Select Page

What to Know When Buying Portable Work Platforms

Industrial Man Lifts offers numerous types of work platforms such as aerial platforms (for example; scissor lifts), prefabricated, scaffolding and permanently installed platforms. Each platform offers a different function for a different type of work. For instance, if you need to sort out products in a large warehouse, you’d need a scissor lift. If you required […]

Written By Industrial Man Lifts

On April 13, 2018
"

Read more

Industrial Man Lifts offers numerous types of work platforms such as aerial platforms (for example; scissor lifts), prefabricated, scaffolding and permanently installed platforms. Each platform offers a different function for a different type of work.

For instance, if you need to sort out products in a large warehouse, you’d need a scissor lift. If you required a platform for painting, that would be done with scaffolding.

Each option is customizable for different heights and movement, offering safe use and an ergonomic structure. However, if you do not know which one is required for your work, you might end up buying the wrong equipment.

Here’s some information that may come in handy.

  • What is required from a Work Platform?

According to OSHA regulations on walking-working surfaces, standard number 1910 Subpart D, some general requirements for work platforms include:

  • The rail must be 42” in height. The mid rail must have a 4-inch toe board.
  • The rails are required to be at 4 feet. This is the height at which fall protection is required. Although scaffolding and lifts would have their specific fall-protection requirements.
  • If the platform has more than four steps, they will need a rail as well.
  • Access openings must be protected by gates so no one can step into them.
  • The Uses of Work Platforms

A single platform doesn’t have an all-purpose function. For example, if you have a platform that is being used to access a section of a machine, and you need to access an even higher section for maintenance, you will need to purchase a different platform for safe access.

While the platform you have at this point may be at a good height and offer proper access, it would not serve well if you have to climb on the rails or other parts of the platform to access something else. Always consider safety first when buying any platform.

Remember, you can have your platforms customized for specific purposes. The same cannot be said for your body.

  • Surface Matters

Always be aware of the surface you’ll be using your platform on before buying it. You shouldn’t have a problem if the surface is clean, smooth, free of spills and debris and unbroken. Since your platform needs to be moved, it should have an uncompromised surface to work on.

However, if the surface is uneven, you must have your platform adjusted accordingly. Use larger wheels so it can roll over any holes in the floor, keep extra wheels in store.

Safeguarding measures must be followed otherwise the platform itself could get stuck, or worse, tip over while being used.

  • Versatility of Each Platform

Work platforms are quite easy to work with, especially given their customizable function. If you are using a work platform, try to add as much versatility to its design as possible.

i2

Consider the uses you’ll be taking from it. Will it be used in a single location or more, whether you require additional access, if the platform will be strong enough and where you’ll place the platform in the future?

Remember, a platform is multi-functional. Having it customized now will save you from making modifications later.

Buying Work Platforms from Industrial Man Lifts

The price for these platforms can be substantial.

If you’re going to buy a platform, think ahead about what’s required from each platform, whether the person/people using it are trained to do so, and the limitations it may offer.

If done right, the right platform should save you a lot of money and serve its purpose safely and effectively.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All You Need to Know...

Discover Strategies For Safety In Your Workplace!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Share This

Share this post with your friends!