subject: Powered Access: Having The Right Tools For The Job Is Important [print this page] When you decide to invest in powered access, you need to know that this is merely the first step. You also need to ensure that the right tools are always used for the job. This is crucial when it comes to safety as well as avoiding accidents at the workplace. One thing you need to ensure is that the person operating it is properly trained.
The other thing you need to do is to ensure to follow the right schedule when it comes to servicing. This is because negligence could lead to injuries as well as loss of life. It could also lead to massive litigation, which could spell doom for your business. You need to ask for staff training the moment you have bought the platform. The dealer could also offer directions for trainers if they do not have any in-house trainers.
To begin with, you need to ensure that training is mandatory for anyone using the equipment. The access industry has a huge amount of regulation. This is inclusive of training and accreditation. This is mandatory before any member of staff is allowed to take part in the use of the lifting equipment. There is equipment such as the scissor lifts, cherry pickers as well as boom lifts that need one to go for training.
There are a number of training centres for this as well, the trainer could personally come to your business and offer the training from there. This is to ensure that each person using this equipment is well trained and has some form of accreditation and certification. There is the provision of the certificate of training which offers proof of training. The training should be in line with the regulations from the International Powered-Access Federation (IPAF).
You also need to ensure that the right safety tools and equipment are used with the powered access such things as the right protective clothing are necessary. This is to ensure that the worker is safe while working in the high inclination of the scissor lifts as well as other related equipment. They also need to wear the vests that have high visibility and/or reflectors. This is to ensure that they are seen easily to avoid accidents. A safety helmet also needs to be used alongside the powered access. There also should be a safety harness that ensures that in the event of a fall, people do not fall too far to the ground.
The right tools also need to go hand in hand with maintenance. You need to have this equipment in good repair condition to avoid future accidents that could be avoided. Keep the equipment in check at all times and have the operators report any defects immediately the notice them. You need to have the equipment checked after every six months of use.
