Exploring Boom Lift Uses: Versatility and Applications
September 06, - Last modified: September 12, @ 4:15 pm
Boom lifts uses—they're more versatile than you might think! From construction sites to film sets, these machines do more than just lift people and things. In this blog, we’ll explore the many uses of boom lifts and show you just how handy they can be.
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Intrigued? Read on! When you think of boom lifts, the first image that might come to mind is a construction worker elevated high above the ground, hard at work on a building project.
While that's undoubtedly one of their primary uses, boom lifts are far more versatile than you might imagine. They are powerful tools employed across various industries to reach heights, access challenging locations, and complete tasks that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of boom lifts, exploring their applications, types, and the critical role they play in enhancing efficiency and safety in diverse settings.
What Is a Boom Lift?
Before we dive into their myriad uses, let's start with the basics: What exactly is a boom lift? At its core, a boom lift is a machine equipped with a platform that can be raised, lowered, and often maneuvered horizontally. This platform, also known as a "bucket" or "basket," allows workers to access elevated work areas safely.
Basic Types of Boom Lifts
Boom lifts come in several varieties, with the two most common types being telescopic and articulating boom lifts.
Telescopic Boom Lifts: These machines feature straight, extendable arms, providing impressive vertical reach. They are well-suited for tasks that require accessing great heights in a straight line. Some examples of tasks that need this are construction work on high-rise buildings.
Articulating Boom Lifts: Unlike telescopic lifts, articulating boom lifts have segmented arms. These arms can bend or "articulate." This flexibility allows them to reach over, under, and around obstacles.
Whichever type of boom lift you choose, you'll be gaining an asset for your company!
Boom Lift Uses in the Construction Industry and High-Rise Work
Unsurprisingly, one of the most common applications of boom lifts is in the construction industry. They are essential tools for tasks that require working at significant heights. For example, when constructing skyscrapers, workers need to install windows, repair facades, and paint walls dozens of stories above the ground. Boom lifts provide a secure and efficient means of accessing these elevated work areas.
Material Lifting
Boom lifts aren't just for carrying workers; they can also handle materials. When construction projects require transporting heavy items to elevated locations, such as bricks or construction materials to upper floors, a boom lift can load up and hoist these materials safely and swiftly.
Maintenance and Repair Work
Utility workers often rely on boom lifts to perform maintenance and repair work on electrical poles and power lines. When a storm damages power infrastructure or routine maintenance is needed, boom lifts provide a safe and stable platform for workers to reach the necessary heights.
Building Maintenance
Routine maintenance tasks, such as window washing, building painting, or facade repairs, become significantly more manageable with the use of boom lifts. Even the tallest and most architecturally complex structures can be accessed and serviced with precision, enhancing the longevity and aesthetics of buildings.
Event Management and Filming
In the world of event management, boom lifts play a pivotal role in setting up stages, particularly for concerts and outdoor events. These machines simplify the process of hanging lights, positioning speakers, and preparing the stage for performances, ensuring that everything is ready for showtime.
Film and TV Production Boom Lift Uses
Film sets are no strangers to boom lifts. They offer filmmakers the ability to capture breathtaking overhead shots and facilitate the installation of lighting equipment to create the perfect cinematic atmosphere. Whether it's an action-packed blockbuster or a gripping drama, boom lifts contribute to the magic of filmmaking.
Emergency Rescue Operations Starting with Firefighting
One of the lesser-known but crucial roles that boom lifts play is in firefighting. Some fire trucks are equipped with built-in boom lifts that enable firefighters to reach high-rise buildings during emergencies. These lifts provide rapid access to upper floors, allowing for more effective firefighting and rescue operations.
Boom Lift Uses During Animal Rescues
It's not only humans who benefit from the versatility of boom lifts. When beloved pets find themselves stuck in trees or other elevated locations, boom lifts often become the heroes of the day. Firefighters and animal rescuers can use them to reach heights that traditional ladders cannot, ensuring the safe retrieval of our furry friends.
Silence Heros of Heavy Lifting
Boom lifts are remarkably versatile machines that transcend the boundaries of various industries. Whether it’s constructing towering skyscrapers, setting up concert stages, or conducting emergency rescue operations, these lifts excel in a wide array of applications. Their ability to safely reach great heights, access challenging locations, and enhance efficiency has made them indispensable in the modern world.
The next time you spot a boom lift in action, take a moment to appreciate its role in simplifying complex tasks and ensuring the safety of workers and rescuers. Have you ever encountered a boom lift in an unexpected place? Perhaps you've marveled at its contributions on a film set or seen it in action during a dramatic rescue.
Buy or Rent a Boom Lift
Now you'll spot these silent treasures as you journey in the realm of lifting! Ready to rent or buy your own boom lift and try it out? Check out our latest list of boom lift options.
Near Austin, Texas? We have new and used boom lifts for you! In a neighboring city?
No worries, we have many locations. Check out our other locations in Texas.
Extra Elements
- Infographics: Keep an eye out for our upcoming infographics that visually break down the versatility of boom lifts.
- FAQs: Have more questions about boom lifts? Check out our About Us page for all the answers.
- Links: Want to learn more about different types of industrial machinery? Feel free to browse our other blog posts.
Concrete pumping is a dangerous gig. Of course, there’s the initial danger that comes with working with heavy machinery, but pumping is also a highly technical process. Safely operating complicated equipment like booms and pumps demands more than just slapping on a hard hat and gloves.
To avoid danger, you need to be aware of the danger. Then you can apply the right concrete pump safety precautions to stay safe.
With competitive price and timely delivery, JIDA sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Below we'll run through ten concrete pump hazards along with some safety tips for avoiding them.
1. Hose Hazards
One of the most common concrete pump hazards comes from emptying the concrete delivery hose. When full of concrete, hoses can weigh more than 376 pounds. Upon releasing compressed air to clean the hose, pressure pockets can make the hose whip around chaotically, as shown in the video below, which can lead to severe injuries or equipment damage.
Avoiding hose hazards requires you to take certain safety precautions:
- Stand back whenever compressed air is being released, ensuring everyone is distant enough to avoid being struck by sudden whipping movements.
- Avoid using a double-end hose or double-S attachment. These attachments are much heavier and can cause greater damage if a hose whips out of control.
- Take air readings at the point of discharge to monitor pressure levels.
2. Power Lines
Power-line contact can be lethal, potentially leading to a loss of arms or legs or even death.
Usually, power-line hazards result from operator error. To avoid the devastating effects, contractors must follow these safety steps:
- Train employees on power-line safety and inspections.
- Maintain a minimum of 20 feet of clearance between the power line and the pump unit.
- Develop a system of verifying the power-line stamp for every job site.
- Request the power-line stamp up front, and inquire if there are power lines around the job site or in the setup, cleanup, or pour area.
3. Concrete Burns
When skin is exposed to wet cement, the alkalinity can cause burns. Left untreated, it can result in blood poisoning and scarring.
Typically, burns occur because operators don't dress for the occasion. Here are a few tips to prevent concrete burns:
- Consider your protective gear, head to toe, to ensure no skin is exposed.
- Scrub burn areas with a pH-neutral or slightly acidic solution, such as vinegar.
- Wash all concrete out of your clothing before wearing it again during work.
4. Electrical Issues With The Truck
Concrete pump trucks can experience electrical issues when they don't undergo routine maintenance, causing equipment to malfunction or shocking operators as they troubleshoot.
Proper system maintenance for electrical-related safety issues includes:
- Check the alternator to see if it needs to be replaced by testing the output voltage, ensuring that it's at least 13.6 VDC.
- Check the battery and ground connections, ensuring they're clear of obstruction; if they're dirty, clean them and tighten any loose terminals.
- Test the battery's amp loads to ensure it's operating at adequate strength.
5. Hydraulic Leaks
Leaks arise from damaged fittings, connections, and hoses. Failure to address these leaks can result in faulty or inoperable equipment. Oil also has a harsh effect on the environment.
Check your equipment to prevent avoidable leaks. Act fast when responding to hydraulic leaks and follow these steps:
- Shut off the equipment and pinpoint the source as soon as a leak is detected.
- Catch as much of the hydraulic fluid as possible and keep it from spreading.
6. Boom Awareness and Placement
Given their sheer weight, booms require your undivided attention. Reckless or unattentive boom operation can damage things like lights, HVAC systems, sprinklers, or the concrete pump itself. As such, booms require a thoughtful setup and placement strategy.
To ensure safe boom placement:
- Be aware of the boom's location at all times.
- If your boom comes into contact with any other object, thoroughly check for damage before returning to work.
- Never move a boom pump without first folding the boom and outriggers into the travel position and then locking them in place.
- Never attempt to use the boom for hoisting.
7. Rough Mixes
Rough mixes happen during the batching process. Essentially, a rough mix is a pour that's concocted with the wrong material or ratio. It’s unstable for pumping because it yields concrete that wears out fast or is structurally unsound.
Given that different jobs require various mix types, keep in mind a few key rules to perfect the batching process:
- Ensure the rock quantity is right to obtain the right plasticity for passing through the hose.
- Check the rock size to ensure the mix doesn't pack together when mixing.
- A proper mix often requires multiple sizes of rocks to obtain a good flow.
8. Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are hazardous because the liquid can reach up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause severe burns. Similarly, oil-injection injuries occur when people try to stop high-pressure oil leaks with their bare hands, often resulting in gangrene.
- Never attempt to stop a high-pressure oil leak with your hand, even if it's gloved, or with a rag.
- Always shut down the machine and let it rest before identifying and addressing the leak.
9. Holding Valves
Removing a holding valve is extremely dangerous. Done incorrectly, it can cause burns, impact injuries, or both.
The main risk factor here is pressure, as pressurized valves can shoot out and seriously injure nearby workers or damage nearby equipment.
When removing holding valves, exercise the following precautions:
- Ensure there's no remaining pressure before removing the holding valve.
- Don't remove a holding valve that hasn't had time to rest or one that doesn't have support for the boom.
- Unlatch all holding valves slowly.
10. Compressed Air
Some say you should “never say never,” but you should never use compressed air for blockage removal.
Using compressed air to empty a full boom causes pressurization. When the pressure gets too high and someone opens a clamp with pressure still in the boom, the hose could explode, spewing concrete throughout the job site and potentially injuring those nearby.
On top of remembering to avoid using compressed air to empty a boom, follow these safety precautions:
- Because air pressure can remain in a boom from the day before, always check the pressure levels before removing the clamps.
- Remove the clamps using a tool like a shovel, which creates a safer physical distance between you and the boom.
Take Safety Seriously With RapidWorks
Any team looking to prioritize concrete pump safety needs to use the best tools to manage vehicle inspections and job-site safety audits. RapidWorks makes these vital tasks super easy, allowing owners to run safety checks right from their phones once on the job site.
The company is the world’s best Elevator-Fixed Placing Boom supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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