Access Platform News

Winter Access Platform Use

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.

Winter Access Platform Use

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.

Working in cold conditions

Pre-start checks
Before the start of every job the following checks should be made:

  • Inspect component parts of the work platform, extending structures and stabilising equipment
  • Look for signs of dirt or damage on the machine
  • Ensure controls are operational at ground level and on platform workstations
  • Check all emergency systems and safety devices
  • Check brake functions, tyre pressures, hydraulic systems and lights
  • Examine fluid levels including engine oil, water and lubricant

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.

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:

AccessibilitySpider 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.

Spider Boom Lifts

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.

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.

Are you ready for LOLER?

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.

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:

  • Inspect component parts of the work platform, extending structures and stabilizing equipment
  • Look for signs of dirt or damage on the machine
  • Ensure controls are operational at ground level and on platform workstations
  • Check all emergency systems and safety devices
  • Check brake functions, tyre pressures, hydraulic systems and lights
  • Examine fluid levels including engine oil, water and lubricant
  • Long term care

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:

  • Lifting, lowering, rotating and extending equipment
  • Safety systems and controls
  • All parts of the work platform/basket
  • Screws, nuts and bolts, bearings, hydraulics, electrics, ropes and chains
  • Power supplies
  • Hydraulics and electrics
  • Brakes, steering and stablisers

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.

Owners, operatives and manufacturers of powered access platforms are being invited to contribute to a public consultation on one of the European Union’s (EU) key safety laws.

The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC was introduced in 1995 to ensure all new machinery that is manufactured and used in Europe, including powered access platforms,  has been  designed and assembled to meet common minimum European requirements for safety.

The consultation consists of an online questionnaire, available in six official languages of the European Union: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Polish.  IPAF members can sign in using the link on the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) website www.ipaf.org and give their views anytime during the 12 week consultation period which runs from 22 September until 16 December 2016.

About the Machinery Directive
The Machinery Directive supports free trade between EU member states, which still includes the UK, at least until Article 50 is evoked following the EU Referendum result in June 2016.

Setting common standards around health and safety for new products makes trading powered access platforms between countries easier. The rules also apply to many accessories for working at height including lifting accessories, chains, ropes and webbing, removable transmission devices and partly completed machinery.

In the UK these regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for most industrial and professional products or by local trading standards services for consumer products.
Access equipment which is compliant with the directive will have the relevant paperwork to show it is compliant which means that the manufacturer has undergone an assessment process and met all relevant essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs).

About the Consultation
While the UK is still an EU member, industries that work in European countries are eligible to input on EU laws that affect them.The European Commission has invited citizens, companies, users (workers and consumers), public authorities, notified bodies, standardisation bodies and other interested parties to fill in the questionnaire and comment on the evaluation.

The results will be used to review the terms of the Directive in the future. IPAF members can also contact the federation if they require support or have any questions. To find out more go to www.ipaf.org before 16 December 2016.

Buying a powered access platform is a major investment for most businesses that work at height, however it is important to safeguard against machine theft and incorrect use.

When working on a busy location such as a construction site, it’s not uncommon for larger access equipment to be left there overnight if it is being used over several days. If this is the case, then it is really important to make sure machines are left locked and secure.

Unauthorised use can be extremely dangerous, especially if it is operated by a person who isn’t trained and competent (a requirement of UK law). They could be risking their lives and the lives of anyone in the area and it is the duty of employers to implement security measures when the machine is not in use.

Most powered access platforms are switched on with a key so managing who has the keys and where they are at the end of the day is very important. Keys should only be issued to authorised operators and returned by them at the end of the job.

When access equipment is not in use:
– Whether at break time or overnight take out the keys and make sure they are handed into a manager or in the care of a responsible person.
– It should be left in a designated space, preferably a secure compound or area which cannot be accessed by the general public
– Make sure the machine is parked in the transport position, with the main power switched off and any parking brakes or wheel chocks applied.

There are additional security features measures available on specific makes and models of powered access platform. These include:

Battery isolation switch – These enable the primary battery power supply to be disconnected by a switch that can then be physically locked in the off-position.
Smart cards – Operatives can swipe a pre-authorised card or fob across a reader or sensor in order to authorise use of the access equipment.

A sheltered site, shed or secure compound which cannot be accessed by the general public will prevent any wear and tear which can occur even when the machine is not in use and will, ultimately, extend its lifespan. If the access equipment has to be left outside it is worth investing in a strong and durable cover to protect it from the elements.

The employer or owner of the access equipment is responsible for ensuring workplace safety for the duration of the job. When it is not on site it is important to apply the same duty of care to private storage facilities to prevent theft and unauthorised use.

The UK’s vast rail network must be kept in prime working order and powered access platforms play a vital role in keeping the tracks clear and safe and to minimise delays.

Many miles of railway track run through remote rural areas where, during summer and autumn, trees, leaves and vegetation can pose a risk to safety by causing an obstruction or obscuring vital signals and signs. Accessing some areas and keeping on top of the growth can be a challenge, particularly during summer and autumn.

Road rail access platforms are designed to overcome these access problems  and operate on both road and track in urban and rural environments, saving time and money and making maintenance work significantly safer.

Benefits of road rail platforms
Modern road rail access equipment is safer, stronger, more robust.  The flexibility to operate on roads and on railway line means the machines are able to cope with a variety of tasks in a wide range of different locations and environments.

Speed and performance are not limited by the duel functionality of road rail access platforms as they can switch easily between the two operating modes and they have a minimal impact on the countryside and environment.

Throughout the year, road rail access equipment is used for a variety of essential track clearance and vegetation management jobs including:

– Clearing verges and embankments of vegetation and debris
– Leaf collection from tracks and track sides
– Cutting back overhanging trees and branches
– Improving visibility of signs and signals which may be obscured
– On and off track weed killing
– Hazardous tree removal

Promax Access Ltd stocks the biggest selling road rail access platform – the EVO-2/400 Hydrostatic drive version of the Basket RR14 EVO

Just a few of the features include:

13 km/h rail travel speed
400 cage capacity
4WD to reach areas that are off-road
Automatic turret levelling – 200 cant
Auxiliary diesel engine
Operation on a 1:16 gradient
Intuitive control system

Road rail access platforms offer a fit for purpose and safe solution to clearing and maintaining railway lines to ensure that there are no delays which are expensive and a huge inconvenience to passengers.

On site, the loading and unloading of powered access platforms at a work location can be a dangerous activity for drivers and operatives, even though they are still the safest way of completing temporary work at height.

According to data shared with the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), around 1 million powered access platforms are moved around the UK by road every year, with equipment transported to and from a wide range of locations in urban and rural environments.

An error made while unloading or loading heavy access equipment can have serious consequences and could lead to trapping or crushing incidents that may cause injuries or fatalities. More than a third of all unloading and loading accidents involve delivery drivers though engineers, operatives and individuals purchasing or renting access equipment are also affected.

Since 2012, members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) have been volunteering data on these type of accidents which is being used to improve safety and highlight some of the main issues.

The data has shown some interesting trends including the four main causes of accidents:
Foot run over –  Keep a safe distance when driving the access equipment with the upper control box detached and know and watch where the machine is going.
Trapped between machines – Standing between machines could lead to serious injury or even death if the machine is moved the wrong way.
Ramp falls-  Take your time when driving on or off a ramp and never drive on or off a ramp at an angle. Slips and trips can lead to an accident.
Catapulting– Loading and unloading of booms also presents significant risk of ejection so wear a harness with a short lanyard and fasten on at all times.

Accident prevention

Though the data highlights the dangers which can occur when loading and unloading, many of them are avoidable if you follow a few basic safety rules:

– Carry out a full and detailed risk assessment for every job which is fully recorded and reviewed regularly
– Make sure there is sufficient access on site for loading, unloading and moving around the work location
– All staff and operatives should be trained to use access platforms, familiarised with the specific make and model and aware of the safety procedures

The increasing use of access platforms by industries that work at height has had a significant impact in the reduction of workplace accidents and training. Planning and attention to detail are the key to reducing the margin for error and the avoidable risks for drivers and operatives.