Selected aspects of work safety on mobile platforms

Mobile platforms, in the parlance of professionals called platforms, require safe assembly, operation and disassembly conditions. These conditions are related to the care for the safety of all people within the range of the device, e.g. the operator, other employees, employed in the area of work and outsiders. Regulations in a given company regarding the use of lifts, i.e. mobile platforms, should include the principles of safe work in an unquestionable way. What you should pay attention to when developing a security policy in the area of the use of this equipment, you will learn from this article.

Mobile platforms - characteristics and application

Mobile platforms are lifting devices. They are used to lift people, equipment or objects while performing work at heights. As for the complexity of the lifts - booms, they are built on the basis of structural components such as a platform (gondola / basket) and a tractor or, in another case, a jack. The tractor consists of a hook and rope or chain mechanisms. The jack is the lifting element. Mobile platforms, as a rule, are subject to technical inspection (UDT). The increases are used in many industries or situations. They are applicable, for example, in areas such as:

• actions of rescue services, e.g. fire brigades,
• activities of municipal services, e.g. greenery maintenance, decorations,
• construction, e.g. construction works,
• energy, e.g. work on high-voltage lines,
• assembly work, i.e. installation of lighting or advertising banners,
• works related to the maintenance of buildings, e.g. painting the facade or cleaning window surfaces,
• agriculture, e.g. work in orchards,
• forestry.

Types of movable platforms:

When adjusting the mobile platform to the type of work to be performed, the properties and limitations of a given type of equipment should be considered. Mobile platforms are divided into:

• low-speed, self-propelled, this type of lifts includes:
  • articulated, equipped with an arm with a joint, holding the basket,
  • scissors, where the working platform is raised by a mechanism of folding shears,
  • telescopic, with the best parameters of side extension and possible working height,
• transportable, installed on various types of vehicles,
• self-propelled, with their own car chassis,
• industrial trucks, i.e. telescopic loaders with a basket.

Choosing the right type of lift in the type of lift allows you to reduce the risk of sudden and unauthorized events.

Operation of mobile platforms

The service of the mobile platform is performed by an operator who has the appropriate UDT qualifications. These are high-risk tasks, because an accident or incident in the safety area may occur as a result of a mistake or omission. The operator of the lift should be in a good psychophysical condition, allowing for efficient making the right decisions in the event of complications. In his work, knowledge and experience as well as compliance with standards, norms and regulations in the field of occupational health and safety are important Fire. The operator of the mobile platform should pay particular attention to the workplace instructions, explaining the technical aspects of operating the device. At the time of assembly, operation or disassembly, the mobile platforms should be fully functional. It is also important to systematically keep technical and operational documentation of a given increase, including a maintenance log.

Conditions preventing the use of mobile platforms

It is worth remembering that legal regulations stipulate that it is forbidden to use a movable platform in cases of insufficient visibility (e.g. in the absence of adequate lighting and in the event of dense fog). Also, weather conditions such as rain, storm, snow, heavy frost or black ice exclude the possibility of using the lift. An important factor excluding mobile platforms from use in a given situation is wind speed. If it exceeds 10 m / s, it indicates inappropriate conditions for their use.

Frequent incidents / accidents during works

Mobile platforms are devices which misuse or misuse may result in an accident. As a result of such an incident, the operator of the lift, other employees working in the work area, or bystanders may be exposed to electric shock. You should also take into account the risk that due to an error (e.g. as a result of inattention or carelessness), the operator of the mobile platform, the wrong person or object will be caught by the equipment mechanisms set in motion. In addition, when working with a lift, there are sometimes falls from heights and injuries, as well as damage caused by the device hitting unauthorized objects.

Reasons for unauthorized incidents / events and accidents

When it comes to aerial work platforms, the most common complications / hazardous events are caused by:

• doubtful technical condition of the lift - caused by a defect,
• failure by employees to use dedicated personal protective equipment,
• disregarding the rules of health and safety and fire protection,
• improper operation / operation of the mobile platform,
• difficult weather conditions,
• improper place to set the boom (e.g. uneven ground, wet ground),
• inadequate stabilization of the movable platform, e.g. lack of supports,
• introduction of additional elevation on the platform, e.g. a ladder or scaffolding,
• too large a load, taken by the mobile platform,
• not keeping the appropriate distance from nearby buildings, structures or equipment.

Training entitled "Mobile platforms" in the SPA training offer

We would like to inform you that in our Operator Training Center (OSO), you will find a wide training offer in the field of UDT courses, including the operation of devices, i.e. mobile platforms. In particular, the training entitled "Mobile platforms" makes it possible to acquire UDT qualifications, allowing for driving and maneuvering these devices. We assure you that we make every effort to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired during the classes constitute practical and helpful support in the daily work of the operator of these devices. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our training offer and section on the rate of increase. In case of additional questions, please contact the training consultantswho will provide you with helpful information.

A wide range of technical training at SPA

The Operator Training Center (OSO) is the organizer of staff training in the broadly understood technical area. Trainings organized by OSO allow you to obtain UDT, G1, G2, G3, HDS, OHS and fire protection qualifications as well as knowledge in the field of pre-medical first aid. Our experience is based on almost 20 years of implementation of training projects - reliably and with commitment. We are the right partner for training cooperation for your business.