Working at Heights
5. Elevating Platform
The name mobile elevating platform for personnel, elevating platform or self-propelled aerial platform is given to any mobile machine aimed at displacing persons to a work position, comprising at least a work platform with service elements, an extendable structure and a chassis.
There are articulated and truck-mounted extension platforms, automotive scissor lifts, automotive articulated or extension platforms and special trailer platforms, among others.
The most important hazards when using elevating platforms are:
- Falls (onto a different level, off the platform or onto the same level).
- Objects falling (due to collapsing or landslide, when being handled, or due to detachment).
- Blows, or the worker or the platform becoming trapped or knocking into fixed or moving objects.
- Becoming trapped between some part of the moving elements of the structure and between this and the chassis.
- Becoming trapped due to machines or vehicles overturning.
- Direct or indirect electrical Contacts.
- Fire or explosion.
Preventive Measures:
- At the start of each working day, check that the elevating platform and its controls are in good working condition.
- Check the state of the platform basket.
- To be handled by authorised personnel only.
- Use of a fall-arrest harness anchored at all times to the platform structure.
- Before moving the platform, check that no obstacles exist which it may bump into.
- Do not modify or annul any element of the platform.
- Never use boards or ladders to increase the working height, or stand on the skirting, the intermediate rail or the handrail of the machine.
- Signpost and cordon off work areas.
- Ensure that there is no one under the platform or within its scope of action.
- Switch off the motor during pauses in the use of the platform, even though these may be brief.
- Keep the basket clean of slippery substances, cloths, tools, pieces of material, etc.
- Respect safety distances as regards power lines.
- Avoid overloading the platform. Distribute loads when elevating the basket.
- Access to platforms:
- Get on and off only when the basket is on the floor.
- Do not get on or off when the platform is moving.
- Do not get on and off via the arms of the platform.
- Before starting a diesel-powered platform in closed spaces, check that there is sufficient ventilation.
- Do not use the platform to push or pull loads.
- Do not use the base controls when there are people in the basket.
- Perform all operations slowly, do not make brusque movements, avoid braking abruptly.
- Do not tow elevating platforms.
Other preventive measures:
Parking
- Choose a place which does not hinder traffic.
- Check that all gates are closed.
- Retract the arms.
- Take the keys out of switches (to guarantee that unauthorised personnel cannot use the platform).
- Leave the controls in the neutral position.
- Park on the flat. If this is not possible, use chocks.
- The parking area should preferably be clean (this helps identify possible leaks).
