11 October 2016
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.
2 October 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.
25 September 2016
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.
18 September 2016
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.
11 September 2016
Powered access platforms are safer to use than ever for most jobs at height but accidents can still happen and the responsibility for preventing falls rests with employers, supervisors and operatives.
Falls from height are the number one cause of workplace accidents in the UK which result in serious industry or death. Most of the risks are identified at the planning stage through a detailed risk assessment.
However, even with the most careful planning there are some circumstances which cannot be planned for such as changeable weather or operative error. Falls not only put the lives of operatives and people in the work area at risk, but also the knock on effects can include time delays, penalty charges, higher insurance premiums, legal fees and compensation payments and lasting damage to the corporate reputation.
Fortunately most accidents are preventable so here are five ways to safeguard against falls from access equipment:
Training
All powered access platform operatives must be trained by law in their use and familiarised with the specific make and model being used for a job. Accredited courses combine classroom theory and hands-on training with a written theory and practical test. Courses cover all types of powered access platforms including mobile, static and specialist vehicles.
Equipment selection
Choosing the right type of powered access platform for a specific job will reduce the risk of accidents. Different makes and models have specific features to suit a range of tasks at height in different locations. Things to consider include the access to the site and whether there is specific space for safe movement. A confined or open workspace may require a spider lift. Obstructions at height and ground level could use a boom lift access platform with height and outreach
Personal Fall Protection
Personal fall protection provides an extra safety boost for powered access platform operatives. For most jobs at height, the working platform is a safe and stable base and the guardrail is the primary form of fall protection but additional measures, such as a fall restraint or fall arrest system should be considered.
Fall protection systems are fastened to a solid anchorage point, preventing the worker from hitting the ground or falling further than a few feet, and can be adjusted to meet the demands of a specific job.
Maintenance
Powered access platforms should be kept in premium working condition. Maintenance checks should be carried out before the start of each job and a thorough examination (LOLER) is needed every six months by a qualified engineer.
Stability
Powered access platforms are designed to stabilise and establish a strong base on most gradients and ground conditions. Fragile or soft surfaces may require a tracked access platform or spreader plates to reduce pressure. Never exceed the weight of the machine and carry out a full assessment of ground conditions. Take note of the weather as wind speed at ground level can increase as much as 50% at an elevation of 20 metres
4 September 2016
Buying a compact crane offers an excellent lifting solution for many jobs at height. Extreme working environments require access equipment that is safe, flexible and powerful.
Cranes in our Reedyk compact crane range are powerful and have precision movement, even in locations with restricted space for operation. Theses factors make them ideal to lift a full range of load types from fragile materials to heavy items.
Promax Access Ltd is the exclusive UK supplier for the Reedyk compact crane range which are suitable for use by industries ranging from glass fitting, to construction. The balanced design means the lifespan of the machine is considerably longer than with traditional compact machines. Our Reedyk compact crane range will deliver big benefits, for example:
Buying a compact crane
Always buy from a reputable supplier such as Promax Access Ltd. We will talk you through the features of the machine and the benefits to your business and help you make the right choice for your specific needs.
Compact crane operatives must undergo full training in their use by UK law. The CPCS A66 Compact Crane course is one of the most comprehensive accreditations by employers and contractors in the UK. It combines hands-on practical assessments with and classroom based theory sessions to cover machine use, the law and risk assessment.
A designated crane supervisor should direct and supervise the lifting operation to make sure it is carried out in accordance with the pre-job risk assessment. They should be experienced and competent and have authority to stop the job if necessary.
Reedyk compact cranes offer a unique and specially designed solution to lifting problems in confined spaces. They are compact, lightweight and able to stabilise in a wide range of work locations and environments. If you already work at height they could be a valuable addition to your working fleet, saving time and money and ensuring the safe lifting of important loads.
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like more details. Alternatively, our friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions that you may have on 01226 716657 or via our handy live chat function.
31 August 2016
We are attending the APF 2016 Forestry exhibition at the Ragley Estate in Alcester, Warwickshire on the 15th, 16th & 17th September – APF 2016, the UK’s largest and most exciting forestry, woodland, arboricultural, trees and timber event will be the biggest and best event ever staged in its 42 year history.
27 August 2016
A stable ground surface is essential for safely working at height and tracked access platforms offer a solution for these unique, but not uncommon, working environments.
Tracked access platforms reduce the risk of working on fragile or delicate surfaces such as interior floors, pathways, and pavements, ice and snow, or sand. The most common types of tracked access platforms are spider lifts which are versatile for use on interior and fragile floor surfaces. Spider lifts can operate in small or confined spaces and can even fit through a standard-sized door or gateway.
Many all-terrain access platforms are tracked as they have to function on delicate and dangerous surfaces such as slippery mud, wet sand, or ice. They are used for jobs at height in more extreme off-road locations and weather conditions.
The main features of tracked access platforms are:
Variable fuel options – Petrol or diesel engine, AC mains electric for indoor or silent works or Lithium battery option
Portable – Road towable by trailer behind a 4×4 or van
Ground clearance – Cranked outrigger design for increased ground clearance
Adaptable tracks – Track widening system options and non-marking rubber tracks for indoor working
Cage options – Quick and easily detachable cage and air, water and power lines to cage
Smart controls – Remote control and simple intuitive operating system
For 16 years, Promax Access Ltd has been the UK’s premier supplier of compact tracked access platforms. Our innovative range of narrow and low ground pressure spider lift access platforms are lightweight. They not only operate indoors on fragile floors but also outdoors on gardens and driveways, without damaging fragile surfaces. The design will pass through a standard doorway or gateway, and travel along a narrow path or corridor.
In extreme or unusual environments, tracked spiderlift access platforms offer significant benefits over wheeled platforms. They improve safety, stability and functionality. Our machines will access and operate safely in challenging locations and unique conditions. Also offering an extra level of flexibility that will get the job done.
21 August 2016
Buying an access platform can be a massive boost to businesses that work at height – both in terms of efficiency and safety – but it is a big investment so it is important to make the right choices before you buy.
Buying an access platform is the safest and quickest way to lift people and equipment to significant heights and hard to reach places. The ability to operate safely in different spaces and environments means they are suitable for a wide range of industries that work at height including construction, utilities, landscaping and maintenance firms.
There are a number of benefits to buying an access platform:
– They are the fastest and safest solution to lift people and equipment up to hard to reach places
– The investment will pay for itself over time by saving on rental costs
– They are faster than traditional climbing methods such as ladders or scaffolding
– There is a strong market for pre-owned access equipment
Whether you are buying new or used powered access platforms, here are some important things to consider before you buy:
Buying an access platform is not cheap to buy so you want a strong return on your investment. Set a budget and consider how it could save money such as increasing your business capacity. However, there are additional costs to ownership including insurance, storage and maintenance.
Some suppliers can offer finance plans for customers to spread the cost of the access equipment over an agreed time period. There are accredited lending schemes with payment options including hire purchase, leases and contact hire.
Spend time researching the right platform for your business need to ensure your investment is worthwhile. Consider the necessary height reach, how much weight the access equipment will lift, and transporting the machine to each job. Choosing the right type of powered access platform is essential for safety on the job and can save time and money as well.
Servicing and maintenance at regular intervals – every six months for most powered access platforms – is a legal requirement to comply with health and safety regulations. Always buy powered access platforms from a reputable supplier. Access equipment should have a full service history record. Make sure the work is done by a qualified inspector or alternatively an engineer.
The operation of powered access platforms is governed by UK legislation to minimise the risk of serious or fatal falls from height. Every operator must receive full training in inspecting as well as using the equipment. Operators will also train to spot hazards and coping with a rescue situation must also be covered in training. Regular servicing and maintenance are also legal requirements.
Whether you are buying a new or used powered access platform, take time to research reputable suppliers. It is the supplier who will advise you on the best make and model to suit your needs. In the long term it will not only save money but also improve training and health and safety standards. This could even lead to new and repeat business.
14 August 2016
The safe operation and management of powered access platforms is regulated by a number of important pieces of UK legislation which are currently being reviewed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Powered access platform inspections are a legal requirement.
Powered access platforms are used by a diverse range of industries that work at height, from construction to tree surgery and utilities and all of these have different needs and requirements for how they use the machines. However, regardless of the business sector, all access platform operatives are bound by the legislation which is in place to ensure that jobs are completed safely and equipment is kept in prime working order throughout its lifetime.
The HSE review covers the requirements set out within health and safety legislation for the access platform inspections. The key pieces of legislation are:
All types of businesses that work with powered access platforms and lifting equipment are invited to share their views with the HSE on how the legislation supports or impacts on their business and if any improvements could be made to make access platform inspections even safer and more effective.
The survey will include all aspects of safety inspection including pre start checks and familiarisation and also the requirement to ensure that access equipment is serviced every six months by a fully competent person.
If you have experiences, views or suggestions related to complying with these requirements, HSE would like you to share them by completing the surgery which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk or by emailing examinationreview@hse.gov.uk
The survey will be open until at least the end of September. Responses received will be reviewed and a final closing date confirmed.