In most manufacturing facilities aerial work platforms are used to access elevated work areas. When operators and maintenance personnel need to access these work areas for extended amounts of time lifts are used with a platforms supported by scissors, masts or booms. Work platforms tend to be safer than ladders, especially when working at higher elevations for longer periods of time. In order for these platforms to be safe and efficient as possible however, it is critical for users to operate and maintain them according to regulations and manufacturer requirements.
ANSI (American National Safety Institute) sets standards for U.S. businesses to help ensure safety and quality to customers and employees while growing the global economy. These standards, along with manufacturer and OSHA guidelines can help avoid an injury, violation, citation or even fatality.
Common safety violations include:
- Lack of fall protection
- Tipping over
- Crushing an pinching
- Unstable surfaces
Slippery walking surfaces can also lead to falls from great heights. In order to prevent these types of accidents a slip resistant work surface will give operators extra protection. Slip resistant products such as SLIPNOT can be retrofitted over unsafe surfaces or built into new construction platforms. SLIPNOT Grip Plate® for example will create an even, stable and slip resistant surface to avoid trips and falls. SLIPNOT aerial platforms are available cut to size and can be easily welded on top of existing metal structures or bolted down.
Camplin, Jeffrey. “Following Lift Safety Guidelines Avoids Accidents, Citations”. Facilitiesnet.com June2009. http://www.facilitiesnet.com/materialhandling/article/Following-Lift-Safety-Guidelines-Avoids-Accidents-Citations–10889
