How To Transport Boom Lifts – 7 Key Factors To Consider When Transporting

How To Transport Boom Lifts – 7 Key Factors To Consider When Transporting

Meta Description: Learn how to transport boom lifts safely and efficiently with our comprehensive guide. Follow critical securing, driving, and unloading steps to ensure a smooth process.

Transporting boom lifts requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines. This guide will outline the process for safely transporting boom lifts from inspection and preparation to driving practices and completion.

Following these steps ensures the lift can be transported without issues while protecting personnel and equipment through each transport phase.

Key Takeaways

• Safe transportation of boom lifts requires compliance with regulations and safety considerations.
• Qualified aerial lift operators must inspect and prepare the telescopic or articulating boom lift for secure transportation on a trailer-mounted platform.
• Securing the load with heavy-duty straps and chains and ensuring a horizontal platform floor is essential for safe boom lift shipping.

1. Regulations and Safety Considerations

Before transporting a telescopic boom lift, it’s essential to comply with regional regulations regarding oversized loads, weight limits, and required permits.

The operator must hold a valid license as an aerial lift operator and ensure the transport vehicle has ample load capacity. Proper hazard tape and warning signs should be used to alert others.

2. Pre-Transport Inspection and Preparation

A thorough inspection of the boom lift should be performed to check for damages, leaks, or issues. This ensures that all safety features, such as harnesses and guardrails, are intact.

The boom lift needs to be properly secured for transport with restraint guides and force-absorbing material to avoid sudden movements. Appropriate restraints and a flatbed trailer are also needed.

3. Securing the Load for Transport

Properly securing the trailer-mounted boom lift is essential for safe transport. Heavy-duty straps and chains fasten the machine to the flatbed trailer or transport truck. The turntable rotation lock pin must be engaged to avoid sudden movements.

Loose or unsecured items on the platform floor must be removed, and the machine must be placed in a horizontal and stable transport position. Appropriate restraint guides, safety chains, and a key switch disable operation during transport.

4. Outfitting the Vehicle for Safe Transport

Properly outfitting the transport vehicle is essential for the safe transport of the boom lift. Oversized hazard tape and signs must be attached to alert other drivers. The vehicle must have ample load capacity for the boom lift and qualified operators.

Warning cones and flags should be used to direct personnel during loading and unloading. The operator must verify that the vehicle’s towing capacity can accommodate the weight to avoid risking brake cables or limited sight distance issues.

5. Best Practices for Safe Driving

It is crucial to follow best practices when transporting boom lifts by truck. The operator must be qualified to transport aerial equipment safely and follow all weight and local regulations. Driving at the maximum rated towing speed is essential.

Warning cones and signs should be used at the job site during loading and unloading. Extra caution is needed to avoid sudden movements or placing too much downward force when navigating turns or limited sight distances.

6. Planning for Contingencies

Planning for any contingencies when transporting boom lifts long distances is essential. Operators should check weather forecasts to prepare for adverse conditions like heavy rain or snow storms that could affect the machine’s stability, restraint guides, or place too much downward force.

Personnel should be on hand with flagging equipment at the job site to direct safe unloading.

Lifting instructions and restraints may need to be used with appropriate unloading equipment like a crane in case of issues to safely transport the aerial lift from the trailer or transport vehicle.

7. Completing the Transport Process Safely

Upon arrival at the job site, a qualified operator will inspect the boom lift thoroughly for any issues like damage to restraint guides or safety chains from transport.

Using lifting instructions and appropriate restraints, the machine will be moved from the flatbed trailer or transport vehicle to the platform floor safely and controlled with flag personnel present to direct traffic.

Following transport guidelines ensures the safe unloading of aerial equipment and completes the process while avoiding sudden movements that could endanger personnel.