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 or enclosed, or flat topped depending on the work situation. Different types of work platforms include:
- aerial platforms with either 1 or 2 person capacity (those that lift workers up to higher areas)
- battery powered self propelling work platforms that can drive with operator onboard and adjust in height at each location
- step style or modular steps that can be moved into position for set height work
- mobile platforms of varying widths and lengths which can be moved around the workplace where required
- hydraulically operated platforms
- air powered platforms
- adjustable height platforms that enable both access and a stable work surface over the top of tanks or trucks
- work platforms that can be attached to forklifts for height adjustability
- custom made platforms
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 i.e. 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 conducive?
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 individuals with a disability including; style of cage and support rails, space available for wheelchair or seating, ease of height adjustability and 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 and may also be suitable in some workplaces (Genie 2007; Industrial and Safety Supplies 2008; Air Caster Corporation (no date specified): Ascension 1996 – 2008; Guldmann (no date specified)).
References:
Air Caster Corporation (no date specified), Adjustable Height Work Platforms, Air Caster Corporation, Illinois, viewed 8 February 2008.
Ascension 1996 – 2008, Ascension Virtuoso 4860P and 5460P Vertical Portable Wheelchair Lifts, Ascension, Tucson, viewed 8 February 2008.
Genie 2007, How to Choose an Aerial Work Platform, Genie Industries, Redmond Washington, viewed 8 February 2008.
Guldmann (no date specified), Stepless: Portable Ramps, V.Guldmann A/S, Graham Bells, viewed 8 February 2008.
Guldmann (no date specified), Stepless: Lifting Platforms, V.Guldmann A/S, Graham Bells, viewed 8 February 2008.
Industrial and Safety Supplies 2008, Work Platforms, Lab Safety Supply Inc., Wisconsin, viewed 8 February 2008.