Reaching some jobs at height requires powered access platforms that have a wider range of movement and can get around various obstacles in the built and natural environments.

Boom lifts are specially designed to support jobs on or offsite that are high up and in hard to reach places. Many buildings and spaces have obstructions such as branches, architecture or even geographical features that can get in the way of some access platforms and cost time and money to get round.

Unlike some access equipment that is designed for just moving up and down from one position, boom lifts can move in different directions – vertically and horizontally. The articulated or hydraulic mechanisms make it easier and safer to get staff to areas which might be otherwise out of reach.

They are used by a wide range of professionals including construction companies, window fitters, engineers, tree surgeons, councils, public utilities and rescue organisations.

Here are some of the main benefits of boom lifts:

• Like scissor lifts, boom lifts can be used indoors or out and some models come with an electric motor to minimise indoor noise disruption 
• The boom lift is road towable and has no manufacturer speed restrictions
• Strong stabilizer legs are used to anchor them to the ground and they can reach heights of up to 26 metres
• An on board drive system means they are easy to position safely and accurately
• There are AC power, engine and battery options
• Manufacturers such as DINOlift include an intuitive control system for simple use
• Some models have lightweight mechanisms so they can operate without damaging floors or delicate ground

Before using a boom lift a full risk assessment should be carried out. Look for unstable ground and consider the obstacles which need to be negotiated before setting up your equipment. It could be that you need additional stabilisation pads to spread the weight of the legs on unstable ground or that your choice of model is influenced by the particular needs of the job.

Boom lifts offer flexibility for a range of hard-to-reach jobs indoors and outdoors. They can overcome obstacles that might otherwise cost time and money to resolve and are easy to move around and set up. A combination of strength, stability and reach has made them a popular choice of access equipment with a range of professional sectors and services who need to work quickly and efficiently at height, in a variety of working environments.