Telescopic Boom Lift

Construction sites are home to dangerous equipment that must be used properly to protect construction workers and the community. One of the most beneficial tools for many jobs is the telescopic boom lift. However, because of its size, it can also pose the most risk at job sites. Here we review the uses, operation and safety precautions required for safe operation and optimized benefits from telescopic boom lift usage.

What is a Telescopic Boom Lift?

A telescopic boom lift is also known as a straight or stick boom lift. It’s used to provide greater horizontal outreach and is more effective than any other type of aerial lift. It is most commonly used for work in construction, industrial, bridgework, painting and inspection purposes. However, they require careful planning and skilled operators to make the most of their usage and reduce accidents.

Why Choose a Telescopic Boom Lift?

Telescopic Boom Lifts are the ideal tool for working from a distance in a variety of situations, including:

• Erecting scaffolding
• Fruit picking at orchards
• Painting walls and ceilings
• Lighting work
• Installing hanging signs at great heights

They are suited to these types of jobs because they allow you to:

• Handle rough terrain well
• Perform a long list of helpful and challenging tasks at great heights
• Increase your rate of production
• Reach high areas more easily and safely
• Operate in different terrains due to the oscillating axles

If a project calls for work at elevated heights, the boom lift is the solution. It improves stability and allows workers to safely complete tasks without the need to work at dangerous heights without support.

How to Choose the Suitable Telescopic Boom Lift?

Because the telescopic boom lift has so many applications, it can be difficult to determine the right lift for the job. When choosing a telescopic boom lift, the following factors should be considered:

• The right weight capacity and height to meet your needs
• A platform big enough to work on
• The work area and surroundings where you will use it
• Safety features and other functions to make your job easier

Some questions to help you choose the right boom for the job include:

• What type of movement is required to complete the tasks?
• How high is the area you need to reach?
• How many people are required in the lift?
• Do you need to also lift materials?
• What are the job site conditions?
• What power sources are available at the job site?
• Are there any space restrictions?
• Is it to be used indoors or out?

These questions will help you address potential challenges to choose the boom lift that will offer the right solution.

Facts About Boom Lift Related Injuries

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Canada’s most dangerous industry is construction. Often accidents can be prevented if operators and fellow workers take the time to follow safety measures. Injuries from using aerial lifts can be very severe compared to accidents involving other industrial construction equipment. The tasks associated with aerial lifts tend to be some of the most dangerous construction activities.

Some common causes of telescopic boom lift accidents include:

• Not wearing proper safety gear
• Not following OHSA safety standards
• Unsafe operation of the lift while the bucket is raised
• Improper setup of the lift
• Working the boom lift in unsafe weather
• Lack of maintenance or repairs of the lift
• Failure to inspect the lift before use

Understanding the common causes can help reduce the risk for accidents at your site. It allows you to take a more proactive approach, so operators are more aware of the risks and take extra steps to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.

Safety Guidelines to Operate a Telescopic Boom Lift

Follow these guidelines to operate a telescopic boom lift safely:

• Study the project you are planning so you can be better prepared for possible challenges
• Review every part of the boom lift prior to operation to look for signs of operational issues
• The operator must inspect the equipment before using the following:
  • Fuel level
  • Tire condition
  • Check the oil and coolant levels in the lift’s engine
  • Make sure all access panels are secured
  • Check your work area for unlevel or unstable ground
  • Inspect the surrounding work area for any hazards
• Stay attentive to your surroundings when working near power lines and wires
• Don’t lean, sit or climb on the edge of the bucket or platform
• Don’t use scaffolding in the telescopic boom lift
• Wear a suitable fall arrest harness
• Be cognizant of the weather conditions at all times
• Clear workers and pedestrians from the base and surrounding area of a boom lift when it is in operation
• Don’t use a boom to lift overweight objects or supplies
• Use the right joystick to engage the drive wheels
• Familiarize yourself with the aerial lift’s controls before beginning the work
• Read the warning signs around and remember to review the operator’s manual

While a telescopic boom lift can be a significant advantage on several projects, it’s crucial for workers to understand how to operate them safely and efficiently. This ensures the lift remains an asset on the job site instead of a liability. When you take the time to study and follow these safety guidelines, the next time your team is handling telescopic boom lifts, you can avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries. You will also ensure the work remains efficient with reduced risk for operational challenges or breakdowns. The bottom line is that proper training, satisfactory pre-inspection, and heightened awareness are critical to keeping you and your team safe.

If you would like more information on the types of telescopic boom lifts available, the experts at Dwight Crane Limited can help. We have a full line of boom trucks ranging from 12 to 30 Ton, with the capability of taking loads up to 21’ long. We can help you find the perfect solution for your job.