Cherry Picker (Boom Lift) Safety

A cherry picker or boom lift is a mobile elevating work platform that uses an articulated or telescopic boom to reach height.
Overturning is the most serious boom lift hazard, caused by operating on slopes, soft ground, or with the boom overextended.
Operators must hold a valid IPAF PAL card or CPCS/NPORS category for the specific MEWP type before operating.
Harnesses must be worn and attached to the anchor point inside the basket at all times while the platform is elevated.
A person falling from or being catapulted out of the basket accounts for the majority of boom lift fatalities.
Pre-use checks must cover the boom, hydraulics, controls, outriggers, basket condition, and all safety systems daily.
Boom lifts must be set up on firm, level ground — outriggers must be fully deployed on spreader plates where fitted.
Overhead hazards including power lines, building edges, and structural steelwork can trap or crush the operator in the basket.
Ground conditions must be assessed before positioning — underground voids, drains, and soft areas can cause the machine to sink.
A rescue plan must be ready before the boom is raised — a disabled operator stranded at height needs rapid recovery.

Catapult effect	Boom lifts flex and bounce — a sudden stop or collision catapults the operator out of the basket if not harnessed in.
Overturn risk	Boom lifts have a high centre of gravity at full extension — operating on slopes or soft ground causes fatal overturns.
Entrapment	The operator can be crushed between the basket and an overhead structure — constant awareness of surroundings is essential.

Do

Don't

Hold a valid IPAF, CPCS, or NPORS MEWP card before operating any boom lift.
Wear a harness clipped to the basket anchor point whenever the platform is raised.
Complete the daily pre-use inspection before operating the boom lift each shift.
Set up on firm, level ground with outriggers fully deployed on spreader plates.
Check for overhead hazards including power lines and structures before raising the boom.
Assess ground conditions for voids, drains, and soft areas before positioning.
Ensure a rescue plan is in place before raising the boom to working height.
Maintain awareness of surrounding structures to avoid basket entrapment at height.
Operate the boom controls smoothly — sudden movements cause dangerous basket swing.
Report any hydraulic leaks, control faults, or unusual noises immediately.

DON'T operate a boom lift without a valid MEWP operator card for the category.
DON'T work in the basket without a harness clipped to the designated anchor point.
DON'T skip the pre-use inspection — hydraulic and control faults develop overnight.
DON'T operate on slopes, soft ground, or near excavation edges without assessment.
DON'T raise the boom near overhead power lines without a specific risk assessment.
DON'T position the boom lift over unverified ground that may collapse under the weight.
DON'T elevate the basket without confirming a rescue plan is ready and briefed.
DON'T trap yourself between the basket and fixed structures while manoeuvring at height.
DON'T use jerky boom movements — smooth operation prevents dangerous basket swing.
DON'T climb onto the basket edge or stand on the guardrails to gain extra reach.

See also: Scissor Lift Safety | MEWP Pre-Use Checks

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record