Fork Mounted Work Platforms - For the maker to follow requirements, there are particular standards outlining the standards of forklift and work platform safety. Work platforms could be custom designed as long as it meets all the design criteria in accordance with the safety requirements. These custom designed platforms have to be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in actuality been made according to the engineers design and have followed all requirements. The work platform ought to be legibly marked to display the label of the certifying engineer or the maker.
Certain information is needed to be marked on the machine. For example, if the work platform is customized built, a unique code or identification number linking the design and certification documentation from the engineer ought to be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the serial or part number to allow the design of the work platform should be marked in able to be associated to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform while empty, together with the safety requirements which the work platform was made to meet is amongst other required markings.
The maximum combined weight of the equipment, individuals and supplies allowed on the work platform is known as the rated load. This particular information should likewise be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the minimum rated capacity of the lift truck which is required so as to safely handle the work platform could be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and forklift capacity or by the make and model of the forklift that could be used along with the platform. The method for connecting the work platform to the forks or fork carriage should likewise be specified by a professional engineer or the manufacturer.
Another requirement intended for safety guarantees the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface placed not farther than 8 inches more than the normal load supporting area of the forks. There should be a means given to be able to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
Only trained drivers are certified to operate or work these machines for raising personnel in the work platform. Both the lift truck and work platform need to be in compliance with OHSR and in good working condition prior to the use of the system to hoist employees. All manufacturer or designer instructions which relate to safe use of the work platform should also be accessible in the workplace. If the carriage of the lift truck is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions must be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform has to be secured to the forks or to the fork carriage in the precise manner provided by the work platform maker or a professional engineer.
Other safety ensuring requirements state that the weight of the work platform combined with the most rated load for the work platform must not exceed one third of the rated capacity of a rough terrain lift truck or one half the rated capacity of a high lift truck for the reach and configuration being used. A trial lift is needed to be carried out at each and every job site immediately prior to lifting employees in the work platform. This practice guarantees the lift truck and be located and maintained on a proper supporting surface and even to guarantee there is adequate reach to position the work platform to allow the job to be finished. The trial practice also checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
A test lift must be performed at each and every job site immediately before raising staff in the work platform to ensure the lift truck can be situated on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is sufficient reach to put the work platform to allow the task to be done, and that the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically. Using the tilt function for the mast can be utilized in order to assist with final positioning at the job site and the mast has to travel in a vertical plane. The trial lift determines that enough clearance could be maintained between the elevating mechanism of the forklift and the work platform. Clearance is even checked according to storage racks, overhead obstructions, scaffolding, and any surrounding structures, as well from hazards like live electrical wires and energized equipment.
A communication system between the lift truck driver and the work platform occupants ought to be implemented to be able to safely and efficiently control work platform operations. When there are many occupants on the work platform, one individual must be selected to be the main person responsible to signal the forklift driver with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals need to be established as an alternative mode of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
In accordance with safety standards, workers are not to be moved in the work platform between different task sites. The work platform has to be lowered so that staff could leave the platform. If the work platform does not have railing or sufficient protection on all sides, every occupant has to have on an appropriate fall protection system secured to a designated anchor spot on the work platform. Workers ought to carry out functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the guardrails or use any tools so as to add to the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the forklift driver must remain within ten feet or three meters of the lift truck controls and maintain visual contact with the work platform and with the lift truck. Whenever the forklift platform is occupied the operator should abide by the above standards and remain in communication with the work platform occupants. These instructions help to maintain workplace safety for everyone.
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