If the boom jams and becomes stuck while lifting a load, what should you do?

When the boom jams and becomes stuck while lifting a load, the safest and most appropriate action is to clear the area and lower the load to the ground. This option prioritizes the safety of personnel in the vicinity and helps mitigate the risk of injury or damage that could occur if the load remains suspended while troubleshooting the situation.

Lowering the load to the ground removes the immediate hazard of a fallen object, which is crucial in maintaining a safe work environment. Additionally, once the load is safely on the ground, the operator can assess the situation more effectively, determining the cause of the jam and how to resolve it without putting anyone in danger.

While calling for assistance can be necessary in certain scenarios, it should be done only after ensuring that the load is safely lowered. Leaving the area could expose others to risk if the load is still suspended and unmonitored. Trying to force the boom to move can lead to equipment damage or create a catastrophic failure, posing serious risks to the operator and surrounding workers. Hence, the focus should always be on ensuring safety before taking further action.