Articulating Boom Lifts Safety

Use an articulated boom lift safely

Articulated boom lifts can be a boon on the job site. They can help contractors reach high places or transport materials as well as help electrical workers and utility workers to gain the places they need. An articulating lift can also cut down on wear and tear on the workers themselves, saving them from back strain because it can be used to shift heavy loads for the workers.

However, articulating lifts can be dangerous. The operators need to take proper precautions when using them. It is important to operate these lifts safely. Below you will find information for articulating boom lifts safety.

1. Participate in articulating boom lift safety courses.

2. Learn about OSHA regulations regarding powered industrial trucks.

3. Conduct pre-shift inspections of the articulating boom lift.

 

Take articulating boom lift safety courses

Enroll in safety courses for operating articulated book lifts safely. These courses are offered by companies around the country or through companies that offer materials that can be sent to your company so that you may conduct in-house training. Take the training every three years to make sure that the operators are up with the latest updates in safety regulations. Allowing this training to lapse is not an option for operator safety.
Try: JLG Industries offers materials for in-house training for articulating boom lift safety courses. Equipment Solutions offers boom lift operator training on site. This company can travel to your company and conduct the training there, which can be convenient for scheduling.

Become familiar with the OSHA regulations regarding articulated boom lifts

The OSHA regulations regarding articulated boom lifts, classified as powered industrial trucks (OSHA Standard 1910.178(l)(4). These regulations spell out the safety the operators must observe these regulations when operating a articulating book lifts. It is important to be familiar with these regulations for two reasons: failure to follow OSHA regulations can result in fines for the company, and the regulations are designed to help provide guidelines to keep the articulated boom lift operators safe.
Try: OSHA and Powerline Safety have the regulations on their websites. This information can be helpful for your company and the articulated boom lift operator safety.

Conduct pre-shift inspections of the articulating boom lift

Before operating articulated lifts, make sure you conduct a pre-shift inspection. Look for any defects, inspect the entire machine and site before operating it. This is especially important when operating or buying used articulating boom lifts to make sure the articulated boom lift is in good condition. Inspect the maintenance records as well.
Try: International Paper lists steps to take to perform a pre-shift inspection of the articulating boom shift. Forklift Operation also has some good information on this subject.

 

• Ask the distributors of articulating boom lifts for paper and documentation when buying a used articulating boom lift. This can be important to make sure that the lift had its proper maintenance.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---