My opinion is on the first one, no, because of the chance of tilting the load, the arms should not extend under load whereas the lift points get closer to the centerline as rotation occurs. Its already a hugely litigiously-loaded situation lifting & suspending a massive load over a person.
Can the controls be extended. My opinion is yes. The lifts I worked with only had a momentary switch for "UP". "Down" was all mechanical -- fluid release thru a flow-restrictor. So providing proper electrical work is followed, another momentary-up button can be placed in parallel with the first. Its very important to understand whether the pushbutton switches the motor current directly, or if it is a low-amp signaling device for a relay or contactor.
