What is a boom lift? A boom lift is a piece of heavy equipment, that allows a worker to be raised up on a platform by an electric lift. It is sometimes called a cherry picker, an electric scissor lift, or by the more generic term of aerial lift.
The use of an electric scissor lift or boom lift requires a certified and skilled operator. Construction lift equipment can easily result in property damage, injury, or even death if improperly operated. A commercial, privately owned building can be worth as much as $296.4 billion; damaging a building with the heavy equipment meant to fix it is not cost effective.
The types of aerial lifts are meant for different jobs. An electric scissor lift, for example, is a wide platform attached to an accordion-like lift. It can only move vertically, differing from a boom lift. This piece of equipment is commonly used to give a sturdy viewing platform for videotaping special events, and is a favorite for stage effects.
A boom lift is smaller. It is typically a basket-cab attached to a crane, and is meant for one worker. This type of heavy equipment excels at jobs in tight, high places. Trimming trees, fixing telephone wires, repairing roofs, and other jobs of this nature are easily completed with a boom lift. As there are more than 7 million Americans working in the construction industry, it is safe to say that many people are familiar with a boom lift.
Such large pieces of equipment are very helpful when completing odd jobs. The possibility of damage to life or property is high. There have been accounts of inexperienced operators actually tipping over an electric scissor lift. Although the operation may seem straightforward, there are limits and potential hazards to watch out for that certified operators know.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more commonly name as OSHA, lists the guidelines and regulations of operation; some hazards include operating the equipment on soft ground or lifting items that are too heavy. The safety of your workers and the surrounding buildings takes first priority.