Now that we all have a tool that can determine frequency and distance of lightning strikes,What is the rule of thumb for determining when NOT to pick the boom out of the cradle?

They say 10 miles. I always go by if I can hear thunder, that's plenty close enough. It's really a gamble no matter

Up here in the northern part of the world. I just keep watch on the radar map on my phone. And warn the contractors of the up coming storms I was doing a 8 ft high wall 100 ft long one day had lightning aproaching warned the contractor and yet he still wanted to keep going. So we told the drivers keep off the pump and ect and we kept going. Had a shot of lighting strike 1/4 mile away. Told him that's it I'm calling it. Grounded the boom and waited it out

If I know storms are in the area but haven't seen any lightening

I always use my own judgment , at the end of the day it is the operators responsibility to make that call , you are the one with the lightning rod in the air , know that if that boom is struck and electrocutes someone you and your company will be held liable , so do not let a superintendent or customer dictate when you lower that boom , its YOUR call.