16.03.2015
A small boom high job
A reader in San Diego, California spotted an unusual method of work for a boom lift. He first of all thought "Death Wish" then on reflection had second thoughts.
Rather than work from the ground below and reach up some 15 metres or so to an area to be painted on a new multi storey parking garage – the operator took his boom lift to the upper floors and simply telescoped out over the edge.
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Working at height with horizontal boom - the end might be tricky
As long as the upper levels are strong enough to support a boom lift, then this looks like a sound method of using a small boom for a bigger boom job, while avoiding the clutter and traffic below. Looking at the job it would seem that an articulating jib is an essential requirement, although our man is not getting the benefit of his, choosing instead to use a long handled paint roller.
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It certainly avoids the clutter below
There are of course some precautions that need to be taken, including standing the boom well back from the edge and maybe even chocking the wheels to prevent inadvertent operation.
We would be interested to know what you think.
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A closer look
This is a great application. To make it easier, the correct method of supporting documentation from the building engineer for floor loading should be made available. The rental company, manufacturer, user, operator etc cannot make floor loading decisions for the builder, but the correct machine mass, and ground bearing pressure/point loading including dynamic loading needs to be made available.
If you think about this logically, reaching from the inside to work outside is far easier than trying to find a good ground support surface around a commercial building with underground services etc, or thawing ground after a winter freeze.
Naturally, there needs to be good recovery plan, as the operator of an engine driven boom may take the lazy method and use the emergency pump to make minor movements rather than start the engine. At the end of the day, the main battery, usually one 12v battery, will be flat. Maybe think about an additional charger and spare battery on site?
Just a thought from an old guy in Australia that has dealt with this scenario with a engine powered boom working in shopping-centre and the guys continually used the 12v emergency pump so as not to start the engine indoors.
Sherm
Access is a horizontal layout to reach a horizontal target...the wall surfaces to be painted. Given that the painter wears a harness and hooks to a fall arrest lanyard the job can be done safely.
Eric L
As long as the floor loadings are OK I don't see the problem with it ?
Given the access conditions below it's probably the smarter way to do it.