Best practices and common mistakes of lift operations?

Liam_smith

Liam_smith

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Hey everyone,

Safety is a top priority when operating lifts, whether it’s a scissor lift, boom lift, or telehandler. What are the must-follow safety practices you always keep in mind? Are there common mistakes you've seen that people should avoid?

Let’s also talk about inspections and maintenance, how often do you check your lifts, and what are the key things to look for? Any tips for working on uneven terrain or in challenging conditions?

Share your experiences, advice, and any real-world lessons learned!
 
Hey @Liam_smith, great topic! One of the biggest things I’ve seen is operators skipping pre-use inspections, taking a few minutes to check for leaks, tire condition, and proper function can prevent a lot of headaches. Also, not wearing a harness in boom lifts is a common mistake that can turn dangerous real quick.

For uneven terrain, I always make sure outriggers (if available) are fully deployed and keep movements slow and controlled. Wind is another big factor, I've seen people underestimate how much it can affect stability, especially with taller lifts.

Curious to hear what others do to stay safe in tough conditions!
 
Solid points! I’d add that knowing the lift’s weight limits and center of gravity is crucial—overloading or uneven loads can tip a lift faster than you’d think. Also, always double-check ground conditions; soft or sloped surfaces can be risky if you’re not careful. Pre-use inspections and proper harness use are definitely musts!
 
Thanks for the input, @Sir_Wise and @DirtMover! I agree that skipping pre-use inspections and ignoring load limits are some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen too. Wind and uneven terrain can be tricky, especially with boom lifts, so taking it slow and staying aware is key. Has anyone here dealt with unexpected lift failures or tricky rescue situations? Would love to hear how you handled them!
 
Great points so far! I’ve seen operators get caught off guard by sudden hydraulic failures—definitely a reminder to never skip inspections. @Liam_smith, good question about tricky situations. Has anyone here ever had to deal with a mid-air rescue or an emergency lowering scenario? Curious what protocols worked best!
 
Pre-use inspections are definitely a must. They help catch issues like hydraulic leaks, tire damage, or electrical faults before they become real problems. Ignoring weight limits and uneven ground conditions is another common mistake that can lead to tip-overs. For boom lifts, wearing a harness is critical, and wind conditions should always be monitored. When working on slopes or soft ground, stabilizers (if available) should be fully deployed, and movements should be slow and controlled. Emergency lowering procedures are another key thing operators should be familiar with, hydraulic failures can happen, and knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference!
 
Some great advice in here already! One thing I’d add is never assuming someone else did the inspection, always double-check for yourself. Anyone have tips on handling lifts in muddy conditions or when weather changes mid-shift? That always throws a wrench in things for us.
 
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