Posted By Brian Jenkins
Dear All
What safety requirements surround the use of Ramps for taking deliveries from ground level to a Goods-In area, approx 1metre high.

The obvious thing that springs to mind is Manual handling and all aspects of 'LITE'. However are there any specific requirements as to the level of incline, or is it solely down to an assessment of the Manual Handling risks?
Regards
Brian.

Posted By Brian Jenkins
Paul
You assume correct. The loading bay is a fixed height platform. We always request that 'significantly heavy loads' are delivered on Lorry with tail-lift capable of working to that height. However sometimes, and I know this will not be a surprise, but sometimes companies send lorries that have tail-lifts that do not reach this height - even though specifically requested.

Rather than having the continuous argument with people, stating that the delivery will have to be turned away, because a. we don't have forklift & b. I am not permitting individuals from the company to lift heavy items they are not trained for. We were wondering whether a ramp could be used to wheel things from ground level back up to the goods-in area.

I am wary that fitting such a ramp introduces another hazard and would therefore welcome some thoughts on the subject.
Regards
Brian.

Posted By Peter J Harvey
I don't know that there are any specific requirements but problems I have come up against include.

1. Edge protection (what happens when a trolley gets pushed over the edge)
2. Even more edge protection (have you ever known a trolley go straight?)
3. Construction material (a wooden ramp won't last 10 minutes unless substantial)
4. Still need a weight restriction and height restriction on loads.
5. When having a ramp, are you are introducing pedestrians into the delivery area, is this controlled.
6. The lip at the base will deteriorate unless metal and your trolley will catch

Hope this helps, you could also consider a fixed lift, but then you will have to consider LOLER and ongoing costs.