Fork Mounted Work Platform - For the manufacturer to comply with requirements, there are specific standards outlining the standards of lift truck and work platform safety. Work platforms could be custom made so long as it satisfies all the design criteria in accordance with the safety standards. These custom designed platforms should be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in fact been manufactured according to the engineers design and have followed all requirements. The work platform should be legibly marked to display the name of the certifying engineer or the maker.
There is some certain information's which are required to be make on the equipment. One example for customized equipment is that these need an identification number or a unique code linking the certification and design documentation from the engineer. When the platform is a manufactured design, the serial or part number so as to allow the design of the work platform must be marked in able to be linked to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform while empty, in addition to the safety requirements that the work platform was made to meet is among other necessary markings.
The rated load, or also called the most combined weight of the equipment, individuals and supplies allowable on the work platform need to be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the minimum rated capacity of the forklift that is required in order to safely handle the work platform can be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and forklift capacity or by the model and make of the forklift that could be utilized with the platform. The method for attaching the work platform to the fork carriage or the forks must also be specified by a licensed engineer or the maker.
One more requirement meant for safety guarantees the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface placed not farther than 8 inches more than the standard load supporting area of the blades. There should be a means offered to be able to prevent the work platform and carriage from pivoting and rotating.
Use Requirements
The lift truck has to be utilized by a qualified operator who is authorized by the employer so as to use the machine for raising workers in the work platform. The lift truck and the work platform should both be in compliance with OHSR and in satisfactory condition prior to the application of the system to raise employees. All producer or designer instructions that pertain to safe use of the work platform should likewise be available in the workplace. If the carriage of the lift truck is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions need to be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be secured to the fork carriage or to the forks in the specific manner provided by the work platform maker or a professional engineer.
Another safety standard states that the rated load and the combined weight of the work platform must not go beyond one third of the rated capacity for a rough terrain forklift. On a high forklift combined loads should not go beyond one half the rated capacities for the configuration and reach being used. A trial lift is needed to be performed at each job site at once previous to hoisting workers in the work platform. This practice guarantees the forklift and be placed and maintained on a proper supporting surface and even to ensure there is adequate reach to position the work platform to allow the task to be completed. The trial practice even checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
A test lift should be carried out at each and every task site immediately previous to raising workers in the work platform to ensure the lift truck can be positioned on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is sufficient reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be done, and that the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically. Utilizing the tilt function for the mast could be used in order to assist with final positioning at the job location and the mast ought to travel in a vertical plane. The trial lift determines that enough clearance can be maintained between the elevating mechanism of the lift truck and the work platform. Clearance is even checked in accordance with scaffolding, storage racks, overhead obstructions, as well as whatever surrounding structures, as well from hazards like energized device and live electrical wire.
A communication system between the lift truck driver and the work platform occupants need to be implemented to be able to safely and efficiently control work platform operations. When there are multiple occupants on the work platform, one individual should be chosen to be the primary person responsible to signal the forklift operator with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals have to be established as an alternative method of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
According to safety standards, employees must not be moved in the work platform between different task locations. The work platform must be lowered so that employees could leave the platform. If the work platform does not have guardrail or adequate protection on all sides, each occupant ought to have on an appropriate fall protection system secured to a selected anchor point on the work platform. Workers should carry out functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the guardrails or use whatever devices in order to add to the working height on the work platform.
Finally, the forklift driver must remain within ten feet or three meters of the forklift controls and maintain visual communication with the lift truck and with the work platform. If the lift truck platform is occupied the driver has to adhere to the above standards and remain in contact with the work platform occupants. These tips assist to maintain workplace safety for everyone.
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