Fork Mounted Work Platform - For the maker to adhere to standards, there are particular standards outlining the standards of forklift and work platform safety. Work platforms could be custom made so long as it satisfies all the design criteria according to the safety standards. These custom made platforms need to be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in actuality been manufactured in accordance with the engineers design and have followed all requirements. The work platform has to be legibly marked to display the label of the certifying engineer or the producer.
Particular information is required to be marked on the machine. For instance, if the work platform is customized made, 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 so as to allow the design of the work platform must be marked in able to be linked to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform if empty, along with the safety requirements that the work platform was made to meet is amongst other vital markings.
The rated load, or the maximum combined weight of the equipment, individuals and materials allowed on the work platform ought to be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the minimum rated capacity of the forklift which is required in order to safely handle the work platform could be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and lift truck capacity or by the model and make of the forklift which can be utilized with the platform. The process for fastening the work platform to the forks or fork carriage must also be specified by a licensed engineer or the manufacturer.
One more requirement meant for safety ensures the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface positioned not farther than 8 inches above the regular load supporting area of the forks. There must be a way provided to be able to prevent the work platform and carriage from pivoting and turning.
Use Requirements
The lift truck ought to be used by a trained driver who is authorized by the employer so as to utilize the machinery for raising workers in the work platform. The work platform and the lift truck must both be in compliance with OHSR and in satisfactory condition previous to the use of the system to raise staff. All manufacturer or designer directions which pertain to safe operation of the work platform must likewise be obtainable in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions should be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform should be locked to the forks or to the fork carriage in the specified way given by the work platform producer or a professional engineer.
Various safety ensuring requirements state that the weight of the work platform along with the maximum rated load for the work platform should 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 performed at each task location instantly before lifting employees in the work platform. This process guarantees the lift truck and be positioned and maintained on a proper supporting surface and even to guarantee there is sufficient reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be completed. The trial process even checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
A test lift must be done at each job site right away prior to raising staff in the work platform to guarantee the lift truck can be situated on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is enough reach to position 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 could be used so as to assist with final positioning at the job site and the mast should travel in a vertical plane. The trial lift determines that sufficient clearance could be maintained between the elevating mechanism of the lift truck and the work platform. Clearance is even checked according to overhead obstructions, scaffolding, storage racks, and whichever nearby structures, as well from hazards like for instance energized device and live electrical wire.
A communication system between the forklift operator and the work platform occupants ought to be implemented to efficiently and safely control work platform operations. When there are several occupants on the work platform, one person ought to be chosen to be the main person accountable to signal the lift truck operator with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals have to be established as an alternative means of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
Safety standards dictate that staff must not be transported in the work platform between job sites and the platform needs to be lowered to grade or floor level before anyone enters or exits the platform also. If the work platform does not have railing or enough protection on all sides, each occupant needs to be dressed in an appropriate fall protection system attached to a selected anchor spot on the work platform. Staff need to perform functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or use whichever mechanism to increase the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the driver of the lift truck has to remain within ten feet or three meters of the controls and maintain contact visually with the work platform and lift truck. When occupied by personnel, the driver must adhere to above standards and remain in full communication with the occupants of the work platform. These information assist to maintain workplace safety for everybody.
Click to Download the pdf