Fork Mounted Work Platform - There are certain requirements outlining forklift safety requirements and the work platform needs to be constructed by the maker so as to comply. A customized designed work platform could be made by a professional engineer so long as it also satisfies the design criteria according to the applicable lift truck safety standard. These custom designed platforms have to be certified by a professional engineer to maintain they have in actuality been manufactured according to the engineers design and have followed all standards. The work platform must be legibly marked to show the name of the certifying engineer or the manufacturer.
Specific information is needed to be marked on the machinery. For example, if the work platform is customized built, an identification number or a unique code linking the design and certification documentation from the engineer must be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the serial or part number to be able to allow the design of the work platform ought to be marked in able to be linked to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform if empty, together with the safety standard which the work platform was built to meet is among other necessary markings.
The rated load, or also called the maximum combined weight of the tools, people and materials permitted on the work platform ought to be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the least rated capacity of the forklift which is required in order to safely handle the work platform could be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and lift truck capacity or by the model and make of the forklift that could be used together with the platform. The process for attaching the work platform to the forks or fork carriage should also be specified by a licensed engineer or the manufacturer.
Another requirement meant for safety ensures the floor of the work platform has an anti-slip surface positioned not farther than 8 inches more than the standard load supporting area of the tines. There should be a means offered to be able to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
Only trained operators are authorized to operate or work these equipment for hoisting staff in the work platform. Both the lift truck and work platform need to be in compliance with OHSR and in good working condition prior to the use of the system to raise staff. All producer or designer instructions which relate to safe use of the work platform must likewise be obtainable in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions should be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be secured to the forks or to the fork carriage in the specified manner provided by the work platform producer or a licensed engineer.
Another safety requirement states that the combined weight of the work platform and rated load must not go over one third of the rated capability for a rough terrain forklift. On a high lift truck combined loads must not go beyond 1/2 the rated capacities for the configuration and reach being utilized. A trial lift is needed to be done at every task site immediately previous to lifting personnel in the work platform. This practice ensures the lift truck and be positioned and maintained on a proper supporting surface and even so as to guarantee there is adequate reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be finished. The trial process even checks that the boom can travel vertically or that the mast is vertical.
previous to utilizing a work platform a test lift should be performed instantly before raising workers to guarantee the lift can be correctly located on an appropriate supporting surface, there is enough reach to put the work platform to perform the required task, and the vertical mast is able to travel vertically. Utilizing the tilt function for the mast could be utilized to assist with final positioning at the job site and the mast has to travel in a vertical plane. The trial lift determines that ample clearance could be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is also checked according to scaffolding, storage racks, overhead obstructions, and any nearby structures, as well from hazards like for example live electrical wires and energized device.
A communication system between the forklift operator and the work platform occupants have to be implemented so as to efficiently and safely control work platform operations. When there are multiple occupants on the work platform, one individual must be designated to be the main person responsible to signal the lift truck operator with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals need to be established as an alternative means of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
According to safety measures, personnel should not be moved in the work platform between separate job sites. The work platform has to be lowered so that workers can exit the platform. If the work platform does not have guardrail or adequate protection on all sides, every occupant has to have on an appropriate fall protection system attached to a chosen anchor point on the work platform. Personnel have to perform functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the guardrails or use whichever tools to increase the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the driver of the forklift needs to remain within ten feet or three meters of the controls and maintain communication visually with the lift truck and work platform. If occupied by employees, the operator has to follow above requirements and remain in full communication with the occupants of the work platform. These information aid to maintain workplace safety for everybody.
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