Elevating Work Platforms

Safety on roads and construction sites

All activities carried out at height are considered risk activities. For the safe performance of work at height, the correct choice of equipment is essential. In the assessment, it is important to take into account the height, type and duration of the work, and the surrounding environmental conditions.

What are Aerial Work Platforms?

Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) are mobile means that allow people aerial access to work at height.

They are increasingly present in the world of work, chosen by companies and workers because they allow rapid positioning and intervention. Their spread has unfortunately also led to an increase in accidents and injuries due to the improper use of such machinery. When assessing risks, it is important to take into account the accident patterns and implement the relevant prevention measures.

According to INAIL data on accidents at work due to falls from heights, at least 9% occur due to falls from lifting equipment. Accidents, however, are also due to other often underestimated causes.

What are the main risks of using AWP?

Injuries, however, are also due to other often underestimated causes.

INAIL's study AWP IN THE WORKSITE publishes the list of risks and the relevant prevention measures:

  • TILTING OR DRIVING MACHINE → check the ground conditions and load-bearing capacity, do not exceed the platform capacity, maximum inclination, use stabilisers correctly, prevent contact with moving machinery, do not use the machine in windy conditions beyond the maximum speed permitted by the manufacturer;

  • INVESTIGATION AND DRIVING OF PEOPLE → cordon off the work area, use safety signs, check in advance if there are other people in the manoeuvring area, reduce the speed of the drive;

  • ELECTROCUTION FROM CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL AIR LINES → stay at a safe distance from live lines;

  • LOAD FALLING FROM ABOVE AND PROJECTION OF MATERIAL → correctly position equipment and materials inside the basket;

  • FALL FROM ABOVE BY THE WORKER → use fall protection equipment (PPE) and anchor it to the designated point on the platform, do not climb on the basket railings; do not use ladders or other devices to increase the working height;

  • IMPROPER USE OF THE MACHINE → use the machine according to the instructions and prevent unauthorised personnel from using it;

  • SHOCK, SHOCK, IMPACT, COMPRESSION, SHEARING AND SHOCK → stay at a safe distance from moving parts;

  • INTERFERENCE WITH OTHER MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT → Prevent moving machinery or mechanical booms, cranes and overhead travelling cranes from interfering with the machine's working area;

  • SHOCK, SHOCK, IMPACT, COMPRESSION, SHEARING AND SHOCK → stay at a safe distance from moving parts;

  • INDUCED BY MALFUNCTION → carry out the prescribed checks before each use, maintain as prescribed by the manufacturer';

How to choose an AWP?

The market offers a variety of equipment, differing in its characteristics of use and handling: the choice should not be left to chance.

The UNI EN 280 standard classifies AWPs into two groups:

A) Lifting platforms in which the vertical projection of the centre of the platform area (at any inclination of the frame) is always within the tilting lines.

B) All other mobile elevating work platforms.

There are 3 types of displacement:

  • TYPE 1 movement is only permitted when the mobile elevating work platform is in transport position;

  • TYPE 2 movement with the working platform raised is controlled by a control point on the frame;

  • TYPE 3 movement with the working platform raised is controlled from a control point on the working platform.

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