Tuesday 5 April 2016

Steps to Using Powered Access Equipment


Power access constitutes of those revolutionary equipments which have made working at heights more efficient and safer leading to enhanced productivity and comfortable working conditions. Thus there demand and the need of proper access training have also increased especially with the diverse range and capabilities of new models that are continually getting launched in the market every day. To be able to use any access platform, certain steps must be followed to ensure that the person is capable of using it. If any worker is well experienced and adept at working with MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms) and AWPs (aerial work platforms) like boom lifts or scissors lift, then the worker is only required to update his training and license. However, for any novice, the following guidelines should prove handy in preparing him use those equipments safely and legally.

The first step- Training 

The first golden rule to remember is that anyone using powered access equipment and platforms has to be mandatorily well accredited and trained. Due to the high risk involved, the industry follows strict regulations as stated by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Act (PUWER 1998).  This keeps the potential danger of working at elevated heights with this heavy machinery at check. Training is something that simply cannot be compromised upon since it is foolish to assume that all cherry pickers would operate in the same way. Any company must ensure that even the smallest personnel lift is well trained and has the complete knowledge of using the machine in the most proper and efficient manner. This not only saves both time and money for any company but also saves from much of legal hassle and unnecessary hassle of any accidents by keeping a safe environment. 

Specialized training and certification is relatively simple and quick to obtain from credible aerial platform sales and rental companies. They always provide options of giving training facilities on site or even providing training in the actual workplace as per the convenience of the one who has hired. This allows a worker to learn with the actual machines which he would be operating. IPAF and PASMA training ensures complete training for a range of different platforms and work lifts. 

The second step- Safety Equipment 

The next step after training is getting appropriate safety equipment and accessories which are critical for safety while one is working on the platform. These equipments can be a life saver! For instance, helmets not only protects from falling debris or overhead collisions but they also ward off critical head injuries in case anything untoward does happen. Similarly other equipments are critical.

The third step-Maintenance

All access platforms and equipments must be inspected every six months to ensure optimum working efficiency. They should be regularly cleaned and maintained so that no untoward incidence happens due to any negligence.

Ladder Hoists and Their Various Benefits

Ladder hoists are predominantly used by roofers, construction workers and scaffolders predominantly because they facilitate and easy and reliable means of transport especially for all kinds of interior work, repairs or refurbishment on flat-roof buildings. These are mostly constructed from the durable and sturdy aluminum material and steel wire rope. These hoists transport with great ease all types of roof shingles, solar panels and various construction materials.

Major Benefits of Ladder lifts

Amongst the plethora of various load receptacles for different types of equipment or building materials, these hoists have withstood the test of time and have proved their efficiency in saving both time and effort on any construction worksite. They are very fast, safe as well as efficient which saves considerable labor. The goods require less handling as they go directly to the destination floor. Thus they are a great asset in saving workplace fatigue of the workers. This leads to a lower number of on-site accidents or injuries and an enhanced productivity of the workers.

These units are quite capable of lifting about 300 kgs of weight to a height of about 33 meters or 10 floors. Thus these are also ideal for delivering furniture like sofa, cabinet etc, apart from construction materials. They are also fantastic to transport any roofing material, right up to the top of any building.

These units provide numerous health and safety advantages. Loads are lifted directly square on instead of any awkward bend like stair corners, thus protecting the goods from any scratches or any other damage. They are also much safer and efficient then pulling things up with the help of straps or ropes. Moreover, it puts less pressure on the balcony railing as none are required to lean over it. The ladder’s platform easily slides over the balcony’s railing inside, thereby making loading and unloading a much easier process.

All of the unit’s components are quite easy to mount and assemble without the use of any specialized equipment. Thus it creates a leading-edge and extremely safe and reliable means of vertical transport solutions to customers worldwide. They comply with all industry standards and also come with comprehensive warranties, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.