Boom lifts are one of the most popular types of equipment used on worksites for several years. The versatile machine allows users to conveniently access difficult-to-reach vertical spaces and easily complete off-the-ground tasks.
However, only some people who operate a boom lift know the basics of the booming machine. Since it is a complex piece of equipment, workers who operate it must receive specialized training to operate this type of aerial lift.
In order to safely operate a boom lift, operators need to get boom lift certification training from a reliable source which ensures safe and efficient use of the equipment at the worksite.
Let’s learn more about what is boom lift certification training and why it is important.
Understanding the Basics of Boom Lift
To understand why boom lift certification training is critical, it’s essential that we look at the basic operating mechanism that the equipment follows.
Boom lifts are a type of aerial lift that is also known as cherry pickers. Given its unique formation and design, the boom lifts consist of a hydraulic arm, a wheeled base, and a basket at the top, enabling the operators to carry people and loads to vertical space.
Certain models of boom lifts also consist of an arm that can bend and extend, enabling users to access difficult-to-reach areas on a vertical platform. Operators that stand in the basket use the control of the machine to move the arm so the tasks can be performed conveniently.
Boom lifts are a piece of useful equipment that serves well in several applications and industries. It's a critical tool in the construction industry but also has other industrial applications, including firefighting, repair, maintenance, and more.
Potential Hazards Revolving Around the Use of Boom Lifts
While boom lifts make one of the most integral pieces of equipment on the worksite in several industries, several hazards revolve around the use of boom lifts. Since the use of boom lifts involves working at a vertical height, it poses a few safety concerns for the machine operators and other workers on the worksite.
Some of the key potential hazards revolving around the use of boom lifts include the following.
Falls
Perhaps the most significant risk involved with the use of boom lifts is the risk of falls. Since the machine involves working at height in a basket, workers experience a high risk of falling. It is, therefore, critical that operators operate the equipment carefully when moving the basket and ensure that they do so at a cautious pace.
Moreover, workers should also take appropriate safety measures when working on a boom lift, such as wearing a safety harness that connects them to the basket. Furthermore, the railing should serve as an additional layer of safety.
Tips
When workers extend the arm of the boom lift up and out from the wheeled base, it can lead to a risk of tipping over as the boom lift can quickly become unstable. Moreover, boom lifts can also be operated on smooth surfaces, as operating the equipment on uneven surfaces can increase the risk of tips. Furthermore, operating the lift in extreme weather conditions can also cause the equipment to get unstable.
It's important for the operator to be fully aware of the type of surface as well as the weather conditions. Moreover, enough consideration should be given to the load in the basket and any other factor that can lead to an increased risk of tipping.
Colli
sionsAs the operator moves the base and the arm of the boom lift, there's always a risk of collision. The risk intensifies in case the operator doesn't have appropriate training. Therefore, operators must receive adequate training for operating the equipment appropriately to reduce the risk of collision. Only with adequate training will operators be able to avoid a collision at ground level and up in the air.
Electrocution
Boom lifts are widely used for aerial electrical work as the use of boom lifts makes it easier to complete such tasks. However, since it's a piece of metallic equipment and is used for electrical work, there's an increased risk of electric shock, especially if the operator isn't trained and doesn't take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of electrocution.
Why is Boom Lift Certification Training Important?
Since there are several potential hazards associated with using boom lifts, it's important for the operators to get certification training. With adequate boom lift training, learners learn to use the equipment safely and use its controls in the right way.
Moreover, operators also learn about the potential hazards and what measures they can take to avoid them.
Furthermore, as operators receive boom lift certification training, they also learn about the maximum load capacity of various boom lifts and how to perform regular inspections of the boom lift prior to every use.
However, to get the maximum benefits of boom lift certification training, it's critical that you work with a reliable trainer who knows the technicalities of boom lift training. Only when you choose a reliable trainer for training your boom lift operators can you ensure appropriate training and enjoy all the benefits of boom lift certification training.
For comprehensive and effective Boom Lift training, trust the experts at All Purpose Aerial lift training, where our experienced instructors ensure a safe and knowledgeable learning experience for operators.
All Purpose Aerial Lift Training makes a trustworthy choice for providing boom lift certification training to your operators so your workplace can turn into a safer and more productive space for all your employees. Our dedicated trainers offer both onsite and online training solutions for boom lift operators, so your workers receive the best training possible for equipment handling.
