An Introduction

Boom lifts make for an integral component in successfully deploying and completing a large number of construction projects. But given this piece of equipment's unique structure, scale, and size, boom lifts also pose serious risks. Understanding and adhering to proper safety precautions is vital to prevent potentially severe injury.

Transporting these useful pieces of equipment can be just as difficult as properly operating them. They tend to be top heavy and require some special knowledge to effectively load and secure them for transport.

Consulting a site such as A1 Auto Transport can help find a contractor who is experienced and knowledgeable and has the right equipment for the job. Don’t trust just anyone to get the job done, it could cost you a bundle if it’s not done right.

Prepping the Lift for Transport

The right preparation for a move is what makes or breaks the process. If you take the time to get your equipment set up for shipping, the entire process becomes much easier and safer for everyone.

While these are not complex machines to move, they do require some attention to parts that are unique to them.

Find out what type of vehicle will be doing the moving and the size and height of the trailer they’ll be using. The hauler may elect to use a flatbed tow truck for a piece of equipment like this, just confirm it with them first.
If any part of the machine is going to need to be removed, make sure you have a properly trained technician on site for this. Having someone rip into a piece of equipment who isn’t trained to do so could result in costly repairs.
Clean it thoroughly so that there is no flying debris to hit cars on the road way or infringe on the securing devices. Plus, it’s hard to evaluate for new damage if the machine is covered in dirt and grease.
Plan out the route with the hauler. If there are any restrictions that need to be followed or permits that need to be acquired, take care of this early in the process so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Day of the Move

Once all the planning is done and you’re ready to get your boom lift moved, everything should go according to your well thought out plan.

Verify that everyone who is supposed to be involved is where they’re supposed to be. These include:

Someone to operate the boom lift
Mechanic trained to work on the boom lift
The hauler
Any escort vehicles that may be needed.

Once the boom lift is loaded, stay in contact with the hauler so that you’re aware of his location and his eta as well as any problems that arise. If you’ll be receiving the boom lift at the destination, make sure you’re there ahead of time and prepared to accept it. his means having that operator and mechanic on hand as well as a suitable location for the lift to be unloaded. Once the hauler arrives, assist them in unloading the piece of equipment and inspect it for any new damages. If you find any, document it and immediately address it with the hauler or the brokerage that you used. Now that your boom lift is where it needs to be, here are a few tips on proper operation.

Keep the Area Around the Boom Lift Clear

Personnel safety is critical when operating the boom lift. Tools are likely to fall off the platform and severely injure those below. Clearing the entire circumference will minimize this risk. Remember, clear the full circumference of the boom lift, not just the base, of any tools, objects, and excess debris.

It is not likely for a boom lift to tip over, but it is possible. Keeping a clear area both around and underneath the boom lift will greatly minimize the chance of injury should this occur.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Perhaps the easiest precaution, both to implement and to overlook, is to wear a harness, and ensure the lanyard is completely secured with the bucket. It may not seem likely for an operator to fall from the platform, but minor bumps with other equipment, or even strong winds, may disrupt an operator's balance and potentially lead to a fall. Thankfully, a well-secured vest is a simple precaution to mitigate this hazard, so long as they are dutifully worn.

Non-conductive gloves are also a great addition. Should any electrical charge enter the controls, these gloves will keep you from conducting that current.

Safety toe boots keep your toes safe from crushing forces or penetrating objects and should also support your ankle.

Adhere to the Restrictions

Boom lifts each have a weight capacity specific to the individual lift. Identify these limits prior to use, and always adhere to the restrictions. Even slight excess weight beyond the limit could create a top-heavy lift prone to tipping.

Always account for the operator's weight, and any materials or tools that will be with them to ensure a combined weight under the recommended capacity prior to operating the lift. Knowing the weights of routinely used tools and materials will assist with this step. Boom lifts also should not be used for heavy supply lifting.

Use Only the Designated Entry/Exit Point

Those working the lift may be tempted to climb or sit on the platform's edge to reach whatever they need quickly, rather than move the boom lift to a safer position. However, the inconvenience of moving the entire mechanism will prevent serious injury and much more lost time.

Sitting or climbing on the platform's edge greatly increases the chance of a severe fall and critical injury. Instead, for out-of-reach objects, always communicate to the operator, and achieve safe and easy positioning on the platform prior to reaching for any tools or objects from the boom lift platform.

Be Cognizant of the Weather Conditions

Windy weather introduces the chance of tilting a boom lift over entirely. Avoid using the lift whenever windy weather is expected, or in the event of any other weather which may impact safe operation, to avoid boom tilting and potential collapse.

While it's best avoided altogether, there is a specific limit to how much wind each lift can sustain, so review the user manual for an understanding of the specific limits of the lift and develop a plan for operating the lift prior to challenging weather.

Furthermore, lifts should never be operated in rainy or icy and especially electrical weather conditions.

A telescoping boom lift can be a huge advantage on a number of projects. Moving them and operating them safely and efficiently ensure that the lift can be an asset for years to come.

Original article written by Chris Ward at A-1 Auto Transport.

HOW TO TRANSPORT AND OPERATE A TELESCOPIC BOOM LIFT