Fork Mounted Work Platform - There are particular requirements outlining forklift safety requirements and the work platform has to be built by the manufacturer to conform. A custom-made designed work platform can be constructed by a professional engineer so long as it also satisfies the design criteria in accordance with the applicable forklift safety standard. These customized made platforms must be certified by a professional engineer to maintain they have in fact been made in accordance with the engineers design and have followed all standards. The work platform has to be legibly marked to show the name of the certifying engineer or the producer.
Particular information is needed to be marked on the machine. For example, if the work platform is custom-made made, an identification number or a unique code linking the certification and design documentation from the engineer needs to be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the part number or serial to allow the design of the work platform should be marked in able to be associated to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform when empty, in addition to the safety standard that the work platform was constructed to meet is among other necessary markings.
The rated load, or also called the utmost combined weight of the equipment, people and materials allowed on the work platform should 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 lift truck which can be utilized along with the platform. The process for fastening the work platform to the forks or fork carriage must also be specified by a professional engineer or the producer.
One more requirement intended for safety guarantees the floor of the work platform has an anti-slip surface positioned not farther than 8 inches above the regular load supporting area of the tines. There must be a way offered so as to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
Just trained drivers are authorized to operate or work these machinery for raising personnel in the work platform. Both the lift truck and work platform must be in good working condition and in compliance with OHSR previous to the use of the system to hoist employees. All producer or designer instructions which pertain to safe utilization of the work platform should also be accessible in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or rotating, these functions ought to be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be secured to the fork carriage or to the forks in the precise manner given by the work platform maker or a professional engineer.
One more safety standard states that the rated load and the combined weight of the work platform should not exceed one third of the rated capability for a rough terrain lift truck. On a high lift truck combined loads should not go beyond 1/2 the rated capacities for the reach and configuration being utilized. A trial lift is needed to be carried out at each job location right away previous to lifting staff in the work platform. This practice guarantees the forklift and be situated and maintained on a proper supporting surface and even so as to guarantee there is enough reach to place the work platform to allow the job to be completed. The trial practice likewise checks that the boom can travel vertically or that the mast is vertical.
Prior to using a work platform a test lift must be carried out at once before hoisting staff to guarantee the lift could be well placed on an appropriate supporting surface, there is sufficient reach to place the work platform to carry out the required task, and the vertical mast can travel vertically. Utilizing the tilt function for the mast can be utilized to assist with final positioning at the job site and the mast must travel in a vertical plane. The test lift determines that sufficient clearance could be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is also checked according to overhead obstructions, scaffolding, storage racks, and whatever surrounding structures, as well from hazards such as energized machinery and live electrical wire.
Systems of communication ought to be implemented between the lift truck operator and the work platform occupants in order to efficiently and safely manage operations of the work platform. If there are multiple occupants on the work platform, one person ought to be designated to be the primary individual responsible to signal the lift truck operator with work platform motion requests. A system of arm and hand signals must be established as an alternative mode of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
Safety standards dictate that workers should not be transferred in the work platform between task locations and the platform ought to be lowered to grade or floor level before any individual enters or leaves the platform also. If the work platform does not have guardrail or sufficient protection on all sides, every occupant must have on an appropriate fall protection system connected to a designated anchor spot on the work platform. Workers should perform functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or use whatever devices so as to add to the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the operator of the forklift needs to remain within ten feet or three meters of the controls and maintain communication visually with the work platform and lift truck. When occupied by staff, the operator should follow above requirements and remain in full communication with the occupants of the work platform. These guidelines assist to maintain workplace safety for everybody.
Click to Download the pdf