When using any work platform, your safety is your number one priority. Over the years, we’ve had a substantial number of accidents occur due to misadventure and neglect in the workplace. This is why it is crucial that as a
purveyor of work platforms among other equipment and machinery, we do our part in educating the masses on proper use and the safety precautions that need to be followed.
Safety Precautions for Using Work Platforms at Construction Sites
For seasoned professionals, following the rules and regulation of the worksite can become second nature. But many end up ignoring certain clauses because they rely more on their abilities and that’s when disaster strikes. Always understand and obey the regulations set by the government and the manufacturer when using certain platforms and do not push the machine to work past its limitations.
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Always Perform Pre-Operational Inspections
This must be done before every shift. If the platform needs repairs or fails any of the tests, it should immediately be removed from the site.
All components of a platform depend on one another to perform well. If one component isn’t working, it could affect the safety of the whole platform. For example, if the wheel of a platform is broken, it could tilt or give way under excess weight.
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Assess the Workplace before Moving Equipment to Job Site
Look for potholes, slippery slopes, uneven surfaces, overhead obstacles, especially power lines. There are many hazards that can cause certain features of your platform to fail. You need to avoid them, especially if you need to use the platform on an active work site.
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Proper Protection is Crucial
Fall protection such as a full-body harness or a self-retracting lifeline reduces the risk of the operator being catapulted out of the platform. Keep in mind that even the slightest jarring at the base can cause a sudden whiplash. You need to be prepared in case something does happen.
Original illustration unavailable: i2
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Guardrails are not for Sitting, Climbing or Standing
Operators must have firm footing on the platform floor. If they’re trying to reach overhead, they must use manufacturer-approved equipment or should use a separate platform to reach that height. Guardrails aren’t strong enough to support excess work.
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Platform Floor Should be Clean at all Times
All materials must be kept away from the floor of the platform. Scrap material, large tool boxes or buckets can be a dangerous tripping hazard.
Entry Gate Must Be Closed
This is necessary for aerial platforms. Do not prop the entry gate open. Make sure it is properly latched and the aerial work platform can work correctly. Do not use the equipment if the gate does not work.
Industrial Man Lifts offers various portable work platforms among other machinery and equipment. For their use, we encourage our customers to follow all safety guidelines and procedures so they can effectively use all platforms and stands and stay secure in the work place.
