Fork Mounted Work Platform - For the manufacturer to follow standards, there are particular standards outlining the standards of lift truck 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 should be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in fact been manufactured in accordance with the engineers design and have followed all standards. The work platform must be legibly marked to display the label of the certifying engineer or the maker.
Particular information is needed to be marked on the machinery. For instance, if the work platform is custom built, a unique code or identification number linking the design and certification documentation from the engineer needs to be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the part number or serial to allow the design of the work platform have to be marked in able to be linked to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform if empty, along with the safety standard that the work platform was built to meet is amongst other necessary markings.
The rated load, or the utmost combined weight of the tools, individuals and materials allowable on the work platform ought to be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the minimum rated capacity of the forklift which is required to safely handle the work platform can be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and lift truck capacity or by the make and model of the forklift that could be used with the platform. The process for connecting the work platform to the forks or fork carriage should also be specified by a professional engineer or the manufacturer.
Another requirement intended for safety ensures the floor of the work platform has an anti-slip surface situated not farther than 8 inches above the regular load supporting area of the blades. There should be a way offered to be able to prevent the work platform and carriage from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
The forklift needs to be used by a trained operator who is authorized by the employer so as to utilize the apparatus for hoisting workers in the work platform. The work platform and the lift truck should both be in compliance with OHSR and in good condition previous to the application of the system to lift workers. All maker or designer instructions that relate to safe operation of the work platform should likewise be existing in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or revolving, these functions should be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be secured to the fork carriage or to the forks in the particular manner provided by the work platform maker or a licensed engineer.
Various safety ensuring requirements state that the weight of the work platform together with the utmost rated load for the work platform must not go over one third of the rated capacity of a rough terrain forklift or one half the rated capability of a high forklift for the configuration and reach being used. A trial lift is considered necessary to be carried out at every task site immediately previous to raising personnel in the work platform. This process ensures the forklift and be situated and maintained on a proper supporting surface and also to be able to guarantee there is adequate reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be finished. The trial practice likewise checks that the boom can travel vertically or that the mast is vertical.
A test lift must be done at each and every job site at once prior to raising employees in the work platform to guarantee the forklift could be situated on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is adequate reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be finished, and that the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically. Using the tilt function for the mast could be used to assist with final positioning at the task site and the mast must travel in a vertical plane. The trial lift determines that enough clearance could be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is also checked according to scaffolding, storage racks, overhead obstructions, and any nearby structures, as well from hazards such as live electrical wires and energized equipment.
A communication system between the lift truck driver and the work platform occupants must be implemented so as to efficiently and safely control work platform operations. When there are many occupants on the work platform, one person must be designated to be the main individual responsible to signal the lift truck operator with work platform motion requests. A system of arm and hand signals ought to be established as an alternative means of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
According to safety measures, employees must not be transferred in the work platform between different job locations. The work platform ought to be lowered so that employees could exit the platform. If the work platform does not have railing or adequate protection on all sides, each and every occupant has to have on an appropriate fall protection system connected to a selected anchor spot on the work platform. Staff must perform functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or utilize whatever mechanism in order to increase the working height on the work platform.
Finally, the forklift operator must remain within 10 feet or 3 metres of the lift truck controls and maintain visual contact with the lift truck and with the work platform. When the forklift platform is occupied the driver should abide by the above standards and remain in contact with the work platform occupants. These tips help to maintain workplace safety for everybody.
Click to Download the pdf