How to Use a Boom Lift

Boom lifts are common on any job site that requires personnel to perform elevated work in hard to reach places. Articulated joints and extendable boom arms, allow the operator to access work areas located above obstacles or other areas that are not safe for a standard scissor lift.

Things You'll Need

• Safety harness

Instructions

1. Perform a pre-use inspection. Walk around the boom lift. Examine hydraulic hoses and fittings for fluid leaks. Inspect the tires to ensure that they are properly inflated. Start the boom lift. Switch the input controls to "Ground" or "Base". Operate the boom lift using the base mounted control panel. Make sure that every function of the boom lift works correctly. Switch the input control to "Platform".

2. Put on your safety harness. Lift the safety mid-rail and climb in the basket. Clip the safety harnesses lanyard to the attachment point in the basket. Depress the safety switch to activate the platform controls. The safety switch will either be a foot pedal located on the platform or a red lever mounted to the "Drive/Lift" joystick.

3. Set the operation function switch to "Drive". Move the boom lift forward and then reverse. Turn the wheels left and right. Run through all the operations of the boom arms, including raise, lower, extend, retract, and basket tilt. Turn off the boom lift. Unhook your lanyard and climb out of the basket.

4. Walk in the area between the boom lift and your work area. Look for unstable soil and obstacles that need to be addressed. Inspect the work area for power lines and overhead hazards. When you are satisfied that the area is safe, drive the boom lift to the work area. Do not forget to secure your lanyard to the basket anchor point.

5. Position the boom lift as close to the work area as possible. Set the safety outriggers, if equipped. Raise the boom arm attached to the basket. Extend the second boom arm to gain additional height. Raise the articulated boom. It is important to raise the booms in this order to maintain the stability of the boom lift.

6. Adjust the height and angle of each boom arm to reach your work area. Alternate your gaze to ensure that you will not come into contact with any obstacles. Be aware of pinch points that could pin you to the top rail of the basket. When in a tight area, remember the order in which you adjusted the boom arms. This will make it easier for you to exit the work area.

7. Shut down the boom lift. Lower all boom arms into their locked positions. Start with the boom closest to the base and work your way to the boom arm connected to the basket. Lower the basket to an elevation that is safe for your exit. Turn off the red "Emergency Stop" button located on the platform control panel. Disconnect your lanyard from the platform anchor point. Walk to the base of the boom lift. Turn off the lift. Remove the key from the "Ignition". Plug-in the boom lift if it is runs on electric. Check the fuel level of the boom lift if it is gas, diesel, or propane powered.

Tips & Warnings

• The number one rule when operating a boom lift is safety. Improper use or failure to heed warning alarms can result in serious injury or death.

References

• Operators Manual