Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), are commonly used in construction, maintenance, and other industries for accessing high or hard-to-reach areas.

As a worker, it is important to understand the potential hazards and safety considerations associated with these machines.

This article will cover 15 key topics related to boom lifts and their safe operation.

• Types of Hazards
  There are several hazards associated with operating a boom lift. These include:

• • Falls from height
  • Tip-overs
  • Electrical hazards
  • Struck-by or caught-between hazards
  • Overloading
  • Entanglement or entrapment

• Factors Affecting Stability
  Stability is a critical factor in the safe operation of boom lifts. Factors that can affect stability include:

• • Ground conditions
  • Slope or incline
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Platform position
  • Load distribution
  • Machine type and design

• Factors for Selecting Appropriate Machine
  Selecting the appropriate machine for the job is important for ensuring safe and efficient operations. Factors to consider when selecting a boom lift include:

• • Height and reach requirements
  • Weight capacity
  • Type of terrain and ground conditions
  • Power source (electric, diesel, etc.)
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Environmental factors (e.g. noise, emissions)

• Fundamentals of Pre-Use
  Before using a boom lift, it is important to conduct a pre-use inspection to ensure it is in good working condition. Fundamentals of pre-use include:

• • Checking for visible damage or defects
  • Checking fluid levels
  • Ensuring safety devices and controls are functioning properly
  • Conducting a test of all controls and systems
  • Checking the load capacity

• Main Components
  The machine consists of several main components, including:

• • Base or chassis
  • Boom or arm
  • Platform or basket
  • Hydraulic system
  • Electrical system
  • Controls and safety devices

• Safe Working Load
  The safe working load (SWL) is the maximum weight that a boom lift can safely carry. Exceeding the SWL can lead to tipping or structural failure. It is important to ensure that the load being lifted does not exceed the SWL of the machine.

• Safety Devices, Signage, Labels, and Controls
  Boom lifts are equipped with various safety devices, signage, labels, and controls to ensure safe operation. These include:

• • Emergency stop button
  • Safety harness attachment points
  • Warning alarms and lights
  • Load charts and capacity labels
  • Instructional and warning labels
  • Control panel with emergency lowering function

• Legislations and Industry Guidelines Relating to Operations
  Several legislations and industry guidelines apply to the safe operation of boom lifts, including:

• • Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) and its subsidiary legislation
  • Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)
  • Industry guidelines and standards (e.g. ANSI, CSA, EN)

• Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when operating a boom lift. Types of PPE include:

• • Safety harness and lanyard
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • High-visibility vest
  • Steel-toed boots

• Operational Procedures Relating to Operations
  Operational procedures are critical to safe and efficient boom lift operations. These include:

• • Proper use of controls and safety devices
  • Safe work positioning
  • Load management
  • Manoeuvring techniques
  • Communication with ground personnel

• Safe Work Practices for Operations
  Safe work practices are essential to prevent accidents and injuries when operating a boom lift.Some safe work practices for boom lift operations include:

• • Always wearing appropriate PPE
  • Conducting a pre-use inspection before each use
  • Avoiding sudden movements or jerks
  • Keeping the platform and work area free of debris and obstructions
  • Using tag lines to control loads
  • Avoiding exceeding the SWL of the machine
  • Following proper loading and unloading procedures

• Modes of Maneuvering
  Boom lifts can be maneuvered in different ways depending on the machine type and design. Common modes of maneuvering include:

• • Self-propelled drive
  • Trailer-mounted towable
  • Truck-mounted
  • Crawler-mounted
  • Articulating boom