How to Safely Transport a Boom Lift or Trailer-mounted Boom
From
trailer-mounted boom lifts to the highest-reaching super booms, before work can
begin the equipment needs transportation to the job site. And, while models and
equipment types will vary in their requirements and procedures, two important
safety rules apply across models and equipment types:
1.
Read the Operator's Manual, which provides
step-by-step instructions to ensure the boom is loaded safely and efficiently;
and
2.
When loading and unloading equipment, the
transport vehicle should be parked on a firm surface and secured to prevent it
from rolling.
With those first
two steps done, it's time to prepare your equipment for transport.
The correct transport position for a boom lift
When
transporting a boom lift, make sure that platforms, jibs, booms, and axles are
fully lowered and/or retracted and in transport position. The Operator's Manual
recommends the correct "transport position" for the specific model
you're loading. Whenever possible, the boom should be transported with the
platform floor horizontal to the transport trailer bed. Select booms and
trailer combinations do not accommodate this orientation due to length. In this
case, follow the Operator's Manual for positioning and securing the platform.
Hazards to watch for when loading a boom lift
Additionally,
watch out for hazards during loading, including tip-over hazards, collision
hazards resulting from limited sight distance and/or blind spots, and overhead
hazards such as power lines. Only qualified aerial lift operators should move
the machine on or off the transport truck. Once the boom is loaded, look over
the entire machine for any loose or unsecured items. Always use a turntable
rotation lock pin, checking to make sure the key switch is in the
"off" position, and then remove the key before beginning transport.
Use the right restraints to secure the boom lift
To secure the
platform, appropriate restraints based on weight and local regulations should
be placed parallel to the machine's restraint guides, taking care that you
don't use too much downward force to secure them. Put some sort of
force-absorbing material such as foam, rubber, or wood opposite the restraints
to reduce any movement of the restraint during transport. The chassis of the
boom also must be secured to the transportation platform using a minimum of six
chains. Make sure the chains have ample load capacity and adjust the rigging to
prevent any damage to the chains or the lift. For a diagram, refer to the
Transport and Lifting Instructions in the Operator's Manual.
What's the right towing capacity for transporting a trailer-mounted boom
lift?
Because they can
be towed behind a pickup or SUV, trailer-mounted boom lifts can be a productive
and practical option for the right job site. Again, Steps 1 and 2 in the safety
rules mentioned at the beginning of this article apply. Additionally, it's
important to check the vehicle's towing capacity because the weight of
trailer-mounted booms can fluctuate based on the model and options. Once the
necessary towing capacity is confirmed, safety chains and brake cables need to
be attached to the vehicle. Note that the chains should cross under the hitch.
Best driving practices for boom lift transportation
Best driving
practices when towing equipment include keeping a safe distance from the
vehicles ahead, slowing down for downgrades, curves, or hazardous road
conditions, and avoiding sudden movements. Additionally, a maximum towing speed
of 60 mph (97 km/h) should be observed.
Additional safety measures when loading and unloading a boom lift
And finally,
when loading or unloading any equipment from a transport vehicle on a public
road, take extra measures, including the use of warning cones, hazard tape,
signs, and flag personnel. These options can help you safely unload the
transport trailer and prevent harm to worksite personnel as well as drivers on
the road.
