Fork Mounted Work Platforms - For the producer to adhere to standards, there are certain requirements outlining the requirements of lift truck 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 should be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in actuality been made according to the engineers design and have followed all standards. The work platform needs to be legibly marked to show the name of the certifying engineer or the producer.
Particular information is required to be marked on the machine. For example, if the work platform is custom-made made, an identification number or a unique code linking the certification and design documentation from the engineer has to be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the serial or part number to be able to allow the design of the work platform ought to be marked in able to be associated to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform if empty, in addition to the safety requirements that the work platform was made to meet is among other necessary markings.
The rated load, or likewise called the maximum combined weight of the equipment, individuals and supplies acceptable on the work platform must be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the least rated capacity of the forklift that is needed to safely handle the work platform could be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and forklift capacity or by the model and make of the forklift which can be used along with the platform. The process for connecting the work platform to the forks or fork carriage should likewise be specified by a licensed engineer or the manufacturer.
Another requirement intended for safety guarantees the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface located not farther than 8 inches more than the standard load supporting area of the forks. There should be a means provided in order to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
The forklift needs to be used by a trained driver who is certified by the employer in order to utilize the machine for raising workers in the work platform. The lift truck and the work platform should both be in compliance with OHSR and in satisfactory condition previous to the use of the system to raise personnel. All maker or designer directions which relate to safe operation of the work platform should also be obtainable in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions ought to be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform has to be secured to the fork carriage or to the forks in the particular way provided by the work platform maker or a professional engineer.
Other safety ensuring standards state that the weight of the work platform along 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 utilized. A trial lift is needed to be done at each job location immediately before raising personnel in the work platform. This practice guarantees the forklift and be located and maintained on a proper supporting surface and likewise to ensure there is sufficient reach to position the work platform to allow the task to be done. The trial practice even checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
A trial lift must be carried out at every job site immediately previous to hoisting workers in the work platform to guarantee the lift truck could be located on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is sufficient reach to put the work platform to allow the job to be done, and that the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically. Using the tilt function for the mast could be utilized in order to assist with final positioning at the task location and the mast ought to travel in a vertical plane. The test lift determines that ample clearance can be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is likewise checked in accordance with scaffolding, storage racks, overhead obstructions, and whatever nearby structures, as well from hazards like for example live electrical wires and energized device.
Systems of communication must be implemented between the lift truck driver and the work platform occupants to be able to efficiently and safely manage operations of the work platform. When there are several occupants on the work platform, one person must be selected to be the main person accountable to signal the forklift driver with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals should be established as an alternative method of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
In accordance with safety standards, personnel must not be moved in the work platform between different task sites. The work platform should be lowered so that employees can leave the platform. If the work platform does not have guardrail or enough protection on all sides, every occupant has to put on an appropriate fall protection system attached to a chosen anchor point on the work platform. Employees should carry out functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or make use of whatever devices to add to the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the operator of the forklift ought to remain within 10 feet or 3 metres of the controls and maintain contact visually with the lift truck and work platform. If occupied by employees, the driver ought to follow above standards and remain in full communication with the occupants of the work platform. These information help to maintain workplace safety for everyone.
Click to Download the pdf