Essential Guide to Operating a Boom Lift: Safety and Techniques
Several industries use boom lifts for their ability to help get work done at elevated heights. From construction and maintenance tasks to filming and event setups, these machines play a pivotal role. Understanding how they work, from the ground to the basket, is important for every aerial lift operator.
That's why we've made this boom lift operation guide, along with a YouTube video, to help you operate a boom lift more safely. Consider it a beginner's guide on how to operate a boom lift. The guide includes important tips about pre-operation circle checks, how to use the controls from both the ground and basket, and use cases. We've added video clips throughout the guide for reference.
Understanding the Basics of Boom Lifts
Boom lifts, also known as elevating work platforms, elevate workers, tools, and materials to hard-to-reach heights. They have a lift with a bucket on a long arm that can move up, down, left, and right.
There are different kinds of boom lifts: telescopic, articulating, and towable, each made for specific tasks. Telescopic booms extend vertically and horizontally, ideal for reaching high elevations without compromising maneuverability.
Articulating boom lifts have vertical and horizontal reach, like telescopic booms, but also have knuckle points which offer increased flexibility and up-and-over capability. This allows operators to navigate around obstacles with ease. Read more about the differences between articulating and telescopic boom lifts.
Towable boom lifts are similar to articulating boom lifts but lack the wheeled chassis on full-sized lifts. Instead, they are often trailer-mounted and easily towable by the everyday vehicle. This makes them great for weekend DIY projects and homeowners.
Understanding these distinctions is key to selecting the right boom lift for the job. Boom lifts are necessary for working at height, whether it's for repairs, construction, welding, or filming.
Pre-Operation Safety Checks and Preparation
Before operating aerial lifts of any kind, do an equipment walkaround. This is when you inspect the machine's tires, fluid levels, and overall safety. And don't forget to evaluate the working area for potential hazards like overhead obstacles or uneven surfaces.
Below is a more thorough list of all the things you should be checking before operating:
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Tires: There could be debris in the tires that could damage them while operating. If that is the case, try and remove the risk of damage. Depending on the machine, they may have foam-filled or non-marking tires.
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Fuel Tank or Charge Level: Depending on whether the machine is gas-powered or electric, you'll want to check the fuel and power levels to ensure you have enough fuel for the day.
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Hydraulic Fluid: There are two lines on the hydraulic tank. If the fluid is above the top line, it is too full. If the fluid level is lower than the bottom line, it indicates insufficient fluid and requires filling the tank. To obtain an accurate level of the fluid levels, it is best to perform this task when the machine is fully retracted.
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Coolant Levels: The coolant tanks on most machines are too thick to see through so you may need to open the tank to check.
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Oil Levels: Remove the dipstick from the oil tank to check the oil levels of the machine. Make sure to secure the dipstick tightly after checking so that no oil is released.
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Leaks: Do a final visual inspection of all the hydraulics and cables to ensure there are no leaks.
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Damage to the Basket: While doing a walkaround of the boom lift base is important, it's also crucial to check the basket for any damages or wear and tear. This could include bent or broken railings, holes or damage to the platform floor, and more.
Realistically, pre-operation circle checks should take no longer than two minutes to complete. They also go a long way in preventative maintenance for a machine. Watch the video below for a full example of how to do a boom lift circle check.
Boom Lift Safety Features
Visible on the cab of a boom lift is a legend of all the safety features of a boom lift. Please watch the below section of the video to understand what the stickers mean.
Another sticker on the base of the boom lift is load chart information. This indicates how much weight the machine can load at its maximum reach. Do not exceed these weight limits to avoid the increased risk of tipping or falling.
Experienced operators stress the significance of understanding weight capacities, wind factors, and terrain conditions. Using a boom lift involves more than just going up. It's important to maintain stability, especially when extending the boom or in windy weather.
Starting and Maneuvering the Boom Lift
Operating a boom lift can happen both inside the boom's basket and from the ground level. You can select where you are going to operate the machine from the ground controls. The controls are mostly the same with only some slight differences.
Operating A Boom Lift From The Ground
To operate the boom lift from the ground, you must turn the key to select operating from the ground. You can see this in the top left of the photo below purple indicates ground controls and light blue indicates operating from the basket.
To start the machine, you must pull the red button, also known as the emergency stop, out. Once you do that, you can start the machine by holding the bottom switch up. You must also hold down this switch while operating the machine. From there, the image above makes it pretty clear which switch controls which part of the boom and basket.
With all these controls, you can raise and lower the basket, tilt the basket up and down, and extend and retract each of the boom arms. As a note, this image depicts the controls on an articulating boom lift. A straight boom lift will have slightly different controls.
Watch the section of the video below for a full understanding of how to control the boom lift from the ground.
Operating A Boom Lift From The Basket
To operate a boom lift from the basket, ensure that you turn the key to the correct setting on the ground controls. One of the biggest differences between the ground and basket controls is the safety features.
Most jobs will require you to be harnessed while in the platform and there is also a crush guard protection cord which helps prevent injuries when working with overhead obstructions. You can see the yellow cord in the above photo. Anything that makes the wire disconnect from its magnet will create an emergency shutdown of the machine.
Similar to the ground control, if you want to start the machine, you must hold down the ignition. However, instead of holding down the starter button while controlling the machine, there is a foot pedal. If you hold down the foot pedal too long, it will stop the machine, so it's best to only step on it when necessary.
Watch the section of the video below for a full understanding of how to control the boom lift from the basket.
New operators can grasp the basic controls and movement techniques pretty quickly with enough practice. And it's a good idea to master controlling the equipment from both the ground and the basket.
After enough hours, an advanced operator will learn more of the unique complexities of operating a boom lift like working at extreme heights or in confined spaces, mastering the nuanced movements required for safety and efficiency.
Best Practices for Safe and Efficient Boom Lift Operation
Clear communication among team members is essential to ensure everyone's safety. Maintaining a safe distance from obstacles, adhering to load limits, and utilizing the lift within its specified parameters are crucial practices. Regularly conducting toolbox talks or safety meetings reinforces a safety-first culture, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Understanding and Navigating Worksite Challenges
Worksite challenges are part and parcel of operating a boom lift. Uneven terrain, electrical hazards, or adverse weather conditions are common hurdles. Knowing how to navigate these challenges safely using a boom lift is pivotal. This involves assessing risks, adapting techniques, and sometimes even modifying work procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Post-Operation Procedures
Proper shutdown procedures are as critical as starting the lift. Safely securing the boom lift, retracting the boom, and conducting post-operation checks ensure the machine's longevity and readiness for the next operation.
Regular maintenance schedules, including checks on hydraulic systems, structural components, and electrical systems, are fundamental for optimal performance.
Maintaining Your Boom Lift
Routine maintenance is the lifeline of any equipment. Boom lifts require periodic checks and upkeep to ensure safety and longevity. Regularly inspecting hydraulic systems, lubricating moving parts, and addressing any wear and tear promptly contribute to the smooth operation of the lift.
Conclusion
Operating a boom lift isn’t just about mastering the controls; it’s about understanding the nuances, prioritizing safety, and having resources at your disposal for seamless operations. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or stepping into the world of construction equipment, this guide aims to equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate the skies safely and efficiently.
Safety is not just a checkbox; it's a culture that should permeate every aspect of operating a boom lift. If you are currently renting a boom lift or require any assistance with your boom lift, you can contact the DOZR team for maintenance queries.
Explore DOZR for boom lift rentals and access additional resources for operator training with our blog.
