Rail Boom Lifts: How They Support Work In Electrified Corridors
While working in any rail yard is complicated, electrified corridors take that one step ahead. Especially as far as elevated work is concerned. Elements such as overhead contact systems, high-voltage lines, limited clearance zones, and active track operations can create challenges that can only be overcome with proper planning, which also requires the selection of the right access equipment.
Rail boom lifts support working in electrified environments the same way they support nighttime operations. Designed for precise movement and positioning directly on track infrastructure, these machines present a safe way to work in electrified corridors.
In today’s blog, Platform Basket Canada – Ontario’s foremost supplier of elevated access solutions, will discuss how to safely deploy these machines in electrified corridors to minimize potential risks.
Understanding Electrified Rail Environments
High-voltage overhead catenary systems are a staple at electrified corridors. The purpose of these systems is to power the locomotives that ply on railway lines on a daily basis. Due to the crucial role they play in the functioning of railway systems, they cannot be treated as an ordinary overhead utility. So while accounting for them, it is important to factor in clearance distances, grounding requirements, and isolation protocols. These should not be skipped at any cost.
As for challenges electrified rail sites present, these include:
- Restricted movement zones
- Limited emergency access routes
- Active train operations
- Exposure to electrical hazards
Prioritizing control, predictability, and communication is critical for safe elevated access in such conditions. A rail boom lift can help with that and we will explain how in the following sections.
Why Rail Boom Lifts Are Best Suited To Electrified Work
Purpose-built for railway infrastructure, these dedicated platforms understand the mechanisms of electrified corridors. The unique operational advantages they present in such environments include:
- Direct track mobility
- Controlled and precise elevation
- Compact working envelopes for limited spaces
- Ability to position remotely if needed
- Supreme stability on uneven railway grounds
If deployed correctly, a high-quality boom lift will enable your crew to perform a wide range of tasks in railway environments – from inspections to lighting installations, signal maintenance, and even catenary work.
In fact, if you choose your platform from a reliable manufacturer and supplier such as Platform Basket Canada, you also get the flexibility to request an insulated basket, which can further enhance worker safety in electrified work areas.
Best Practices To Use Rail Boom Lifts In Electrified Work Environments
While there is nothing better than boom lifts when it comes to safe elevated access in electrified railway work zones, a couple of best operational practices must be followed to ensure it is a truly safe experience for everyone on-site. These include:
Pre-work coordination
Before you bring a rail boom lift into an electrified corridor, coordinate with your local rail authority to map the day’s workflow. Railway personnel will be able to confirm available track possession windows and verify whether overhead lines are energized or isolated so that you can plan safe work zones and times with minimal disruptions.
Setting up safe clearance zones
The clearance zone you set up should account for overhead lines. Make sure minimum approach distances are always maintained and that boom elevation and extension factor in the presence of energized overhead lines. Assign a dedicated spotter to ensure no accidents or errors occur.
Practice controlled positioning
Track-mounted mobility is the USP of rail boom lifts. However, to preserve their stability, you should not make any sudden movements in electrified corridors. Doing so can cause accidents and put the lives of crews at risk. That is why you must confirm braking and locking systems and avoid repositioning the lift entirely when its boom is in an elevated state.
Conclusion
Working in electrified corridors can seem like a Herculean task. However, it can be effectively managed with structured planning, disciplined execution, and specialized elevated access equipment for railway environments.
Platform Basket Canada manufactures the most advanced and intelligent rail boom lifts in Ontario that guarantee safe operation, irrespective of how challenging the working conditions are. Contact us to get compliant equipment that prioritizes safety and efficiency.
FAQs
Do overhead lines need to be shut down for elevated work?
It is not always necessary to have them shut down. However, before work begins, safe clearance zones and authorized protocols must be established and followed.
Why are spotters important in electrified corridors?
Spotters can help you monitor if clearance zones are being maintained, thus preventing unintended proximity to overhead lines.
Are rail boom lifts safer when compared to ladders for railway work?
Yes. Ladders are not safe and stable enough to handle varying railway ground conditions, whereas boom lifts provide controlled and stable elevated access when deployed properly.
