Boom Trucks

1. Boom Trucks Source: TadanoAmerica.com

2. Boom Trucks • Boom trucks are used in a variety of ways throughout the construction industry. • They provide easy transportation and installation of materials, speeding up deliveries and reducing project schedules. Source: Manitex.com

3. Boom Trucks • The versatility and maneuverability of boom trucks make them the ideal solution to many construction problems. • However, great care should still be taken to ensure boom trucks are used safely. Source: Manitex.com

4. History of Boom Trucks • Boom trucks have been around for over 50 years and have evolved from the basic towing truck with limited capacity to large pieces of equipment that can easily lift more than 40 tons. • Their electrical systems have also improved, now providing the controller with accurate loading capacities and limitations. Source: RoadsideAmerica.com Source: Manitex.com

5. History of Boom Trucks • While the first boom trucks were operated from either within the truck or along its side, today’s trucks can be operated from afar with the use of remote controls. • These remotes not only improve the usefulness of boom trucks, but also increase safety for the crews who use them. Source: RadioRemote.com

6. Types of Boom Trucks • Boom tucks come in various shapes and sizes. Common variations include: Knuckle, Jib, Gin, and Conveyer. However, the most common, especially for road construction, is the standard form shown below. Source: DwightCrane.com

7. Typical Boom Truck Design Mainframe/Turret Assembly Boom Hydraulics Source: Terex-Waverly.com Cable Rear Outriggers Main Outriggers Flatbed For Material Controls

8. Use of Boom Trucks • In most construction, boom trucks are typically used to transport, lift, and place material. • The ease of use and maneuverability of these trucks makes them ideal for most project applications. Source: BranFiber.net

9. Safety Concerns • Proximity of boom to power lines. • Likelihood of electrical storms in working area. • Stability of ground surrounding the boom truck location. • Overloading boom trucks beyond recommended capacities. • Inadvertently manipulating boom truck controls through either material or worker accidental contact. • Monitoring movement of the boom and truck itself.

10. Typical Boom Truck Accidents Information extracted from OSHA construction worker fatality data (1990-2007)

11. Typical Boom Truck Accidents Information extracted from OSHA construction worker fatality data (1990-2007)

12. Typical Boom Truck Accidents Information extracted from OSHA construction worker fatality data (1990-2007)

13. Analysis of Data • Most boom truck accidents are the result of some part of the truck contacting power lines. • Power line contact is by far the most dangerous type of accident that can occur during operation. • On average, 1.45 employees are injured when a portion of the truck contacts a power line. Information extracted from OSHA construction worker fatality data (1990-2007)

14. Boom Truck Accident:An Example • A crew was installing pipe in a 4 foot deep, 1 1/2 foot wide trench. • After manipulation, the boom finally came to rest 2 feet away from the power line. • While a 32 year old plumber was holding the pipe in their left hand, “the crane operator and laborer at the opposite end of the pipe heard an ‘arcing’ noise.” • As a result, the plumber was shocked and died at a local hospital 30 minutes later. Information extracted from OSHA construction worker fatality data (1990-2007)

15. Boom Truck Safety • Employees should always wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment when using boom trucks. • At a minimum, employees should wear a hardhat, fitted clothing that would prevent snagging on controls, and safety-toed boots. • Additionally, the OSHA Manual should be consulted to ensure employees are wearing the appropriate PPE for the material being transported and lifted. Source: Terex-Waverly.com

16. Boom Truck Safety • Trucks coming into contact with power lines or being struck by lightning can easily cause multiple deaths per occurrence. • Boom trucks must be operated at safe distances from nearby power lines. • Subpart N of the OSHA Manual covers the basic requirements for power line safety. Source: Maryland Occupational Safety and Health

17. Boom Truck Safety • When using the boom truck to unload material, ensure that it is properly level in order to prevent truck tipping and mechanical failure. Source: Meadows and Lake Kathleen Railroad

18. Boom Truck Safety • Overloading a boom truck can cause catastrophic failure of the hydraulic system and the boom itself. • Be sure to follow the manufacturer loading limitations for each boom truck. Source: LiftEquipmentSafety.blogspot.com

19. Boom Truck Safety • Ensure that the material is properly secured when unloading or loading the truck. • Material can weigh several tons and cause death if not handled properly. Source: BikBoomTrucks.com

20. Boom Truck Safety • When driving the truck, always ensure that the clutch is disengaged to guarantee the boom is disabled during commute. • Use ground guides or flaggers while operating the truck in reverse to protect from driving related accidents. • Use a spotter whenever operating the boom to monitor its location at all times.

21. Boom Truck Maintenance • Boom trucks need to be regularly maintained in order to ensure proper function. • Consult the manufacturer’s specifications sheet to keep the truck working to its capacity and avoid potential mechanical failure. Source: Terex-Waverly.com

22. Boom Truck Maintenance • Check the electronic equipment used to maneuver and monitor the boom truck regularly. • Failure of these items can lead to set up mistakes and material overloading which can result in severe injury or even death. Source: Terex-Waverly.com

23. THINK SAFETY WORK SAFELY