A work platform is an attachment added to a telehandler or a forklift to lift the worker to a certain height for their daily tasks. These platforms are of different shape sizes and capacity to hold one or a maximum of two people (depending on the specification of the machine). It is attached to a telehandler or any forklift. Workers with a minimum load (extra materials related to work) are carried on a height with every safety measure to avoid any onsite accident.
When you use a work platform attached to a telehandler or in any other machine, it’s the operator’s duty and his visionary skills to lift you to a height with safety. However, the telehandler or forklift operator has specified duties onsite whenever workers are working on a platform raised at a specific level. Here are some of the duties of an operator when they lift workers on a work platform:
Ensure that the Railings are firmly Attached to the Carriage:
It is one of the initial and most effective steps to undertake before using a carriage for lifting workers. It is the first step towards safety. Either telehandler or any other equipment supporting attachment must be thoroughly checked. When it comes to railings, these metal railings must be strongly attached to the platform for better support.
Falling object protection must be provided if a hazard exists:
It is advised not to work at a height when the Jobsite has fall object hazards. However, workers cannot stop their daily assigned duty. When lifted on a height via work platform, it is the duty of both, the operator and the worker to check and determine every angle from where any falling accident can occur. After testing the Jobsite, one can continue with the work on the alleviated work platform.
An Operator must Attend the Forklift while Workers are on the Platform:
It should be ensured that the operators of the cab should not leave the entire telehandler or any forklift unattended when the work platform is on a height. The operator has to be present on the site around the cab or inside the cab to handle the requirements of the worker on the height.
Operator’s Position in the Cab Matters:
The telehandlers and other related construction equipment are equipped with the seating arrangement. The seat is comfortable and sets the operator in a particular position that makes him comfortable to operate the entire setting. In work platform cases, the operator must be in the normal operating position while raising/lowering the platform.
Do not Exceed Load Capacity:
It is one of the most-common instructions for the operators and the workers not to exceed the load on the telehandler/forklifts while raised on a height with the worker. One can check the manual of the machine during its purchase and read the instruction on the load capacity. If load capacity is exceeded, there is a high probability of accidents.
Other Safety instructions to Ponder are:
- Use a safety platform to lift people
- Only use approved trucks in hazardous locations
- Don’t drive up to anyone in front of a fixed object
- Don’t stand or pass under raised forks
- Only handle stable loads within truck’s rated capacity
- Use a safety platform to lift people
- Only use approved trucks in hazardous locations
- Don’t drive up to anyone in front of a fixed object
Torcan Lift Equipment has a wide range of telehandler and construction equipment. You can connect with our team at (416) 743 2500 or write to us at info@torcanlift.com for the best equipment rental or purchase experience.
