One of the major safety issues in the construction, maintenance, utilities, industrial installation and infrastructure sectors is working at height. Aerial work platforms are a useful means of giving workers an authorised access to elevated areas, however the choice of equipment, inspection and use of the equipment should be considered and undertaken correctly.
Efficiency is a key priority for construction companies, as they continue to expand their use of specialized machinery to boost efficiency and productivity, and safety cannot be an afterthought. Although modern equipment can minimise exposure to hazardous manual handling, poor training, poor site assessment, misuse of equipment and environmental hazards can add new risks. Global Risk Community has also emphasized the link between 'modern construction machinery', operational efficiency and worker safety.
The hazards associated with aerial work platforms
Aerial work platforms are used to elevate people and equipment to a higher working position. They can be used on building maintenance, electrical installations, construction work, facility inspections, tree maintenance and also on industrial maintenance depending on the application.
But working on an elevated platform does come with a number of dangers. Falls, equipment instability, falling items, contact with overhead electrical lines, collisions and unsuitable ground can all result in serious incidents.
The first step in minimizing these risks is to acknowledge that each worksite is unique. Although a particular platform may be suitable for one project it may not be for another for various reasons, such as ground conditions, working height, access, load capacity and surrounding hazards.
Choosing the appropriate equipment
Before deciding on equipment, the task should be carefully evaluated and not just the machine that can reach the highest height.
Prior to the deployment of equipment, project managers and supervisors should think about:
- Working height and working horizontal reach
- The sum of all platform and material traffic
- Stability of the ground and the surface.
- Council Policy, available work space and access routes
- Electrical hazards and overhead structures.
- The weather and wind influence the situation.
- Required maneuverability
- Manufacturer operating limitations
It should also be pointed out that an appropriate aerial work platform can be used to gain controlled access for tasks that cannot be performed at ground level, but should not be used as the basis for adequate planning. The equipment should be appropriate to the task and work environment.
Pre-Use Inspection is a MUST
A pre-use inspection will detect mechanical or structural issues before the equipment is placed in use. Inspection requirements and critical components should be checked prior to each shift according to the manufacturer's requirements.
Inspections will vary depending on the equipment type but can encompass controls, tyres or wheels, hydraulic systems, guard rails, emergency systems, platform condition, structural parts, alarms, and other safety equipment.
Any fault that may impact safe operation should be reported as soon as it occurs. Equipment shall not be returned to service until the problem has been properly assessed and rectified.
Frequent maintenance is also vital. Good preventive maintenance will keep equipment operating at peak efficiency and minimize the risk of unforeseen failures during high operating conditions.
Operator Training and Competency
Equipment, no matter how well it is maintained, can be hazardous if used by an unqualified person.
Operators should be familiar with the controls, operating restrictions, emergency procedures, load limits, and any site hazards of the machine. Training should also cover practical aspects including positioning of platform, being aware of surrounding structures and adapting to site conditions.
Employers must also make sure that employees know the difference between working safely from the platform and operating the equipment. All participants in the operation should know their roles and responsibilities and communicate clearly before and during elevated work operations.
Controlling Ground and Stability Hazards
Safety of aerial work platforms is influenced by the ground conditions. Rough, uneven, wet or soft surfaces may impact equipment stability and the risk of an incident.
The work area should be surveyed for surface hazards such as slopes, holes, trenches, underground structures, debris and other slopes before equipment is positioned. Stabilizations should be utilized as needed, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
The platform should also be placed so that workers are not required to overreach and/or be in an unstable posture to perform the task. Proper positioning can increase safety and productivity.
They can also cause electrical and overhead hazards
Special measures should be taken when elevated equipment is used in proximity to power infrastructure due to the potential for electrical hazards. Getting in contact with a platform and a live electrical line can be very dangerous.
Before equipment is placed on worksites, they should be checked for overhead lines and other electrical hazards. The correct clearances must be observed, and the following safety practices must be used: Do not assume a line is de-energized if it is not visibly de-energized.
Other overhead dangers such as beams, pipes, signs, roofs and structures need to be identified during the planning phase.
The risk can change due to weather conditions
Elevated operations can be greatly influenced by weather. High winds can cause instability of equipment and make it difficult for workers to handle materials and/or execute accurate work.
Rain may also make surfaces slippery, impact visibility, and extreme temperatures may impact workers and equipment.
Witnesses/Supervisors are encouraged to observe the weather and adhere to manufacturer's operating restrictions. Higher work should be suspended if conditions become unsuitable until it can be done safely.
Effective communication and worksite coordination
Aerial work platform work frequently is outdoors in a busy area where there are vehicles, contractors, and pedestrians nearby and machinery is in operation. Poor communication can then lead to collision and struck by hazards.
A clearly marked work zone should be created, if possible. Platform personnel on the ground and on the platform should keep good communication, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Depending upon the nature of the project, signs, barriers, spotters or spotter exclusion zones may also be appropriate.
Emergency Planning
Once the platform has arrived at the working position, risk management is not complete. An emergency plan should be formulated for each elevated-work operation.
In the event of an equipment failure, loss of power, instability, unexpected obstacle, or other mechanical issue, workers should know how to handle it. Emergency controls should be known before they become needed, not during an emergency.
Rescue planning is especially crucial when workers are working at great heights or in an area where it may be difficult to gain access during an emergency.
The development of a stronger safety culture
In addition to the workplace risk-management program, consider safety precautions for aerial work platforms. The four elements of equipment inspections, operator training, equipment maintenance, site assessments, and incident reporting should not be just four distinct activities; they should be connected.
The area of construction safety is now becoming more proactive, with organizations implementing technology and other safety systems to prevent safety hazards from arising before the event. The importance of fall protection, safe access platforms, and technology-assisted construction safety have also been recently covered by the Global Risk Community.
Conclusion
Aerial work platforms can offer controlled and efficient access to tasks, which would be unsafe or difficult to access from ground level. But the benefits are dependent on responsible equipment selection, competent operation, regular inspection, proper maintenance and careful worksite planning.
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