A range of work platforms are available to use within industrial settings that can be used for jobs requiring working at a range of heights such as; stock picking, transporting goods, window cleaning, maintenance or construction at height. Adjustable height platforms may also be beneficial, if varying height operators undertake the same tasks. Work platforms can be made from a range of materials such as steel, plastic, aluminium or polyethylene and can be cage style, enclosed, or flat topped depending on the work situation. They can be purchased as pre-made items or designed to suit specific workplace requirements. Different types of work platforms include:
- air powered platforms
- adjustable height platforms that enable both access and a stable work surface over the top of tanks or trucks
- aerial platforms which lift workers up to higher areas, with either 1 or 2 person capacity
- battery powered self propelling work platforms that can drive with operator onboard and adjust in height at each location
- custom made platforms
- hydraulically operated platforms
- mobile platforms of varying widths and lengths which can be moved around the workplace where required
- step style or modular steps that can be moved into position for set height work
- work platforms that can be attached to forklifts for height adjustability.
Things to consider when choosing a suitable work platform:
- what is the maximum height you need to reach and does this change?
- is the platform required to be portable and if so, how will it be loaded and transported?
- how many people will use the platform, therefore what is the weight capacity tolerated?
- if the platform is on wheels, what sort of terrain will it be moved over?
- what space and access requirements are there to both set up and operate?
- is power required to the platform and does it need to be made of a material that is non conductive?
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In workplaces requiring workers to work at varying heights whether within a factory environment or in the field, consideration can be given to the style and design of the work platform for people with disability including:
- style of cage
- support rails
- space available for wheelchair or seating
- ease of height adjustability
- weight, if required to be transported.
Within a fixed workplace where a wheelchair user may need to move between different height workstations, a range of portable wheelchair lifts are available if space doesn’t allow for use of ramps. They do not appear suitable though as a work platform, more as a means of moving from one height work area to another.
Portable ramps are another option for wheelchair users who require movement between different height stations within workplaces that have limited space. Permanently fixed wheelchair lifting platforms can be designed with small profiles which may also be suitable in some workplaces.
References
Ascension 1996 – 2011, Ascension Virtuoso 4860P and 5460P Vertical Portable Wheelchair Lifts, Ascension, Tucson, viewed 3 April 2011, http://www.wheelchairlift.com/wheelchair_lift_introduction.htm.
Genie Australia (no date specified), Aerial Work Platforms, Genie Australia, Darra, viewed 3 April 2011, http://www.genieindustries.com.au/products/Aerial-Work-Platforms .
Safety solutions 2010, Work platform, Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd, Online, viewed 3 April 2011, http://www.safetysolutions.net.au/products/35680-Work-platform?topic_id=1400.