Aerial Work Platforms

Hazards

• Overturning of the working platform, e.g. by driving into openings in the floor or driving over ledges.
• Falling due to ejection or when climbing over, e.g. by leaving the work cage in a raised position, climbing onto the guardrail, the guardrail getting caught on and under constructions, being hit by other vehicles.
• Crushing e.g. crushing between the control panel or railing of the working platform and parts of the environment due to incorrect operation.

Protective measures

Lineup

• Set up and operate the working platform in a stable manner in accordance with the operating instructions. .
• Pay attention to crushing and shearing points during installation and operation.

Operation

• Do not overload the working platform.
• Secure the area underneath laterally swung out working platforms of aerial work platforms if they are lowered lower than 4.50 m above ground in the traffic area of road vehicles.
• Switch on yellow flashing lights when working on public roads .
• Only work in the vicinity of live electrical overhead lines if the working platform is insulated according to the rated voltage, but at least for 1000 V. At least two persons must be present on the working platform during this work.
• Put folding guardrails in protective position before starting work .
• Before and during operation, ensure that the safety devices are in perfect condition and effective.
• When moving the working platform, employees may only be on the working platform if this is described in the operating instructions.
• The necessity of using personal protective equipment (PPE) against falls from a height results from the risk assessment (whip effect) and/or from the specifications in the operating instructions of the access platform manufacturer.
  The PPE against falls from a height must be attached to the anchor points specified by the manufacturer in the work cage. The lanyard between the safety harness and the anchor point should be kept as short as possible so that persons cannot be thrown out of the work cage.

Employment restrictions

• For the operation of elevating work platforms, only use persons who have
  • are at least 18 years old and reliable,
  • have been instructed both in the operation of the corresponding working platform and in the hazards and protective measures associated with their work,
  • have been instructed to do so in writing by the contractor.
• DGUV principle 308-008 "Training and assignment of operators of aerial work platforms" shows how operators can achieve the necessary qualification.

Exams

• Only use working platforms that have been inspected by an expert before being put into operation for the first time (see inspection certificate before 01.01.1997) or on which the CE marking is affixed and the declaration of conformity is available.
• Determine the type, scope and deadlines of required inspections (risk assessment) and comply with them, e.g.:
  • working day with functional tests,
  • at least once a year by a "person qualified to inspect" (e.g. expert).
• Document the results of the regular inspection in the inspection book.