A piece of work equipment has been made by an engineering company for a specific task in a single workplace, it consists of welded steel frame with alloy platform. It is used for work at height and access to the working platform is via a metal staircase. The equipment is mobile in as much as wheels on each of the four corners, two wheels can lock, (similar to portable access scaffold), and it is towed into position by a pick up truck. It is designed to travel short distances by manpower, the users are laser levelers who are in any one position for a short time and then need to move on a few metres at a time. When doing so the platform is unoccupied and no tools left on the platform. No members of general public anywhere near the work site, cones positioned with warning signs etc. and the workers are happy with the equipment as it is better than a portable access scaffold, (that would be the alternative and considering access to the platform through the hatch every time - frequently - would be most inconvenient/offputting). Use of a MEWP is out of the question due to the distance of travel to the work site and the workers not trained in MEWP or access scaffold. My question is who-what-how etc. should the equipment be commissioned/certified fit for use? What are the rules regarding making and using such equipment? I have a few photos if anyone is interested. Thanks

wow Chris this looks like it has every one thinking ,I will be checking in on this one as I have been looking at a bespoke frame work for my work place Regards Kev

Ok Chris I will take up your challenge. From your description I would say Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Work at Height Regulations would apply. If the engineering company is independent of the company using the equipment then it would also need CE marking/approval. From your description I would suspect that you need to ensure you know the Safe Working Load for the equipment, that any guard rails etc on the top platform are of the correct height. If harnesses etc are envisaged then obviously you will need anchor points with certified load. From your post you state that when this equipment is moved no one will be actually on the equipment, but I would still think that a stability check would be in order so you know how fast it can be towed without falling over onto any employees etc (You state no general public in area) and if could be unstable in an high winds. You have not given us any actual height of the equipment but from your description I am assuming that any fall will be of sufficient distance to be likely to cause injury - if the platform is actually only a few inches off the ground then this is obviously a trick question and most of what I have just posted is rubbish! Any Help? Brian

Send the pics, Chris. Until then, it's all guess work. I would state with certainty it should be tested for a Safe Working Load (SWL) as at the moment, nobody knows for certain if it will hold the weight of one man, two men etc. If it's a 'working platform' the W@H Regs say toe boards must be fitted if there is a chance of tools or materials falling off. Mobile scaffold towers should have the brakes on at all times unless being moved (not just two of them) and how is the platform accessed? Awaiting the postman.

Chris, From a district meeting a while back, company made items (and I may be wrong on this interpretation) you can self CE mark the equipment but do check the machinery and guarding regs that came out recently. Usual disclaimer of not my normal field of operendi. Also of course PUWER would apply. Badger

Ooops Should have read "cross references"

The engineer has assured me that he has SWL certification, I have introduced a before use check but will ensure the welds are looked at, The aluminium is the platform, toeboards, stairs, - steel is the main framework, Guard rails and toeboards fitted but I have asked for the toe boards to be made a little higher - very few tools or equipment on the working platform, 5 mph speed limit while being towed. Can't say much more on a public forum due to my need for a certain level of confidentiality. I think it is all right and safe to use but just need reassurance that you can make something like this for use at work. Thanks

Jane, thanks - as I always say - "you don't know what you don't know" and that's why I asked.