Elevating Work Platforms
Elevating work platforms (such as boom lifts with man baskets) are commonly used equipment on construction sites. Although these machines have proven to be useful and efficient, they can pose hazards, particularly if they are not used safely.
Hazards of Elevating Work Platforms
Examples of the hazards include the following:
- Inadequate attachment of a platform to a crane or hoist
- Workers not wearing fall protection equipment and falling from platforms
- Tipping and rolling of platforms while in motion
- Crushing and shearing injuries when operators or bystanders are caught in moving parts of platforms
- Inadequately built or modified platforms
Controlling the Risk
Both employers and workers have responsibilities for controlling the risk of injury from these platforms.
Examples of safe work practices are as follows:
- Employers must ensure operators are educated and trained in the safe use of elevating work platforms.
- The manufacturers’ operation and maintenance manuals must be available to operators.
- Platforms must be inspected and maintained as per manufacturers’ recommendations and good engineering practices.
- Service and inspection records must be readily available to operators.
- Workers using most types of platforms must wear a personal fall arrest system secured to a suitable and substantial anchorage point.
- Anchorage points for the fall protection system must be approved by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
- Level indicators and warning devices (e.g., horns or flashing lights) must be installed on platforms.
- An overriding set of controls at the lower level must be in place to allow a worker at the lower controls to stop and lower the platform in an emergency.
Work Platforms Mounted on Forklifts or Suspended by Cranes
WorkSafeBC permits a work platform mounted on a forklift or suspended from a crane or hoist under strict and limited conditions outlined in regulations and guidelines. A trial lift must be carried out to verify the ability of the supporting surface to support the lift truck or crane and ensure adequate clearance from any obstructions.
References
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 13, Sections 13.21–13.33
