12 February 2017
Wet winter weather can cause unstable ground conditions and powered access platform stability can become an issue. All you need is a solid foundation to operate safely. Powered access platform stability is necessary to prevent the access platform from overtipping which can lead to entrapment and falls – two of the main causes of serious accidents when working at height. Powered access platform stability can be achieved using a range of tools such as built-in safety mechanisms, careful planning and additional ground protection measures.
Ground conditions have a big impact on the stability of access platforms and a ground survey should be completed before every job. Poor conditions may mean further support is required such as spreader plates, timber mats or concrete pads.
On soft ground the machine can sink under its own weight the risk assessment should continually monitor the capacity of the ground to bear the lifting weight and any unseen hazards such as underground services such as sewers, drains, manholes, gas and water mains. Rain, ice and even sun can quickly change ground conditions and cause instability.
Spider access platforms use outriggers (stabilizer legs) to balance and secure the machine on different levels of a hill, verge or slope and have warning lights on the control panel to indicate when it is not in a solid position.
Spreader plates will be required under the outrigger legs of a Spider boom lift as the weight of the machine causes high pressure at the point where the legs meet the ground, increasing the risk of sinking.
Every make and model of powered access platform has a maximum weight capacity which includes the total weight of lifting people, equipment and tools. Overloading can be very dangerous especially on a slope as it could cause the machine to slide or overturn. The maximum weight for a specific machine can be found in the operator manual and should never be exceeded
Spreader plates reduce the heavy loads and pressure at the point of contact between a stabilizer leg and the ground, by spreading the load through a wider area.
Selecting the right size and type of spreader plate for specific locations and access equipment is important. Spreader plates should be big enough, stiff enough and strong enough to cope with the pressure and weight demands.
Powered access platforms are designed to operate on different surfaces but, in inclement conditions, this requires flexibility and regular monitoring of ground conditions. Choose the right type of platform for the job and take time to stabilize the machine in the working environment and the access equipment will do a safe job on most types of ground surface.
8 February 2017
Statistics from the HSE confirm that in the tree work industry, accidents resulting in major injury occur more than in the construction industry. Over 4,000 people have had their life affected by tree work activities. It’s a dangerous industry. Most of the fatal and major injuries are associated with chainsaw operations, being hit by a falling tree or branches, or by falling.
Between 2000 and 2013, 60 people have been killed doing tree work.
Because of the high number of accidents in the arboriculture industry the HSE commissioned an evaluation of the use of Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) in such work. It’s a 74 page Report that can be downloaded from the Promax Downloads page here.
The research showed there are a number of advantages to be gained by using MEWP’s for tree work:
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 do not say MEWPs have to be used for all tree work. However, the HSE recommend that the use of MEWPs should always be considered when planning tree work. They suggest they are particularly suited to:
The HSE Leaflet AFAF403 leaflet describes the safe working practices to be followed when using MEWPs for tree work. Using AFAF403 along with the manufacturer’s Handbook will form part of the risk assessment that identifies the controls needed to be in place for tree work.
Promax Access provides full training to meet these requirements including
Since only trained and authorised people may operate the platform and safety at height is the paramount concern, Promax Access training courses maintain the highest standards.
For more information regarding the Training programmes please contact Promax Access.
29 January 2017
Planning site access for elevated working. Powered access platforms have the flexibility and versatility to work in a variety of spaces on and offsite but getting to and from the workspace could influence the choice of machine that is right for the job.
It is important to have sufficient space to reach the work area safely and, if necessary, to move and operate the access equipment without putting operator safety at risk or damaging the surrounding space.
Planning site access is an important consideration for the pre-job risk assessment and should take into account whether the job is indoors or outdoors, any obstacles in the work area and the ground conditions in the workspace.
When planning site access for elevated working, factor in separate or designated areas of movement. This will help workers on the ground and the access equipment and should include:
– Separate entrances and exits
– Pedestrian walkways through the work area.
– Crossing points which are clearly signed and lit where there is a cross over between access equipment and pedestrians
– Room to reverse or make a three point turn
Visibility is paramount when moving machines around and vehicles should have large, clean windscreens and external mirrors to provide an all-round field of vision.
Powered access platforms vary in size it is important to know how they will move to and from the work area. There should be room to drive or reverse onto the site, to move or turn around on it, and suitable space for unloading on the road.
Some access platforms, such as scissor lifts, can operate indoors and in restricted spaces. They are compact enough fit through a standard sized door or gateway and light enough to operate on fragile interior floors.
Ground conditions should be checked a regular intervals during the course of every. They can vary even in different areas of the same site and are affected by the weather, traffic and the maximum weight load of the machine.
Assessments should include each area where the access equipment will be used and any space it will have to travel across. There should be enough space for the proper set up of outriggers and spreader plates if required.
The risk assessment should identify potential hazards both above and below ground level in detail, especially if you are using mobile access platforms and moving around a work area. Buildings, trees and overhead power lines are just some of the obstacles that can affect site access for powered access platforms and pose an entrapment risk to the workforce.
Powered access platforms make working at height safer and access to the work space requires careful planning. Access hazards can lead to overtipping, entrapment and falls and are an essential safety consideration. Assess the ground conditions carefully and work out how to move safely around the work area to avoid any potential hazards which could injure the workforce or cause expensive delays.
22 January 2017
Just like driving a car safely where you must have training and instruction, so it is with powered access platforms. More hazards occur due to the operation of the machines rather than their movement on site. Legislation was introduced in 2007 (The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007) to ensure all hazards are properly controlled. Operator instruction and training is a key component of the legislation to ensure safe working at height.
It requires that operators of powered access platforms should attend a recognised training course and successfully attain a Certificate (card or ‘licence’) listing the categories of MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) they are trained to operate. An expiry date is also on the Certificate to allow checking that it is valid and current. Employers are required to provide access platform training for employees.
Promax Access is committed to providing high quality training to meet Health and Safety Executive requirements for safe work at height. Training can be held at the employer’s premises, or if suitable facilities are available, at a preferred site or at one of our training centres. We aim to provide your training needs with the minimum of disruption to your business.
There is a wide range of courses available to suit employer’s requirements including specific training for operators, demonstrators and instructors.
Categories of MEWP equipment covered include:
For more details on these essential training courses please telephone us on 01226 716657 or use our Contact Form. Alternatively drop us an email sales@promaxaccess.com
16 January 2017
So you are ready to start buying a powered access platform but, before you make the investments, here are a few things to consider to ensure you make the right purchase.
Access equipment can be expensive so make sure you have a fixed budget before you buy. Investing in your own machine could increase your business capacity and be better value for money than renting. However, there are additional costs to ownership including insurance, storage and maintenance.
If you have a limited amount of money to spend, or run a small or medium-sized business, investing in pre-owned access equipment could be more cost effective.
Different types of access platforms suit jobs in specific environments, though some are more flexible. For example a mobile access platform is best for multiple small jobs such as street lighting, or a tracked spider lift is used on fragile floors and in confined spaces. 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.
Job location will impact on buying a powered access platform as some access equipment is more flexible for use on multiple surfaces. Tracked access platforms, for example, spread the weight of the machine and can be used on delicate surfaces and on unusual ground conditions such as sand or snow. Access to the job site, working space, and ground conditions should all be considered. Some models can access hard to reach jobs and overcome obstacles, such as boom lifts that have a telescopic reach.
The use of powered access platforms is governed by several pieces of mandatory legislation under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, to minimise the risk of serious or fatal falls from height. Every operator must be fully trained in inspecting and using the equipment, spotting potential hazards and coping with a rescue situation and serious penalties can be incurred if they are not. Regular servicing and maintenance are also legal requirements.
Always ensure you are buying powered access platforms from a reputable supplier. Used access equipment should have a full service history record as inspection and servicing is legally required every six months. Make sure the work has been carried out by a qualified inspector or engineer. Access platforms should also be inspected and checked before every use to ensure they are fit for purpose. This will guarantee optimum performance and avoid accidents.
Hopefully buying a powered access platform will be a major boost to your business but it is worth doing some research into what your business needs before you buy. If budget is an issue, ask the vendor about payment plans as many of them offer finance options which can spread the cost while you work with the machine to earn it back. For businesses that have regular and multiple jobs at height the investment can quickly be recouped by saving on rental costs and cutting the time taken to complete a wide range of jobs.
9 January 2017
With the onset of winter and the probability of ice and snow, adverse weather conditions make it essential to have the correct heavy bad weather access platforms to reach those heights safely.
In almost all instances, appropriate access platform selection is key to the safe operation and efficiency of any job at height and the make and model of machine being used will depend on the specific needs of that job. Heavy duty access platforms are needed where the job has an added element of risk, for example:
– Unusual ground surfaces such as ice, sand, mud or railways
– Adverse weather such as strong winds or heavy rain
– Lifting heavy weights and equipment
– Overcoming obstacles at ground level and at height
In these, and other risky scenarios, a strong foundation and robust lifting mechanisms are essential. Fortunately, as powered access platforms are flexible and mobile, several types of machine are able to rise to the challenge.
Spiderlifts
Spiderlifts have great flexibility and include articulated or hydraulic mechanisms that both lift and reach out. This makes it easier to position the work platform in hard to reach spaces. This flexible lift and outreach also means they can avoid potentially dangerous obstacles such as branches, buildings or overhead power lines. With their stabilizing outrigger legs they can safely anchor the machine for use on uneven or sloping ground. The Promax Spider 33.15 is perfect for poor terrain and adverse weather.
Road Rail
Road Rail access platforms have the duel ability to operate on road and rail tracks without affecting the speed or functionality of the equipment. It is easy to switch from one operation mode to the other and it saves money as well as time by reducing the need to hire locomotive plant or attempt access through protected or remote areas of countryside. They are robust and efficient and used for a wide range of essential jobs at height on the national railways including repairing and installing signals and posts and structural inspections of bridges, stations and embankments. The Promax RR14 EVO-2/400 meets all these requirements and is RIS 1530 issue 5 compliant.
Bad weather access platforms are able to reach remote locations, operate on unusual ground surfaces and provide a strong and stable base in extreme conditions. Safe working saves lives and boosts the productivity, even in unique working environments.
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.