The boom lift is a type of scissor lift that will allow people to do jobs in hard to reach places. Some might only be storing boxes on shelves that reach high into the air. Others might be using them to repair power or phone lines. The boom lift is a different type of scissor lift that uses articulated joints and extendable boom arms that allow the employee to work in places that are considered unsafe for the average scissor lift. You must understand how to use these properly so no accidents will occur.
Inspection
Before you go out on the boom lift you must do a thorough inspection. Look at the hydraulic to see if anything is loose or if there are any leaks. Inspect each of the tires to make sure that they are not flat or leaking out air. When you turn the lift on change the input controls to ‘ground’ settings. Check all of the buttons to make sure that it is working the way it should before you switch it to the ‘platform’ settings.
Safety
You will be working high into the air and will always be at risk of falling over the edge. The boom lift will have safety guardrails all around to help prevent this. However, it is necessary for the operator to wear a safety harness as extra protection. Attach the harness to the lanyard in the basket. Press down on the safety switch so you can activate the platform controls. The switch might be a foot pedal on the platform or a red lever next to the joystick.
Driving
To get to the destination you have to drive there. Change the settings to ‘drive’ and slowly move the lift forward. It can only go a certain speed – but in something that big and in unstable areas their highest speed might seem like a lot. Look around you and see if there are any bumps or potholes that you will be driving over. Try to carefully work your way around these.
When you have gotten to your destination you will need to adjust the height and angle of the boom arm so that it can reach the work space. Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what you are doing when you are in the air and working.