Telescopic booms only really refer to specific machines like straight sticks? Would using MEWPS be better? Construction companies often rely on telescopic boom lifts for tasks that need working around different angles. If not handled properly, these lifts can however pose a serious threat to the safety of workers and others around the jobsite. If your job involves operating a telescopic boom lift to access elevated areas, given below are some essential safety tips you must follow –
1. Always Use a Safety Harness
Using a safety harness helps secure the worker inside the lift platform while they are performing the required tasks on elevated heights. A harness can be a life-saver in case the boom lift fails or malfunctions during the operation. The operator working at a height must secure the safety harness to the guardrails to avoid falling off the lift’s platform. This way, they can complete their job with more focus without the fear of potential accidents.
2. Do Not Exceed the Weight Limit
Telescopic boom lifts come with a specific weight capacity that should not be exceeded. Overloading the lift can lead to serious accidents, so make sure to check the lift’s weight limit before using it. To avoid going over the permissible limit, dividing the total load into multiple trips is always a good idea. Although this may be time-consuming, there will be no risk of accidents and that’s extremely important when working at elevated heights.
3. Perform the Necessary Lift Inspections
Run function tests on the lift before every shift to ensure everything is in proper working order. Any malfunction which goes unnoticed can increase the likelihood of mishaps at the jobsite.
If you find any fault in the lift during the function tests, remove it immediately from service. If you got the lift on rent or hire, call the technician from the rental company to fix the issue. Rental companies like ours provide full technical support and quickly replace any faulty parts, if required. Along with that, we offer regular maintenance checks & inspections as well.
4. Pay Attention to the Surroundings
Telescopic booms are often used outdoors in rough terrains. Hence, workers must be vigilant at all times of the surrounding areas to prevent injuries and accidents. Look out for overhead obstacles, holes, and slippery surfaces that can prove to be dangerous, if overlooked. When working close to the overhead power lines, always maintain the recommended distance of at least 10 ft from the power lines.
5. Keep the Lift Platform Clutter-Free
Usually, the platform of a telescopic boom lift has a limited capacity and can fit in only a limited amount of stuff along with the operator. So, make sure to keep it free of materials, tools, and items which are not of immediate use. Cluttering the platform with unnecessary things can result in a tripping hazard.
6. Get Proper Training
Not having hands-on training is one of the causes of telescopic boom lift accidents. To operate a boom lift safely and efficiently, operators must complete IPAF training in the relevant category. During the training, you learn about how to prevent and control accidents when operating access equipment, in addition to the Health and Safety regulations that you need to follow.
To complete your IPAF training for the safe use and inspection of a telescopic boom lift, you can count on AFI. We are an approved IPAF training provider in the UK and have been successfully delivering IPAF courses in various categories through our brand - UTN Training – for over 20 years. For more information on the courses, feel free to give us a call @ 01924 601 566.
