Fork Mounted Work Platform - There are certain requirements outlining lift truck safety requirements and the work platform should be constructed by the maker to be able to comply. A custom made work platform can be designed by a professional engineer as long as it also satisfies the design criteria according to the applicable lift truck safety standard. These customized made platforms must be certified by a professional engineer to maintain they have in truth been made according to the engineers design and have followed all requirements. The work platform must be legibly marked to display the name of the certifying engineer or the maker.
Specific information is required to be marked on the equipment. For example, if the work platform is customized made, a unique code or identification number linking the design and certification documentation from the engineer has to be visible. When the platform is a manufactured design, the part number or serial so as to allow the design of the work platform have to be marked in able to be associated to the manufacturer's documentation. The weight of the work platform when empty, in addition to the safety requirements which the work platform was made to meet is among other required markings.
The rated load, or otherwise called the maximum combined weight of the tools, people and materials allowable on the work platform must be legibly marked on the work platform. Noting the minimum rated capacity of the forklift which is required in order to safely handle the work platform can be determined by specifying the minimum wheel track and lift truck capacity or by the make and model of the forklift which can be utilized along with the platform. The process for connecting the work platform to the forks or fork carriage must likewise be specified by a licensed engineer or the producer.
One more requirement intended for safety ensures the flooring of the work platform has an anti-slip surface situated not farther than 8 inches above the regular load supporting area of the tines. There must be a way provided to be able to prevent the carriage and work platform from pivoting and revolving.
Use Requirements
Only qualified operators are certified to operate or work these machines for hoisting 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 workers. All maker or designer instructions which relate to safe utilization of the work platform must also be accessible in the workplace. If the carriage of the lift truck is capable of pivoting or turning, these functions ought to be disabled to maintain safety. The work platform needs to be locked to the forks or to the fork carriage in the specified way given by the work platform maker or a professional engineer.
Another safety requirement states that the combined weight of the work platform and rated load should not exceed one third of the rated capability for a rough terrain forklift. On a high lift truck combined loads must not exceed one half the rated capacities for the configuration and reach being utilized. A trial lift is considered necessary to be done at each job site immediately prior to lifting personnel in the work platform. This practice guarantees the forklift and be positioned and maintained on a proper supporting surface and likewise in order to ensure there is sufficient reach to place the work platform to allow the task to be finished. The trial process also checks that the mast is vertical or that the boom can travel vertically.
previous to utilizing a work platform a test lift must be carried out instantly before hoisting employees to ensure the lift could be correctly situated on an appropriate supporting surface, there is sufficient reach to position the work platform to perform the required task, and the vertical mast can travel vertically. Utilizing the tilt function for the mast could be utilized in order to assist with final positioning at the task location and the mast must travel in a vertical plane. The test lift determines that sufficient clearance can 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, and whatever surrounding structures, as well from hazards like for example live electrical wires and energized machine.
A communication system between the lift truck operator and the work platform occupants must be implemented to be able to efficiently and safely control work platform operations. When there are many occupants on the work platform, one individual must be selected to be the primary person responsible to signal the lift truck driver with work platform motion requests. A system of arm and hand signals need to be established as an alternative mode of communication in case the main electronic or voice means becomes disabled during work platform operations.
Safety standards dictate that personnel must not be transferred in the work platform between job locations and the platform must be lowered to grade or floor level before anyone goes in or exits the platform as well. If the work platform does not have guardrail or sufficient protection on all sides, each and every occupant has to have on an appropriate fall protection system attached to a designated anchor spot on the work platform. Personnel should carry out functions from the platform surface. It is strictly prohibited they do not stand on the railings or use whatever tools to add to the working height on the work platform.
Lastly, the forklift operator is required to remain within 10 feet or 3 metres of the lift truck controls and maintain visual communication with the work platform and with the lift truck. When the forklift platform is occupied the operator has to abide by the above requirements and remain in contact with the work platform occupants. These guidelines aid to maintain workplace safety for everyone.
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