How to Operate a Boom Lift: Complete Safety Guide

Operating a boom lift safely begins with a few essential steps: powering on the machine, checking emergency boom lift controls, inspecting the worksite, and using the basket joysticks to raise, lower, and maneuver with smooth, gradual movements. Done correctly, these basics help you prevent accidents, avoid costly delays, and protect your crew.

At Zuma Sales, with more than 25 years of experience  selling boom lifts  across the United States and Canada, we know that proper training and careful boom lift operation are what separate safe, productive jobs from risky, expensive mistakes. That’s why this guide combines step-by-step instructions with proven safety checks, giving you both the confidence to understand how to operate a lift and the peace of mind that your company stays compliant and reputable.

How to Operate a Boom Lift: Step-by-Step Instructions

Print this guide when you're ready to learn how to use a boom lift, ideal for beginners or as a quick boom lift safety reminder with straightforward, step-by-step instructions.

Before you get on the platform, take these important ground steps to prepare the boom lift for use.

1. Find the Main Power Switch: Find the red or green toggle switch on the base and turn it to "on" to energize. This is the first step in knowing how to start a boom lift.

2. Verify the Emergency Stop Button: Find the red emergency stop button and ensure that it is pulled out or up.

3. Insert and rotate the Key Switch to "On": Insert the key at the ground control panel and switch it on to trigger the system.

4. Check the Audible Alarm: There should be a beep when turned on. If no sound is heard, check the power switch, emergency stop, and key.

5. Test Ground Controls: Test ground controls by slightly raising and lowering the boom to make sure it's operational.

When completed, the machine is ready to transfer control to the platform. Double-check boom lift safety specifications before entering the basket.

There are two different control stations in boom lifts: ground (base) controls and basket (platform) controls. Both are marked with different functions; therefore, one must know how to operate a lift and when to use it safely.

Once in control of the basket, use the joystick or toggles to raise/lower, extend/retract, and swing. Begin with gradual, slow motions to prevent sudden changes. Move aft or forward to come up or down, and use only the extend button on level solid ground. For safe and effective work, it’s important to know how to drive a boom lift in different site conditions.

Every boom lift has its own boom lift controls and safety features. Make sure to choose the right one for your needs with model-specific professional guidance.  Contact us  for personalized equipment advice.

What is a Boom Lift and How Does It Work?

A boom lift is an aerial work platform that has an extendable arm to raise, lower, and turn. It operates by lifting workers and equipment in a basket for such tasks as construction, warehouses, maintenance, or tree trimming.

Ever curious about how a boom lift works? Every component has a function of safe and smooth lifting. Here's a brief guide to its main components and controls:

1. Base: Suspends the machine, contains the power source and hydraulic system, and ensures ground stability.

2. Ground Controls: Stationary controls mounted at the base for starting, mode selection, and emergency lowering. Knowing how to start a boom lift is one of the first steps every operator must master.

3. Platform Controls: Basket controls for traveling and placing the boom in position when raised.

Understanding these main components and controls helps you make wise decisions for long-term use.

Pre-Operation Checklist: How to Prepare Safely

Perform a quick pre-operation check before operating a boom lift to avoid accidents and guarantee equipment safety and readiness for use.

Equipment inspection is the initial step for avoiding unexpected equipment failure at height. Utilize this checklist to identify defects before operating your boom lift:

• Hydraulic Fluid: Test levels, have a clean amber color, and check for cylinder rod leaks.

• Tires and Undercarriage: Check for adequate inflation, odd wear, debris, and tight wheel nuts.

• Structural Components: Check boom sections for cracks and bent cylinders and leaking seals, and inspect pivot points.

No matter how good the equipment is, the worksite may still pose serious hazards. Always check these conditions before commencing:

• Overhead Hazards: Observe for power cables and keep a minimum of 10 feet of clearance (20 feet for higher voltages).

• Ground Conditions: Watch for soggy spots, holes, obstructions, or painted underground utilities that may lead to tipping.

• Weather Factors: Keep an eye on wind (max 25 mph), and make allowances for temperature extremes that impact equipment functionality.

Personal protective equipment for boom lift work must address fall risks and electrical hazards without interfering with safe operation. Make sure you’re equipped with:

• Fall Protection: Full-body harnesses with front and rear attachment points for even force distribution.

• Lanyards: Boom lift-approved, shock-absorbing lanyards secured to designated attachment points.

• Head and Eye Protection: Class E-rated hard hats for electrical safety and safety glasses for debris protection.

Common Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Each workplace is filled with hazards, and an early identification of them is the key to avoiding accidents and expensive mishaps. Being vigilant and adhering to safety protocols not only helps you but also ensures a safer workplace for all those on the job site.

Tip-overs are a dangerous hazard, usually due to unstable ground or moving wind. Test ground stability by pushing your heel or a rod into the ground. If it collapses or is mushy, use cribbing or change to more solid ground to avoid accidents.

Wind increases in danger at height, making the boom a sail. Never trust ground forecasts alone; check actual wind speed by using an anemometer at platform height and remain within the manufacturer's limit (typically 12–28 mph). Proper boom lift safety training ensures operators recognize these limits and act accordingly.

Electrical contact is among the most dangerous boom lift risks. Always identify and double-check the power line voltage with the utility company to ensure safe clearance. Paint travel routes on the ground, including the boom's entire reach and swing.

Designate a spotter to monitor overhead clearance, particularly on repositioning. Train operators to watch for concealed electrical hazards and abide by lockout/tagout procedures. Meticulous planning and open communication avoid the shock near utilities.

Falls are one of the main causes of severe boom lift injury, so always use guardrails as the initial barrier. Ensure they're correctly set up, securely fixed, and intact, having height and strength criteria to avoid accidental ejection.

In addition to guardrails, fall arrest systems are critical. Operators should have a correctly fitted harness with the lanyard properly attached. Train crews to check all equipment prior to every shift.

Post-Operation Safety Procedures

To appreciate the importance of these safety procedures, it is important to understand the risks associated with aerial work platforms. While they are indispensable tools for working at height, they are also linked to a significant number of workplace injuries and fatalities if not handled with care.

According to the International Powered Access Federation, their 2025 Global Safety Report showed a positive trend with a  26% decrease in powered access fatalities in 2024  , recording 100 deaths compared to 135 the year before. Despite this improvement, the leading causes of serious accidents remain consistent: overturns, entrapment, and falls from the platform

An orderly shutdown procedure is essential for safety and equipment longevity considerations, preventing damage and ensuring systems are released before leaving.

1. Lower the Platform: Gradually lower the boom to ground level to avoid overloading the hydraulics.

2. Neutralize Controls: Put all joysticks and switches into neutral to avoid accidental operation.

3. Depressurize Hydraulics : Consult the manufacturer's guide for hydraulic pressure safe release.

4. Turn Off Electrical Systems: Turn off all beacons, power outlets, and lights.

Properly securing the boom lift prevents unauthorized usage, weather-related damage, and rocking when unoccupied.

• Park on stable, level ground not accessible to walking traffic.

• Maintain sufficient clearances from overhead hazards and power cables.

• Park for easy future access while ensuring security.

Precise recording and timely reporting of defects are essential to the safe, reliable operation of boom lifts and the prevention of expensive failures.

• Fluid Levels: Document hydraulic fluid, oil, coolant, and fuel levels and variations.

• Safety Inspections: Document emergency stop function, gate operation, and warning systems.

• Performance Issues: Document any abnormalities, noises, or response issues

To ensure safe and effective post-surgery maintenance, always refer to the proper manufacturer's instructions. Explore our full range of boom lift brands , such as  JLG  ,  Genie  ,  Haulotte  , and others, to obtain comprehensive manuals and specifications.

Training and Certification: Who Can Operate a Boom Lift?

Proper training and certification are required to operate a boom lift in the United States, both for safety and to comply with federal regulations. Employers, contractors, and operators must understand  who is qualified to operate a boom lift  to maintain OSHA compliance and ensure safe job sites.

While there is no single “boom lift license” in the U.S., federal law requires operators to receive training and demonstrate competency before using aerial lifts.

• OSHA Regulations: Under  OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(ii)  , employers must ensure that aerial lift operators are properly trained by a qualified person before operating the equipment.

• ANSI/SAIA Standards: The  ANSI A92 standards  outline detailed safety, operation, and design requirements for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), which include boom lifts. These standards emphasize the need for documented training, familiarization with specific lift models, and safe operating practices.

• Employer responsibility: Employers must ensure that operators are trained for hazard recognition, equipment limitations, fall protection, and knowledgeable to follow manufacturer-specific guidelines, as required under  OSHA aerial lift training requirements  .

• Record-keeping: Employers are required to maintain written proof of training and certification to present during inspections or in case of an incident investigation.

Certification programs ensure operators can safely and effectively use boom lifts in real-world scenarios. A complete training program should include:

• Classroom instruction: Covering the regulations and standards, potential hazards, load limits, stability, and emergency procedures.

• Hands-on training: Practical operation and control exercises on the specific boom lift models the operator will use. This helps new trainees fully understand boom lift operation and gain real confidence.

• Evaluation and testing: Both written and practical assessments to confirm operator competence. Skilled testing ensures that every boom lift operator knows how to drive a boom lift safely and can demonstrate how to use a boom lift correctly in different environments.

Need a Boom Lift for Your Next Project?

Getting access to the ideal boom lift doesn't have to break the bank. From new models to affordable used units, we provide solutions that emphasize security, performance, and affordability.

Ready to get started? Explore our new and  used boom lifts for sale  in the United States, thoroughly tested, certified safe, and ready for speedy delivery to your location.