29 December 2016
The New Year is just days away and Promax Access Ltd has some suggestions new years resolutions for elevated working in 2017.
Whatever the size or nature of your business, speed and safety are the key to productive elevated working and whether you are new to the game or an established company here are some tips for elevated working in 2017 which might just boost your business
1. Look after your machine
It sounds obvious but the best results are achieved when the access equipment is looked after and in prime condition. It should be serviced every six months by a competent person and should be checked before the start of each job for signs of wear and tear or malfunction such as:
2. Refresh your risk assessment
Risk assessments are essential and, even though you may have done them a million times, each job poses new challenges at ground level and height. Most risks can be spotted by walking around and making observations but others, such as changes in the weather or differing ground conditions, require continual monitoring to keep on top of any changes
Write down all your findings so they can be referred to at any point in the job. This is particularly important when drafting a rescue plan as you may need to use it in the event of an emergency. Communicate the risk assessment to all operatives on the job – both the supervisors and the staff should be aware of the potential dangers so they can take proactive steps to avoid them.
3. Get SMART
We live in an age of rapid advances in science and technology and these are also being applied to powered access platforms to boost training and improve safety. Over the past few years, some of these technologies have already been incorporated into access equipment including:
It looks as though 2017 will be another good year for business that work at height with powered access platforms so why not see the New Year as an opportunity to fine tune existing skills and look to the future by embracing new technology.
18 December 2016
Anyone buying used powered access platforms is making a big decision. However, it could make a major difference to the safety and speed of working at height and enable a business to take on more jobs.
New access equipment can be expensive to buy, but buying used powered access platforms is a cost effective and beneficial way to build a machine fleet. Most used access platforms, when bought from a reputable supplier are pre-owned by trusted businesses, and come with a full service history so you can have confidence in the quality of the access equipment you are buying.
If you are thinking about buying used powered access platforms here a few reasons why they might suit your business needs:
Cost – Small and medium sized businesses can make significant cost savings by buying a used access platform, especially if they are frequently spending money on renting access platforms. Over time, investing in used access equipment can be an affordable solution for business that have regular and multiple jobs at height.
Time saving – It takes less time to complete most jobs at height by using powered access platforms. There is a model of access equipment to suit a wide range of high level jobs including construction, maintenance, window cleaning, tree surgery and even interior work. Access platforms are flexible and mobile, quicker to set up and operate and safer in most instances, than traditional climbing methods such as ladders or scaffolding.
Increased safety – Used access equipment from a reputable supplier or rental firm should come with a detailed and up to date service history record and proof that it has been inspected and complies with current safety legislation. Ask about the credentials of whoever has done the work to make sure they are fully trained and experienced.
Choice of platform – While buying used access equipment to support your business may have multiple benefits, it is still important to research the right type of access platform for your specific needs and, if you do decide to buy, to make sure that it suits the needs of your business and that anyone working with it is fully trained to use it.
Used access platforms are more affordable than new machines and can save time on completing jobs, and money spent on renting equipment, especially for businesses with a smaller turnover. The most important decision to make before you decide to buy is to find a reputable and reliable supplier of second-hand machines who can provide the relevant documentation on servicing and maintenance and can guarantee quality and reliability for anyone who chooses to make an investment.
11 December 2016
Lifting and lowering people quickly and safely are two main benefits of using powered access platforms in rescue situations. This is why they are the go to these types of lifting equipment for many rescue situations at height.
The mobility and flexibility of different types of access platform make saving lives safer and easier at a time when every second counts. Whether it’s bespoke access solutions for the fire service, or specialist access equipment to manage rescue situations in awkward spaces, there is an aerial work platform to tackle most risky situations.
Many of the features of powered access platforms suit complicated or challenging rescues from high places:
All terrain access platforms move quickly and safely over rough terrain and stabilise on extreme surface conditions including ice and sand.
Road rail access platforms are interchangeable between both infrastructures and can be used for rescues on remote sections of track and from steep verges or overhead power lines
Boom lifts move vertically and horizontally and are able to reach heights over tricky obstacles such as architectural extensions and trees
Spiderlifts can be used for both internal and external rescue situations and can access and be used in narrow spaces and on fragile surfaces such as paths or floors.
Every now and then a situation may arise when individuals need to be rescued from a powered access platform. Most access equipment has built-in safety controls so operatives can return the raised platform to ground level. Though these systems rarely fail it can still happen so it is vital to have a plan for how people can be brought down safely.
Any rescue plan from an access platform should comply with current health and safety legislation such as the 2005 Work at Height Regulations. It is important to do a risk assessment for the rescue and keep a record of this assessment and all details of the rescue as this may be important to refer to at a later date.
Here are a few things to consider first of all:
– Activate all normal emergency lowering procedures if possible
– Contact the manager of the site or project to report any failure of back-up emergency systems
– Get the powered access platform checked by a qualified engineer to see if an onsite repair can be carried out
If it is not possible to repair the lowering mechanisms then a basket-to-basket rescue may be necessary. This can be complicated and poses additional health and safety risks so it is important to follow the following steps:
– The rescue machine should be placed in the safest position to minimise any additional danger to anyone involved in the rescue
– Place the two machines adjacent to each other with the smallest possible gap between them
– Attach a double lanyard to both the person being rescued and the anchor points on both machines before the rescue takes place
– Never overload the rescue machine as this could lead to over-tipping or delay the rescue operation
– In exceptional circumstances, where a basket-to-basket rescue is not feasible, emergency evacuation systems such as a crane rescue could be used.
Powered access platforms are a safe way to manage a rescue situation quickly and safely. Carry out a full risk assessment, keep a record of access platforms in rescue situations as they happen and choose the right access equipment for the scenario and most emergencies at height can be resolved quickly and safely.
4 December 2016
Powered access platforms are one of the safest ways to work at height but access platform accidents can still occur and a large number of them are avoidable.
Human error is one of the main cause of access platform accidents and, even though UK law demands that all operatives have attended a detailed training course, mistakes can still be made.
Some errors might relate to knowledge of the specific make and model of access platform being used for a job which is why familiarisation is so important. Before the start of every job, anyone working with the machine should take the time to run through how it works and make sure they are confident before they start lifting people. This will include all aspects of the machine such as movement controls and dimensions, safety mechanisms and the operation of the lifting equipment.
Understanding common human errors could also be the key to improving the future design of powered access equipment as changes to the design and use of controls on some models of powered access platforms could save lives and reduce accidents. Manufacturers are always looking at ways to improve design and performance and, ultimately, safety.
There are lots of reasons why an access platform operative might use the controls incorrectly including distractions on site, lack of familiarisation with a model or machine or inexperience of identifying hazards.
A report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted three main types of human error when operating access equipment controls:
Slips – Errors where a mistake is made such as selecting the wrong control on the panel.
Lapses – Errors involving forgetfulness, for example forgetting to take account of rotation on a boom lift when operating drive controls.
Mistakes – When people do the wrong thing thinking it is right. For example, selecting the wrong control, manoeuvring too close to an obstruction or confusing the controls of a machine they are working on with a different machine they are familiar with.
Even the most experienced of operatives could make a mistake, though experience and patience can help to reduce the amount of human error.
There is no substitute for training and familiarisation and it is up to everyone working with the machine, regardless of seniority, to prioritise health and safety for the team. It might be that a refresher course is required for team members or that someone needs some extra support and and supervision with aspects of operation but working together is essential.
In some case the design of controls and displays on some models could be altered to reduce errors caused by slips or lapses. If there are issues with the clarity of controls then they should be included in the risk assessment and could even be highlighted to the manufacturer.
Everyone is responsible for health and safety and powered access platforms can only improve safe working with the support and knowledge of the people who use them on a regular basis. Familiarisation, working together and mutual support are the key to effective and intelligent working at height.
27 November 2016
The shortest day of the year is now less than a month away and winter is a season of lower productivity for industries that work at height. Here we ask the question – is winter access platform use practical?
Freezing conditions can impact on the performance and safe use of access equipment and the best way to prevent accidents or mechanical failure is to keep on top of maintenance and servicing throughout the year.
Powered access platforms are designed to cope with extreme work environments, indoors and outdoors and are the safest way to keep working and making money during the colder months.
In autumn it is essential to make the most of the light – with less working time because of dropping temperatures, shorter days and bad weather, the transition to winter means it is often necessary to work after sunset.
Pre-start checks
Before the start of every job the following checks should be made:
Stable ground
Ground conditions are unpredictable in icy weather as they are slippery and, though they may feel hard when frozen, surfaces can quickly become soft and wet as they thaw, increasing the danger of overturning or subsidence if the situation is not monitored.
Ground conditions are an essential consideration of a risk assessment for any job at height and it is especially important in winter to make sure the ground is checked throughout the course of the job for any changes in consistency.
Lighting the workspace
Any periods of time working at height after dark must be factored into the risk assessment for the job. In almost all cases, it will be necessary to use flood or spotlights as the natural light begins to fade to adequately illuminate the workspace both at ground level and at height. It is important to see what you are doing while you work and to be able to see operating and safety controls of the access equipment at all times.
Storage
At night temperatures drop and icy conditions can affect the performance of the access platform the following day. Make sure if at all possible that the machine is stored in a secure lock up, undercover or invest a suitable cover to keep the access equipment protected overnight.
Powered access platforms are able to perform safely and effectively in winter months provided extra care is given to the maintenance of the machine and the risk assessment of the working environment. Working in winter can be a challenge but powered access platforms offer a safe, flexible and accessible way to function all year round at height.
20 November 2016
Council access platforms are powering up for Christmas to help switch on lights and displays. These displays are made possible by the safe and speedy working of powered access platforms.
Councils and private companies use access equipment to set up the festive displays we love at this time of year. Council access platforms enable the electricians who plan and install the displays to work safely at height with electricity, lifting and installing thousands of feet of cable and hundreds of bulbs to light up streets, buildings and trees.
Setting up Christmas decorations on an industrial scale poses a number of health and safety risks including working with electricity, installation in tight spaces or areas with restricted access, and trying to get the job done in adverse winter weather conditions including wind, rain or snow.
Access platforms have a number of benefits and specialist features that can make the job faster and safer:
Accessibility – Spider lifts and compact access platforms can fit and operate in tight or confined spaces such as narrow streets or courtyards and can also operate indoors.
Mobility – Lifting equipment which is mounted on a van or truck bed and can move easily between jobs, providing a stable work platform for setting up fixed lights or decorating large trees.
Stability – Access platforms with a tracked chassis spread the weight of the machine over a wider surface area. This means they can operate safely on lightweight interior floors or tracks and pathways that are not used to heavy loads.
Safety – Access platforms can withstand adverse weather, sloping ground and varied ground conditions. Most models have a maximum wind capacity which can be found in the owner’s manual and gadgets such as an anemometer can measure safe wind speeds at height.
Flexibility – Overcoming obstacles may be an issue when setting up a christmas tree or light display. Boom lift access platforms have outreach and extension to overcome obstacles at ground and elevated level and move the working platform to hard to reach areas.
The festive season wouldn’t be the same without the Christmas trees and light displays that illuminate town centres and public buildings across the world, with the help of powered access platforms.They are suitable for public or private use; indoor or outdoor displays, and lifting heavy weights and awkward shapes such as light displays and decorations. They may have hundreds of other uses throughout the year but they definitely make Christmas brighter.
13 November 2016
Flexible height and outreach are often important factors for working at heights and boom lift access platforms are an excellent solution for lifting to hard to reach places.
Boom lifts have a wider range of movement than some other types of access equipment and can get around various obstacles in the built and natural environments. They are specially designed to tackle jobs on or offsite that are high up and in hard to reach places.
Here are some of the main benefits of boom lifts:
Range of movement – Unlike some access equipment that is designed for just moving up and down from one position, boom lifts can move both vertically and horizontally. The articulated or telescopic boom configuration makes it easier and safer to lift to areas which might be otherwise out of reach.
Avoiding obstacles – Many buildings and spaces have obstructions which need to be avoided for safety such as branches, architecture or even geographical features that can get in the way of an access platform and cost time and money to get round.
Stable foundations – Strong stabilizer legs are used to support the machine on the ground and they can reach heights of up to 50+ metres. Spreader plates should be used with ‘Spider’ lifts to reduce the pressure point between the outriggers and the ground.
Indoor working – Boom lifts can be used indoors or out and most models come with an electric motor as standard to minimise indoor noise disruption. Some models have lightweight mechanisms so they can operate without damaging floors or delicate ground.
Accessible – Boom lifts up to 22m are generally road towable on a suitable trailer. The tracked chassis means they are easy to position safely and accurately.
Boom lifts are the platform of choice for a range of industries working at height including construction companies, window fitters, engineers, tree surgeons, councils, public utilities and rescue organisations.
Before using a boom lift, or any type of powered access platforms, a full risk assessment should be carried out to identify potential hazards and work out how to avoid them. Monitor ground conditions carefully and consider obstacles at height and on the ground for a full safety assessment.
Boom lifts offer flexibility for a range of hard-to-reach jobs, both indoors and outdoors. They can overcome obstacles that might otherwise cost time and money to get around with other models of access platform and are easy to move around and set up. A combination of strength, stability and reach make them a popular choice of access equipment with a range of professional sectors and services who need to work quickly and efficiently at height, in a variety of working environments.
6 November 2016
Powered access platforms offer a speedy and safe solution to get people, tools and equipment to heights safely and quickly, but with a wide variety of machinery types, it is important to select the right powered access platform for a particular job.
Most access equipment is flexible, mobile and can access areas with restricted space, improve site safety, and save money. Different types of access equipment are specially designed for jobs in certain environments. Choosing the wrong type of machine can slow a job down, costing time and money, and increasing the health and safety risks to the workforce
What to consider
The most appropriate access equipment for a job will depend on a number of factors for example:
– Are there any steep slopes?
– What are the ground conditions like?
– Are there obstructions such as steelwork, overhangs or power lines?
– Look for fragile surfaces such as tiled floors or pathways
– What space is there to load at floor level?
– How high up is the job?
Benefits of powered access platforms
Mobility
Powered access platforms can lift people and equipment to significant height in less time than it takes to climb a ladder or scaffold. They can be transported, set up and utilised quickly and easily depending on the demands of the job. Larger platforms can be road towed for setup on-site, or vehicle-mounted platforms offer maximum portability. Some models can be moved safely while the platform is raised; a major benefit for completing multiple jobs in different locations on or off site.
For tighter spaces or building interiors, spider lift access platforms are lightweight with low ground pressure. They can be used internally or externally without damaging floors or pathways and will fit through standard-sized doorways and gates.
Even jobs in extreme conditions are accessible with all-terrain vehicles that have four wheel drive and four wheel steering options to access hard to reach places and levelling controls that stabilise on steep sloped ground.
Access
Lightweight and compact powered access platforms can access jobs which are hard to reach or dangerous. Boom lifts have a telescopic reach which can avoid obstacles such as architecture or overhanging branches. Spider lift access platforms are designed for use in confined spaces, including jobs indoors. They can can even pass through a standard sized doorway.
Safety
Powered access platforms are a simple solution for lifting both people and essential equipment at height. Heavy tools or materials, specialist equipment or breakables can be raised safely and quickly. Modern models have the capacity to anchor additional safety equipment such as a lanyard or harness
Training in the use of access equipment is required by law but will benefit businesses in the long run as the equipment can be used quickly and efficiently by a small number of staff.
Powered access platforms, are mobile, safe and flexible but it is important to choose the right make and model for your specific needs so you can get the maximum benefits of safe and speedy lifting.
30 October 2016
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is the main piece of legislation covering all types of workplace lifting equipment and inspections of access platforms need to be carried out every six months.
Falls from height are still the most common cause of workplace accidents and injuries so the law is clear about the safe use of lifting equipment, including powered access platforms. LOLER sets out the legal requirements of employers and self –employed people who are responsible for providing lifting equipment at work.
Without a valid LOLER certificate, it is not safe to use your machine which is why Promax Access Ltd offers free service to their customers to remind them when their next inspection is due. Simply input the date of your next inspection on the form on our website and we will get in touch in plenty of time to remind you when it is due.
All makes and models of access equipment are covered by LOLER, including the platform itself and the mechanisms used to stabilize and support it.
The aims of LOLER
Inspect the equipment. All machines should be serviced and maintained at regular intervals and properly inspected before every job. A thorough inspection of the powered access platform and any accessories such as personal safety equipment should be carried out before it is used for the first time on any job and it should have a thorough examination carried out by a competent person every six months, if it is used to lift people.
Make sure the access equipment is strong and stable enough. Choosing the right type of access equipment for a specific job should always be a primary decisions. It should be positioned to ensure the maximum safety of people working both at height and at ground level.
Never overload access platforms. Every machine has a safe working load that it can lift without causing instability or increasing the risk of falls. This should be marked on the machine and should include the maximum weight of people and equipment and the number of people the access platform can safely lift.
Plan every job carefully. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) all jobs involving lifting equipment should be:
– properly planned by a competent person
– appropriately supervised
– carried out in a safe manner
All jobs at height need a risk assessment which continue throughout the course of the job to identify hazards and enable you to plan an prevent them. It should be supervised by someone experienced and competent.
Complying with LOLER means businesses are meeting their legal requirements and getting the full benefits of professional lifting equipment. Go to www.promaxaccess.com and let us help you to comply with the law for safe and effective elevated working.
24 October 2016
For most industries that work at height, winter is the season when the schedule becomes less hectic due to shorter working days and unpredictable weather conditions.
However, powered access platforms are designed to cope with extreme work environments, indoors and outdoors and are the safest way to keep working and making money during winter months, provided your machine is kept in prime working order.
Choosing the right access equipment for a specific job can overcome most issues when supported with a detailed and ongoing risk assessment of existing and potential hazards. Here are a few other things to consider to be winter ready:
Stability
A strong foundation is essential on slippery or sloping ground and outriggers or stabilizer legs on powered access platforms can provide this even on steep gradients. Warning lights on the machine controls indicate when the access equipment is in a stable position and some lifts may require spreader plates under the legs to prevent subsidence.
Daily checks
Supervisors and operatives should carry out a thorough check of the powered access platform before the start of any job. These checks look for visible signs of wear and tear and flag up and immediate problems with the mechanical parts or safety controls. All operatives should be trained to spot potential dangers and know where to report them if necessary.
Before the start of every job the following checks should be made:
Maintenance
Under UK, law powered access platforms must be fully serviced and inspected by a qualified mechanic, every six months if they are lifting people and equipment. This is a full and thorough inspection of all machine parts and working apparatus and is recorded for both legal compliance and as a record for resale.
A full service will encompass all the daily checks plus a more detailed analysis of components and performance including:
Storage
Whether you are leaving access equipment over night on site or taking it to a secure compound make sure it is properly covered where necessary and locked when not in use. This will not only prevent theft or misuse but it will protect the machine against damage caused by rust or exposure.
Winter working does pose some safety challenges but need not be a barrier to using powered access platforms. Take extra care with the safety routine and ensure the access platform is carefully stored and protected from the elements where necessary and you can continue to work safely all year round.