Fork Mounted Work Platform - There are particular requirements outlining lift truck safety standards and the work platform must be made by the manufacturer so as to conform. A custom designed work platform could be built by a professional engineer as long as it likewise meets the design criteria in accordance with the applicable forklift safety standard. These custom made platforms must be certified by a professional engineer to maintain they have in fact been manufactured according to the engineers design and have followed all standards. The work platform ought to be legibly marked to display the name of the certifying engineer or the producer.
There is several certain information's which are needed to be make on the machine. One instance for customized machine 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 part number or serial 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 when empty, in addition to the safety requirements which the work platform was constructed to meet is amongst other required markings.
The rated load, or likewise called the maximum combined weight of the devices, individuals and supplies acceptable on the work platform should be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the least rated capacity of the lift truck that is needed so as to safely handle the work platform can be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and lift truck capacity or by the model and make of the lift truck that can be utilized along with the platform. The method for fastening the work platform to the fork carriage or the forks should likewise be specified by a licensed engineer or the manufacturer.
Another requirement intended for safety guarantees the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface placed not farther than 8 inches more than the regular load supporting area of the forks. There must be a way given so as to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and turning.
Use Requirements
Only qualified drivers are authorized to work or operate these machinery for raising employees in the work platform. Both the lift truck and work platform must be in good working condition and in compliance with OHSR prior to the use of the system to raise personnel. All manufacturer or designer instructions which relate to safe operation of the work platform must also be existing in the workplace. If the carriage of the lift truck is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions should be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be locked to the fork carriage or to the forks in the specified manner provided by the work platform maker or a licensed engineer.
Another safety requirement states that the rated load and the combined weight of the work platform must not go beyond one third of the rated capability for a rough terrain forklift. On a high forklift combined loads must not exceed one half the rated capacities for the reach and configuration being utilized. A trial lift is needed to be performed at each task site at once previous to lifting staff in the work platform. This process guarantees the lift truck and be placed and maintained on a proper supporting surface and also in order to guarantee there is adequate reach to place the work platform to allow the job to be done. The trial process even checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
A trial lift should be carried out at each and every job location right away before lifting staff in the work platform to guarantee the lift truck can be placed on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is adequate reach to put the work platform to allow the job 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 site and the mast must travel in a vertical plane. The test lift determines that ample clearance can be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is even checked in accordance with storage racks, overhead obstructions, scaffolding, as well as whatever nearby structures, as well from hazards such as live electrical wires and energized machine.
Systems of communication have to be implemented between the forklift operator and the work platform occupants so as to safely and efficiently manage operations of the work platform. If there are multiple occupants on the work platform, one individual must be chosen to be the main individual accountable to signal the lift truck driver with work platform motion requests. A system of arm and hand signals should be established as an alternative means of communication in case the primary electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
Safety measures dictate that workers should not be moved in the work platform between task locations and the platform has to be lowered to grade or floor level before any person enters or leaves the platform too. If the work platform does not have guardrail or sufficient protection on all sides, each and every occupant needs to be dressed in an appropriate fall protection system secured to a designated anchor point on the work platform. Staff need to perform functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the guardrails or utilize whichever mechanism to be able to increase the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the operator of the lift truck needs to remain within ten feet or three meters of the controls and maintain contact visually with the lift truck and work platform. If occupied by personnel, the driver ought to follow above requirements and remain in full contact with the occupants of the work platform. These tips help to maintain workplace safety for everyone.
Click to Download the pdf