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Working at height is one of the most dangerous jobs without correct safety procedures in place. We’ve put together this guide to provide an overview of the things you should know around powered access platforms and working at height safely.
When using a powered access platform there are a few different risks for the operator that can cause injury or death, including:
When it comes to staying safe while using a platform access platform, it is important to always follow safety procedures and ensure everyone operating the platform is up-to-date on safety requirements.
We’ve put together some of the most critical requirements when using and operating a powered access platform safely.
Before you use the powered access platform, it is important for it to be inspected to ensure that everything is working correctly. Regular use can cause wear and tear to your platform, especially if it is not regularly maintained and serviced. If you identify anything wrong with the platform, do not use it until it is fixed. At Star Platform, when you hire a platform from us you can rest assured that each of our platforms are fully maintained and serviced and fully compliant.
Most accidents happen due to lack of risk assessments of the environment and the project requirements. A risk assessment must be completed when working at height and it should take into account the current environmental conditions, potential dangers and also a rescue plan should something go wrong.
To comply with regulations outlined in the Work at Height Regulations 2005, a rescue plan must be in place when using access equipment. The rescue plan should detail a variety of different situations that could happen and who will initiate each part of the rescue plan.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 states that all operators of powered access platforms must understand safe working methods, emergency procedures, correct storage procedures, how to recognise and report unsafe conditions and be able to prove efficient training has been provided. IPAF training courses is an accredited and internationally recognised course that provides all the correct information and practical training operators need when working at height.
At Star Platform, we provide IPAF training from our training centres all over the UK. If you’re interested in booking training, then take a look at our training courses.
Powered access platforms should not be used in extreme weather conditions – heavy rain, ice, thunderstorms or strong winds can increase the risk of injury or death when using the platform. Severe weather can make the platform unstable and increase risk of it overturning while also increasing the risk of operators falling from the platform.
Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring your powered access platform is always working properly. Every MEWP should have a LOLER certificate and should not be used without one – each platform should be tested and maintained every six months. At Star Platform, all of our platforms for hire are regularly tested and maintained so they are fully compliant with all regulations.
Always check your surroundings before moving or operating the platform, uneven ground, overhead cables, hidden fixed structures can all increase the risk of injury or death when using the platform. Always check around and above where you plan on operating the machinery and regularly check while using the platform.
If you’re looking to hire, we have cherry pickers, a scissor lift, or a low-level platform to choose from—we have over 3,700 powered access machines in our fleet and access to over 10,000 platforms nationally.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase or hire powered access platforms, then you’re in the right place. At Star Platforms, we have new and used access platforms for hire and for purchase.
If you need help choosing the right solution for your needs and requirements, then our team at Star Platforms can help – get in touch today.
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