Boom Lift on Hire: Why Consider This Equipment for Oil and Gas Refinery Turnaround Projects
- Abby Jones

- 5 days ago
- 3 min read

Whether you work in an oil or gas refinery, you know that turnarounds are a critical part of these industries. These planned shutdowns allow you to inspect the refinery thoroughly and perform other necessary tasks, such as maintenance, repairs, equipment replacements, and upgrades. You cannot carry out any of these during regular operations. Since these events require significant operational and capital investment, you cannot afford to take risks with equipment or worker safety. Every activity must be completed efficiently with minimal to no safety risks. Downtime should also be kept under control. Considering all this, a boom lift on hire can be one of the most valuable choices.
During turnaround events, dozens of contractors and maintenance crews perform a wide range of specialized tasks. Some workers may not even be familiar with the refinery's safety protocols or the site's layout. When you hire the right equipment, you improve productivity, provide safe access to elevated work areas, and minimize project delays. Let’s see why boom lifts are recommended for refinery turnarounds.
Boom lifts for refinery work
During a refinery turnaround event, anywhere from hundreds to thousands of new workers may be on-site to speed up inspections and other tasks, including replacements, repairs, cleaning, and more. As hinted earlier, new personnel may increase the risk of accidents and injuries for various reasons.
You need to be more careful if operators rely on traditional equipment. The design may not be suitable. Think of cranes, for example. While an extremely useful piece of equipment, a crane can only handle materials. It cannot safely carry people to heights. OSHA has already stated that cranes are not the appropriate type of access device for aerial work.
You also cannot always rely on self-propelled aerial work platforms because they may have stability limitations. Of course, this depends on the model, terrain, and working conditions. These limitations can become more challenging to manage when a greater reach is required.
However, truck-mounted boom lifts offer almost everything that makes them a versatile choice. They can be operated in limited spaces, around overhead obstructions, and near other obstacles, completing tasks faster with minimal risk of falls and accidents.
Typically, you need them because of several features:
· Easy boom movement and leveling.
· Emergency descent mechanisms.
· Advanced backup support.
· Sturdy work platforms connected to the boom.
· Excellent wind tolerance.
· Smooth communication between ground and work platform staff.
· Load and overload alarms.
· Multi-layered emergency stop button access.
Additional note
The decision to rent a truck-mounted aerial lift may be based on safety concerns. But you should also know that this equipment is far more efficient than scaffolding and self-propelled AWPs. Scaffolding takes almost weeks or months to erect, and the installation process is also expensive. Even cranes require proper setup. Your workers may have to spend hours stabilizing the equipment by arranging counterweights and positioning the unit. A boom truck eliminates all this hassle. It can be driven close to the job site and positioned to reach the desired working height within minutes. With this access equipment, your workers can easily reach cooling towers, pipe racks, incinerators, and flare stacks.
At https://www.bladeplatforms.com/, you can easily book your boom truck rental. Online platforms also provide operator assistance if needed. However, you need to specify your requirements clearly.



































