maintenance and high-rise building construction.

1. What safety issues does Telescopic Boom Lift need to pay attention to?

  • Load-bearing capacity: When using a straight-arm elevator, attention should be paid to whether the load-bearing capacity meets the requirements, and overloading should not be used to avoid machine imbalance or equipment damage.
  • Stability: When the straight-arm elevator is operating at a large load or high altitude, the supporting legs need to be properly supported to ensure the stability of the machine.
  • Operators: Personnel operating a Telescopic Boom Lift need to undergo professional training and hold an operation certificate. During operation, it is necessary to be fully focused and strictly follow the operating procedures.
  • Maintenance and repair: In the daily use of equipment, it is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer’s regulations for maintenance and repair to avoid malfunctions.

2. What is the biggest fear of a Telescopic Boom Lift

Although many safety measures have been taken for the Telescopic Boom Lift, the risks of high-altitude operations still exist. According to statistics, the most feared factor for a Telescopic Boom Lift is external forces such as excessive wind force and impact. In this situation, it may lead to machine imbalance, causing serious accidents such as slipping or even overturning. Therefore, when using a Telescopic Boom Lift, should be used in relatively stable weather to avoid being affected by external forces.

3. Summary

The Telescopic Boom Lift is an important tool for high-Aerial operations, but it is necessary to strictly follow safety regulations and prevent various safety risks when using it. At the same time, it is also necessary to carefully choose the timing of use based on weather conditions to ensure safe use.

Articulated Boom Lift Safety Tips & Rules

The Articulated Boom Lift is a commonly used lifting equipment for high-aerial operations such as construction projects. It has the characteristics of flexible operation, high efficiency, and safety, but there are also certain risks in use. Therefore, the following safety knowledge should be paid attention to.

Daily inspection items

  • Check the hydraulic oil level to ensure that it is within the specified range.
  • Check if there are any fractures, looseness, or damages in the frame, lifting platform, and bending arm parts.
  • Check if the safety protection measures are intact, including protective railings, safety locks, emergency stop buttons, etc.
  • Check if the electrical control box, cables, plugs, and other equipment are functioning properly.

Operation precautions

  • Before the operation, ensure a safe working environment and remove debris from the lifting platform.
  • Drivers should have corresponding qualifications and skills, and understand the performance of elevators and relevant regulations.
  • During use, the lifting platform should be kept stable to prevent overloading, overheight, or overweight.
  • It is prohibited to stand outside railings, guardrails, or work platforms, and to step on them for high-altitude operations.
  • During operation, it is important to avoid sudden changes in the direction, speed, and height of the elevator, as well as sudden or emergency stops, to avoid damaging the elevator or causing danger.

Maintenance methods

    • Hydraulic system: Regularly replace hydraulic oil and clean the hydraulic oil tank.
    • Electrical system: Regularly inspect the electrical system for potential hazards, such as loose wiring and worn cables.
    • Core components such as curved arms and lifting platforms: Conduct professional major maintenance once a year to check whether all equipment components are normal and whether replacement parts are needed.
    • Daily maintenance: Regular maintenance should be carried out on small components such as hydraulic oil pipelines, seals, and fasteners.

    10 Basic Boom lifts Safety Tips for the operators

    The above is a detailed introduction to the safety knowledge of Articulated Boom Lifts, hoping to be helpful to personnel using Articulated Boom Lifts to ensure safe and efficient completion of high-altitude operations. For all types of boom lifts, we still have 10 useful tips for operators to follow

    1. Find a reliable boom lift supplier

    The quality, model and brand of your boom lift will directly affect the safety during operation. Find a famous and high quality boom lift is very important. We always the user to select a brand-new or used Genie and JLG boom lift.

    2. Train your operators

    A verify operator with good driving skills will surely help to enhance the safety when using a boom lift. Your driver need to be well trained, luckily, our company offers detailed and professional training for our brand new and used boom lifts. Training an operator could not only enhance their skill but also improve their safety consciousness.

    3. Ensure the working area is safe

    A safe working environment will enhance the safety of a boom lift. Make sure your workplace is large and safe. Pay attention to the trees, cables, stones, etc.

    4. Check your boom lift carefully

    We should say it is important to inspect your boom lift every time before using it.  Walk around the boom lift to find any possible problems. Do not hesitate to use the checklist made available by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

    5. Be careful when driving in a public area

    You need to be careful when working on public roads. When you work in an urban environment, it is always important to ensure your safety but also be vigilant for others! Be visible! Manage traffic is only examples, follow the IPAF suggestions

    6. Do not use a basket for handling

    Boom lift is not handling equipment. Aerial work platforms are only intended for lifting people and tools at height. They should therefore not be used as cranes to move objects or materials.

    7. Wear a harness

    Wearing a harness and ensuring the lanyard is not difficult but it can be fully secured to the bucket. Although an operator will fall out of the platform seems possible, wearing a harness could surely prevent the risk of falling. Even a strong gust of wind could knock someone down or off of the platform and cause serious injury.

    8. Not overweight

    Like all the types of other machines, over weight will bring troubles. Each boom lift has a specific weight capacity. So you should be clear of their restrictions. Being overweight will cause it to tip over. One should always account for the weight of the operator on the lift as well as all tools and materials on the platform to ensure that the combined weight isn’t more than the recommended capacity before operating the lift. It’s also important to remember not to use the boom lift for lifting heavy supplies.

    9. Make sure there is nobody around the boom lift base when using it

    Clear the base and the entire circumference of the boom lift and make sure there is no body near the base is very important. Imagine, when a boom lift is in use, there is somebody near the base and the operator could not see, it may bring problems. The circumference of the lift is often significant and tools can easily fall from the platform and seriously hurt anyone who may be standing below.

    10. Climbing is not allowed

    Climbing or sitting on the platform of a boom lift is dangerous, the people is possible to be inclined to climb on the edge of the platform to reach something instead of moving the entire boom lift to reach it. It is more dangerous than we could imagine. Climbing or sitting on the edge of the platform increase the risk of falling off the platform and can lead in serious injury.

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