Telescopic and articulating boom lifts rotate, elevate and extend multiple boom sections to help operators access difficult to reach worksites. The work area that each boom lift model can access is determined by the combination of its vertical height and horizontal outreach capabilities &#; commonly referred to as the boom&#;s range of motion, or working envelope.
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Range of motion charts are available for each boom lift model in the Operator&#;s Manual stored on the machine and its specification sheet. These charts feature a 2-D picture of the arc-like area in which each boom is able to reach, laid over a graph that makes it easy to determine the unit&#;s access capabilities. The range of motion chart is an extremely valuable tool for selecting the best mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) for a jobsite application.
Model numbers often reflect the maximum vertical reach capabilities of a boom lift&#;s platform or deck. For example, The Genie® S®-60 XC&#; model name designates a 60-ft telescopic boom. As a general rule of thumb, outreach for a telescopic boom was traditionally around 9 ft less than the platform height. However, it is vital that operators always reference the model&#;s range of motion chart and Operator&#;s Manual before starting work to help ensure they are working safely.
Many boom lifts that share the same basic specification, such as
platform height or horizontal outreach, can show significant differences in their range of motion. These have the potential to impact an operator&#;s productivity or ability to reach a specific work surface.
Although many boom lifts have a smooth arc shape range of motion, occasionally there is a &#;saw-tooth&#; shaped work envelope. Here, the operator may have to retract or reposition the boom in order to perform a successive task when moving along the outer edge of the working envelope. Another feature that can be found in a range of motion chart is whether a machine can perform below ground reach. This is important for certain applications such as bridge inspections, surface mining and general ground grading.
Increasingly, a range of motion chart may also provide additional guidelines for dual capacity work envelopes. Dual capacity boom lifts, such as the Genie Xtra Capacity&#; boom series, offer both unrestricted and restricted platform weight capacity ratings dependent on the boom lift&#;s extension and position. Unrestricted platform capacity is the term used by most manufacturers to specify one platform weight capacity applicable for all areas within the machine&#;s range of motion. Restricted platform capacity is used by some manufacturers to specify platform weight restrictions for certain segments within the machine&#;s range of motion, most often at the furthest outreach area of a booms working envelope.
Range of motion charts for each model are available in the Operator&#;s Manual and specification sheets can often be viewed online at the manufacturer&#;s website. For Genie boom lifts, visit genielift.com.Range of motion charts for each model are available in the Operator&#;s Manual and specification sheets can often be viewed online at the manufacturer&#;s website. For Genie boom lifts, visit genielift.com.
Before we get into how to operate a boom lift, let's quickly define what a boom lift is and does. A boom lift is a high lift machine used in commercial construction, commercial maintenance, industrial construction, and general maintenance applications. You've probably seen building construction lifts and aerial lift platforms being used to raise workers to a crane, window, roof, I-beam, etc.
Boom lifts come in various styles, reach heights, load capacities, and 2WD/4WD drive types. It's important to review the steps and tips for how to operate a boom lift before beginning any job.
If you plan to take advantage of one of our new boom lifts for sale or our boom lift rental options for your next job, be sure you know how to operate a boom lift safely.
Here are eight essential safety tips for how to operate a boom lift:
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1. Maintain a clear area around the base and circumference of the boom lift to prevent any tools or falling objects from landing on crew members and personnel. The boom lift circumference is often quite large and should be roped off or caution taped to keep the area clear.
2. Hire trained personnel who are trained to operate the type of boom lift being used. It's important that lift operators have current certifications and know how to operate a boom lift properly, and they should demonstrate this knowledge before beginning any work.
3. Wear your safety harness if you're the one getting into the bucket. Make sure that the fall arrest system and safety lanyard are in place and secured to the bucket before allowing the operator to raise you. A strong gust of wind or a bump from another piece of equipment could knock you off the platform.
4. Never exceed the weight capacity for your boom lift. All boom lifts are rated for a certain load maximum. Exceeding the maximum rated load for your boom lift can make the equipment top-heavy and cause it to tip over. The boom lift should never be used for lifting heavy objects.
5. Avoid bad weather and windy days when operating a boom lift. High wind is a serious safety concern when operating a boom lift. Every boom lift has weight and weather restrictions. Part of how to operate a boom lift safely involves following the wind restrictions found in the user manual.
6. Don't climb outside the basket or sit on the outer edges. When using a boom lift, be sure to stay in the basket at all times and only climb in/out of the basket when in the load position. It's easy to understand the impulse to over-extend for something just out of reach instead of lowering and moving the boom lift. Doing this, however, poses a significant risk of falling.
7. Operate from a strong base and ensure the boom lift is stable before raising the boom arm. Park the vehicle on stable, level ground to ensure the safety of the operator and surrounding personnel.
8. Lower and retract the boom before moving the lift. This is our final safety tip for using a boom lift safely; make sure the boom is retracted and down before moving the lift.
Yes, after learning how to use a boom lift safely and correctly, boom lifts are convenient to set up and operate. If your job requires an affordable solution for accessing hard-to-reach spots, consider the wide selection of boom lifts for sale at our heavy-duty construction equipment supplier. We also have boom lifts for rent that work in a variety of applications.
Yes, you can operate a boom lift from the ground, but the boom should always be operated from a stable, level surface. Never use a boom lift on a hill or incline that exceeds the maximum slope for the boom lift. Boom lifts have a high center of gravity, which increases the risk of toppling. If your boom lift is equipped with 4WD, the same practice should be applied.
There are no specific guidelines from OSHA (at the time of writing) regarding the safe operation of boom lifts and aerial lift platforms in the rain, but we recommend always erring on the side of caution. Boom lifts should never be used in high wind or where strong gusts are likely, to avoid the risk of a tip-over.
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