In industrial settings, quite often employees need to work at the incredible heights a boom lift can provide. Other times, all they need are just a few centimeters of extra height to safely do their job. There are various different access equipment pieces that can help get everything done in a safe manner in a warehouse, but in today’s blog post we will focus on the amazingly convenient piece the platform ladder is.
An industrial-strength work platform ladder helps provide a strong, highly mobile and safe way for workers to maintain their high productivity levels. A platform ladder offers so much more than just making sure that employees can reach the area in which they need to work. It can also be used to create safe walkways. There will be times when you can’t move your equipment, but you will still need to get your employees from point A to point B. In this case, a platform ladder with a crossover design is the best way to get your employees over stationary equipment safely without interrupting the flow of work.
Platform ladders have a platform provided at the highest intended standing level, they are self-supported and non-adjustable in length. The top platform is surrounded on three sides by a railing that is at least 50cm higher than the platform surface. Work platform ladders come in a wide range of sizes, starting from 60cm to 5.5 meters in length as measured from the bottom along the side rail to the top of the platform. The maximum work height is established by adding the worker’s height and reach to the highest standing level of the ladder.
Use
In order to safely use it, a work platform ladder requires level ground support for all four of its side rails. If this requirement can not be met, then it’d be best not to choose this kind. Also, it should not be used as a single ladder nor in any partially open position. When using it, make sure to climb or work with your body near the middle of the steps or platform in order to prevent tipping the ladder over sideways in case you over-reach.
Make sure that the ladder is always set-up close to where you are working, and do not try to move it without first descending, relocating it, and then re-climbing on it. When ascending or descending, for the ultimate safety, you should always face the ladder and keep a firm hold. Be very careful and do not carry other objects in your hand(s) while climbing it.
Make sure that there are anti-slip feet at the bottom of the side rails and ensure that they are in pristine condition before you use them. Do not use it on snow, ice or slippery surfaces unless you previously ensure that it will not slip. And last but not least, never place it upon objects such as barrels, boxes, scaffolds, or other unstable bases trying to reach higher.
Proper Care
Before you start using it, inspect the work platform ladder. Clean the gripping and climbing surfaces if they have been subjected to grease, oil, or any slippery materials. Also, check all of its working parts, rivets, bolts, step-to-side rail connections, as well as the condition of the anti-slip feet (safety shoes). If you find any missing parts, structural damage, or any other hazardous defect – do not use the ladder. Instead, have it repaired by a professional or discard it.
Another thing you should bear in mind is that ladders that have been exposed to excessive heat may have reduced strength. Similarly, ladders that have been exposed to corrosive substances, such as acids or alkali materials, may experience chemical corrosion which can also result in reduction in strength. Work platform ladders that have bent or broken side rails must not be used! Therefore, when discarding a ladder, make sure that it is destroyed in such a way as to render it useless. You most certainly do not want another person to see it and think it’s in a good condition and use it when you know it’s not safe.
When transporting a platform ladder on vehicles that are equipped with ladder racks, it must be properly supported. Minimize the overhang of the ladder beyond the support points – the support points should be constructed of material such as wood or rubber-covered pipe in order to minimize the effects of chafing, vibration, and road shock. Making sure that the ladder is secured to each support point will greatly reduce the damaging effects of road shock. The storage racks for ladders that are not in use should have sufficient supporting points to avoid sagging which can warp the ladder. Keep it well protected and do not place other materials on it while it is in storage.
