Fork Mounted Work Platforms - There are certain requirements outlining forklift safety standards and the work platform must be constructed by the manufacturer so as to conform. A custom made work platform could be made by a professional engineer so long as it also satisfies the design standards according to the applicable lift truck safety standard. These customized designed platforms should be certified by a licensed engineer to maintain they have in fact been manufactured according to the engineers design and have followed all requirements. The work platform should be legibly marked to show the label of the certifying engineer or the manufacturer.
There is some particular information's which are considered necessary to be make on the machine. One instance for custom machinery is that these require 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 in order 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 while empty, along with the safety standard which the work platform was built to meet is among other necessary markings.
The maximum combined weight of the equipment, people and supplies allowed on the work platform is called the rated load. This particular information must likewise be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the least rated capacity of the forklift that is required to safely handle the work platform can be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and forklift capacity or by the make and model of the forklift which could be utilized together with the platform. The method for fastening the work platform to the forks or fork carriage must also be specified by a professional engineer or the maker.
Various safety requirements are there in order to guarantee the floor of the work platform has an anti-slip surface. This ought to be placed no farther than 8 inches more than the regular load supporting area of the forks. There must be a way offered in order to prevent the work platform and carriage from pivoting and rotating.
Use Requirements
Just skilled operators are certified to operate or work these machines for hoisting staff in the work platform. Both the work platform and lift truck need to be in compliance with OHSR and in good working condition previous to the use of the system to hoist personnel. All producer or designer directions that pertain to safe utilization of the work platform must also be existing in the workplace. If the carriage of the forklift is capable of pivoting or rotating, these functions must be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform must be secured to the fork carriage or to the forks in the particular manner provided by the work platform manufacturer or a licensed engineer.
Another safety requirement states that the rated load and the combined weight of the work platform should not go over 1/3 of the rated capability for a rough terrain forklift. On a high forklift combined loads must not go beyond one half the rated capacities for the reach and configuration being used. A trial lift is needed to be performed at each task site at once before raising personnel in the work platform. This process guarantees the forklift and be positioned and maintained on a proper supporting surface and likewise to be able to guarantee there is enough reach to position the work platform to allow the task to be done. The trial process also checks that the boom can travel vertically or that the mast is vertical.
A test lift should be done at each task site instantly before hoisting employees in the work platform to ensure the lift truck can be positioned on an appropriate supporting surface, that there is adequate reach to locate the work platform to allow the task to be done, and that the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically. Utilizing the tilt function for the mast can be utilized to be able to assist with final positioning at the job site and the mast needs to travel in a vertical plane. The test lift determines that enough clearance could be maintained between the work platform and the elevating mechanism of the lift truck. Clearance is also checked according to storage racks, overhead obstructions, scaffolding, as well as whichever nearby structures, as well from hazards like live electrical wires and energized machine.
A communication system between the lift truck operator and the work platform occupants ought to be implemented to be able to efficiently and safely control work platform operations. When there are many occupants on the work platform, one person need to be selected to be the main individual accountable to signal the forklift operator with work platform motion requests. A system of hand and arm signals should 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 must not be transported in the work platform between different task locations. The work platform must be lowered so that workers can exit the platform. If the work platform does not have railing or adequate protection on all sides, each and every occupant has to have on an appropriate fall protection system connected to a designated anchor spot on the work platform. Personnel must carry out functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or make use of whatever tools so as to add to the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the forklift driver is required to remain within ten feet or three meters of the lift truck controls and maintain visual contact with the lift truck and with the work platform. When the forklift platform is occupied the operator should follow the above requirements and remain in communication with the work platform occupants. These instructions help to maintain workplace safety for everybody.
Click to Download the pdf