A boom lift has helped the construction industries accelerate their work processes. Labor can easily reach difficult places and lift heavy construction materials or tools to upper areas. A trained technical expert must operate aerial lift equipment. A lack of operational knowledge can risk the lives of the workers. We have seen numerous accidents at construction sites due to the carelessness of operators. Instead of attempting your construction project with your team, it is best to consider a boom lift course from Wong Fong Academy.
Pre-Requisites of Boom Lift Operation
Before we come down to the boom lift operation, you must have a checklist for successful execution. Here are a few prerequisites you should fulfill.
- Learn About Boom Lift Specifications
Aerial lifting workplace has a specific limit and reach. A boom lift has advanced features, but one drawback is limited space compared to other options. Before you load the merchandise or workers, you must study its loading capacity. Depending on the type of boom lift, they can carry from 500 to 1000 pounds. The weight-lifting capacity can vary.
Similarly, the reach capacity can vary from 30 to 80 ft. You must determine the size of the boom lift according to your requirement. If you are unsure which size is suitable, a boom lift course will help you select the right boom lift size.
- Safety Checklist
One of the essential components of boom lift operation is safety precautions and measures. The team must wear a harness and survey the place. Untrained operators risk the boom lift on a slope. A weather check is a must when it comes to boom lifts. You should always work from a strong base. A delay in the work schedule is better than risking your team's security and safety. Look for any electrocution hazards. Along with the safety checklist, you must examine the lifting equipment's condition, like fuel, engine, etc. Wong Fong Academy provides a detailed training program for optimized safety measures for boom lift operation.
Procedure for Boom Lift Operation
Once you have cleared your prerequisites, you can move forward with the boom lift operation. Almost all aerial lifting workplaces have similar operational procedures. Here is how to use a boom lift.
- The first step requires an understanding of the control panel. It provides the operator with multiple functions for lifting and reaching desired heights. Put the key in the key slot and turn it into ground control. Ground control helps in engaging the platform for lift. Some standard function keys are raising the boom lift level and movement and tilting the workplace/basket. Pull the red kill switch button.
- Start the engine and wait. Do not use any function immediately. It can create a load on the machine that can reduce its durability. On the control panel, you can see various buttons/joysticks with an image of its function. You must activate the ground switch panel that will allow you to move the boom lift.
- Once you have set the control panel settings, you can move to the basket/workplace for self-control lift. Wear a harness and scan the surroundings for any hazardous material/situation. Once the area is safe and transparent, you must lock the platform and secure yourself.
- Once you are set in the workplace, pull the stop switch and start the machine. The control panel of the workplace will have a joystick and other functional keys. You can adjust your speed to a turtle or rabbit. Be Careful with speed control if you are a beginner. Understand the basket controls through the mentioned images/stickers on the panel.
- Put your foot on the pedal and pull the steering joystick. Pulling the joystick will move the boom lift toward you, and pushing it will make it move forward. Using the boom lever, you can elevate the workplace/basket.
- Once you have reached the desired height, you can use the reach level for a horizontal or vertical extension of the boom lift. It is essential to be attentive to the surroundings for safety measures. Make sure you land on a smooth surface.
Still Not Confident To Operate On Your Own?
If you are a beginner in technical aspects, boom lift operation might seem tricky. It requires practice and determination to master the mechanics. Wong Fong Academy provides a detailed boom lift course where you can understand theoretical perspectives and get hands-on experience for better control. It is better to invest in renowned training rather than risk the precious lives of your teammates.
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