Safety

This concerns your life...

As good and useful as a platform can be at performing a given task, it can be just as dangerous if not operated correctly and with due care. On this page, we have listed the things that are important to have in mind when operating a platform. 

The platform may only be used to transport personnel, equipment and/or materials up to the maximum cage capacity. 

The platform can be used indoors or outdoors, but never in a place where there is a risk of explosions. 

When the platform is used indoors with the engine running, the exhaust smoke must be lead outside the building by means of a hose or the like. 

Important information for all operators, advisors and workshop staff:

  1. A platform is not maintenance-free.
  2. Read and make sure you understand the manual before you operate the platform.
  3. Understand the capacity and limitations of the platform.
  4. The manual must be present on the platform.
  5. Welding on the platform or the chassis is not allowed.

A platform can only be operated if the operator is trained to do so and is well aquainted with the safety regulations.  

Training entails full knowledge of your employer's work rules, statutory provisions, and the manual that comes with the platform. 

Untrained and incautious operators put themselves and others at risk of danger and serious injury. 

The two main risks of operating platforms

  1. Highly dangerous shocks from working near electrical wires.
  2. Injuries from falling because of equipment failure or uneven maneuvering.

It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the platform is not used unless it is maintained and in good condition in terms of safety.  

Remember

No instructions or manual can cover all possible situations. Therefore, the common sense and sensible judgment of the operator are the most important factors in preventing accidents.

Safety when working

The following list presents some important safety precautions. Some of them may seem simple but are often overlooked or forgotten. 

  1. Use the outriggers, and check the tyre pressure (tyres also act as outriggers).
  2. Pull the handbrake.
  3. Be aware of obstacles.
  4. Do not park the platform on a hilltop unless it has been set up safely.
  5. Make sure the boom is secured before transport.
  6. Never exceed the cage capacity.
  7. Beware of overhead electric cables.
  8. Stand only on the bottom of the cage.
  9. Never climb out of the cage to get to masts or the like.
  10. Never use the platform as a crane.
  11. Always use a safety cable.
  12. Use a hand line to avoid dropping tools.
  13. Avoid parking on soft soil.

All manuals MUST contain safety regulations to avoid accidents while operating, servicing and performing inspections on the platform

  1. No cleaning, oil filling or adjustments can be done while the platform is moving.
  2. Fire is a hazard when paint or hydraulic oil is exposed to heat sources, e.g. when welding.
  3. After servicing any part of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic cylinders must be retracted and pushed together several times in order to force any trapped air out of the system.
    DO NOT OPERATE THE PLATFORM FROM THE CAGE UNTIL THIS HAS BEEN DONE.
  4. According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, a stability test must always be performed on the platform after any service and maintenance work.
  5. As a minimum requirement, the platform must be inspected annually.
    DO NOT OPERATE THE PLATFORM FROM THE CAGE UNTIL THIS HAS BEEN DONE.

THE SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PLATFORM. IF THEY ARE LOST OR BECOME ILLEGIBLE, THEY MUST BE RENEWED.

A small thing can make a big difference: If anything comes up while working, which MIGHT require attention or service, report it.  

THIS CONCERNS YOUR LIFE. 

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