SAFETY INSTRUCTION GUIDE
To
be read carefully; if in doubt – ASK!
ABOUT THE HIRER
Responsibility
for the safe operation of any Access Platform lies with Employers,
Manager.
Supervisors
and others working form these Platforms. This
Safety Guide is designed to assist in carrying out this requirement.
It
is the Hirers responsibility to ensure that persons using any Platform are fully
conversant with the safety procedures and in handing over any Platform,  (Scotland)
Ltd, do not warrant that the operator is competent to do so.
Any instructions if given amount to basic training instructions only.
Full training and certification can be provided – see other details
over. All Platforms are hired under
the SPOA Terms and Conditions together with this Company’s Supplementary
Conditions.
ABOUT THE OPERATOR
The
safe control and operation of all Platform calls for a reasonable degree of both
physical and mental fitness and intelligence.
It
is preferable to select workers who have shown themselves to have a reliable and
mature attitude to their work.
No-one
should operate a Work Platform unless he has been selected, trained and
authorized to do so, or is undergoing formal training under supervision to
achieve these skills.
Similarly,
no-one should work from a Platform unless he has been authorised and trained to
do so.
The
following Safety Rules are set out for the benefit of the Supervisors and
Operators of Work Platforms and should always be followed.
Where a Platform is supplied without an Operator additional information
may be contained in the Operating Instructions for the Platform supplied and
must be followed.
SAFETY IN USE
- Never
allow the maximum safe working load to be exceeded especially with
Extension Decks. The load
capacity of a Platform is the total combined weight evenly distributed
to take personnel and a limited amount of tools and materials up to a place
of work. Never use
a Platform as a lifting appliance. As
a guide, 1 person and tools/equipment allow 120Kg minimum, additional person
allow 80Kg minimum
- Ensure
a) the Work Platform is properly positioned, that the outriggers, where
required, are fully lowered and extended where possible with sole plates and
spreaders as necessary, b) the ground is capable of supporting the load at
all times and tyres and/or outriggers are not positioned over drains etc.
etc. Do not work on soft or
inadequately supported ground conditions.
- Do
not use unless all the Safety Guards and Platform Rails and in place and
secure.
- See
that all necessary arrangements for making the work site as safe as is
reasonably practicable have been made.
- Do
not use the Platform as a Jack, Prop or Tie.
- Do
not use the Platform to tow another vehicle or item of Plant.
- No
modifications or additions should be made to the Work Platform, e.g the
mounting of signs, panels and other structures etc., which will affect wind
loading and consequently the stability.
- As
far is reasonably practicable any work carried out from the Platform should
be within the area bounded by the Guard Rails.
It is not advisable for persons to lean out
- Never
use the manual emergency control for lowering other than in an emergency.
- Work
Platforms must never be positioned so that any part of it or its load comes
within an unsafe distance of a high voltage electric power source or power
lines.
- Arrangements
should be made to warn drivers of other vehicles of possible hazards caused
by any Platform i.e temporary barriers etc.
- Always
clean footwear before entering cage.
- Do
not use ladders, scaffolding or any other means of extending working height
of Platform.
- Do
not wedge Platform under girders, trusses etc.
- Never
over-ride hydraulic, electrical or mechanical safety devices.
- Do
not use as a lift for transferring persons or materials form one level to
another.
- Operators
and Users should always wear Safety Helmets and Safety Harness as required.
- Never
use in winds exceeding 30mph (Beaufort Scale 6) or less as may be shown in
manufacturers ‘Operating Instructions’.
A copy of the Beaufort Scale is provided for your guidance – see
Daily Check.
- Work
Platforms must not be set-up in tandem or joined together with a bridge.
- Always
check for possible obstructions before and when raising the Platform.
- Do
not charge batteries near sparks or open flame.
Batteries that are being charged emit highly explosive gases and smoking
is prohibited.
- Do
not allow unauthorized operation, use only correct key supplied by us and do
not leave key in machine whilst unattended.
- All
work Platforms to have Daily Service Check as shown on Check Sheet
supplied.
- If
you require another Operator trained, lose the key, are in doubt about
something – Telephone
(01563) 850060 immediately.
NOTICE OF AN ACCIDENT
If
a Platform is involved in ANY accident resulting in an injury to a
person/s, damage to the Platform or other property; IMMEDIATE notice must
be given to the owner by the telephone and confirmed in writing to the owners’
office.
ON COMPLETION OF JOB
Please
ensure all Booms are correctly and fully lowered on to support and if fitted
with Locking Bars that they are properly in position.
On
Platforms that have Outriggers fitted – do not move unless ALL
Outriggers are fully retracted.
Please
recharge batteries for loading purposes and the next user!
On
Trailer Type Platforms – reconnect trailer number/lighting board and ensure
jockey wheel is well clear of road for travelling and is securely fixed in
position.
USEFUL PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
CPA
& IPAF Mobile Elevating
Work Platforms – Operators’ Safety Guide
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