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Posted By Brando
All,
I have done a search on this one because I presumed it must have been spoken about but can find nothing.
We have a set of airport steps - step ladder on wheels with handrails and working platform at the top - approx 8 feet high.
Question - is this a safe working platform ( like a tower scaff. ) or should it be treated as a ladder and only used for light work of short duration ( I would have thought the later but would like some comments ).
Hope you can help - happy Friday!!
Brando
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Posted By Mike B
Brando, if the steps had some sort of gate at the top which the user could shut after entering the platform area then I would consider it to be a working platform. If such arrangements did not exist and a fall backwards was possible then I would consider it to be a ladder. I have had a number of these on site and do not like them at all because they get used inappropriately. The problem with this type of equipment is that it can give the user the impression that it is more stable than it actually is. This eqipment is basically a self supporting ladder and have been used in the aviation industry because it negates the need to lean a ladder against a plane. So unless you are getting biggles ready for take off I would scrap your wheeley ladder thingy.
Hope this is of some assistance.
Mike
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Posted By Konstanty Budkiewicz
Hi Brando,
If what you are describing is a proprietary equipment founded on recognised design drawings, you appear to be describing a safe working platform. This equipment should be subject to its own maintenance regime. If there are stability and weight bearing constraints(e.g. 2-man operation or 200kg limits)as inferred in your question they should be identified on posted signage on the equipment.
As a supplementary issue, given the general hazard exposure to working at height within your area of work, as background reading I invite you to take time out to familiarise yourself with British Standard 8437. This is the Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace.
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Posted By holmezy
Brando,
we have them on site and use them for access to racking and shelving. Used for short duration work ie counting, stock taking etc or just to fetch something from up high. Far better than a ladder in my opinion and the chaps seem to like them. However, I wouldn't recommend them be used for long periods of work, its time to get a proper work platform for then.
Short term use is OK.
Holmezy
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Posted By jon mckae
I am familiar with these steps, I used to work at Manchester airport (now a scaffold design engineer). I agree with the 'fall prevention' comment - the steps would need modyfying with some sort of gate on the steps elevation & permanent guard railing / toeboarding on the 'open' elevation. As far as permissible loading - these steps can be used by the general public to disembark from planes, so surely have a minimum load rating of 4kn/m² (I could be wrong)
As far as stability goes, a basic height to base ratio of 3:1 is generally acceptable to prevent overturning.
Just an opinion
Jon M
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