What You Must Not Forget When Operating A Boom Truck

Boom trucks must be operated while following safety standards. About 50 U.S. workers are killed using boom trucks every year. Many of these injuries are the result of the operator not being properly trained or the operator is not using the boom truck according to manufacturer's guidelines. For example, it is important to make sure that all electrical, hydraulic and mechanical safety features are functioning and in place. 

Power Lines And Overhead Hazards

One of the concerns with operating a boom truck is the presence of power lines. When colliding with power lines, the worker risks suffering an electric shock. The workers must always be ten feet away from power lines. The power lines should always be treated as if they are energized, even if they aren't. Other overhead hazards can also be a risk, such as overhead beams, because they can crush workers. 

Stabilizing The Boom Truck

The boom truck should always be parked in a location that can ensure stability. Both of the stabilizers need to extend and fully lower without the need for additional padding. Ideally, the truck should not be operated on an incline. If this is required, the brakes must be set and wheel chocks must be used.

Operate The Boom Truck Safely

The operator is in charge of avoiding performing any lifts that he or she cannot perform safely. If the wind is blowing very strongly, it may not be safe to perform the lift. Also, the lift may be positioned in a way where there is no way to operate the boom truck without colliding with another object or person. 

Fall Safety Protection

Workers should always wear body harnesses so they are caught when they fall. These fall arrest systems must be designed to withstand a weight much greater than the weight of the individual using the boom truck. The workers must not climb into the bucket when it is raised, but should only climb into it when it has been fully descended.

Boom Truck Inspection

The boom truck rental should always be inspected to make sure that it is not defective. Also, make sure to consider how the weather can affect the truck. Low temperatures and high winds can make a boom truck much more dangerous to operate. Freezing temperatures can cause the equipment to become unreliable. For instance, panels can become less stable. Hydraulic systems are known to become more sluggish under freezing temperatures.