Risks You Should Know Before Using a Boom Lift
Boom lifts are helpful in enabling work to be done at height safely. However, users need to be aware of some risks that they may be exposed to as they use this aerial lift. This article discusses some of the risks that people renting boom lifts should guard against while they are using those lifts.
Electrocution Risks
Some boom lifts may not be adequately insulated. It is therefore advisable for you to conduct a thorough inspection of the area where you intend to use the aerial lift. Check for broken power lines or any other electrical hazards that may put your safety at risk as you work. Avoid operating the boom lift in an area where there is a high risk of electrocution. You can even temporarily cut the power supply to your property so that you reduce the risks of electric shocks and electrocution.
Risks of Component Failure
Boom lifts are usually intended to carry one person and a limited quantity of materials. There is a risk that an inexperienced person may overload the bucket or platform of the boom lift during a work session. Such a mistake can cause the boom lift to tip over when the load at its extended top becomes excessive and unbalanced. The hydraulics holding up the lift can also fail catastrophically when the boom lift is overloaded. Extreme caution must therefore be taken to avoid exceeding the load rating of the boom lift that you have rented for your project.
Risks of Falling Objects
Someone using the boom lift is vulnerable to objects that may fall from above. This risk is higher in case the person in the boom lift is working at a lower level than other workers who are engaged in doing different work, such as installing window AC units on upper floors. Several precautions can protect you from this risk. For instance, you should wear a hard hat at all times when you are using a boom lift. Secondly, you may also set up warning signs so that those working above you take measures to avoid exposing you to the risk of falling objects.
The suggestions above may not be sufficient in safeguarding you from all the possible risks that you could be exposed to as you use a boom lift. It is therefore advisable to talk to boom lift hire experts so that they explain to you all the measures (such as inspecting each component of the lift) that you should take before, during and after using the boom lift.
