Mobile, Lifting, Access and Work at Height Equipment Flashcards
Definition of mobile work equipment
Any work equipment which carries out work while it is travelling, or travels between different locations where it is used to carry out work
Self-propelled MWE
Propelled by it’s own motor or mechanism.
Towed MWE
Includes towed machines and trailers which are self-supported on their own wheels. They may have moving parts or not.
Examples: plough, trailer, powered crop sprayer
Attachements
Are not considered to be MWE in their own right, but as they can be attached to self-propelled MWE they can affect the safety of the equipment when attached
Remote Controlled MWE
Operated by controls which are not physically connected to it, such as radio control
Pedestrian Controlled Work Equipment
Pedestrian controlled lawnmowers etc. are not likely to be covered under Part III of PUWER regardless if they are powered or not
Types of FLT
Industrial Counterbalance Industrial Reach Truck Rough-terrain Counterbalance Telescopic Materials Handler Side-loader Pedestrian Operated Lift Truck
FLT Selection
Must be suitable for its intended use and the environment in which it will be used.
Features to determine the suitability of FLT
Power Source Size and Manoeuvrabilty Operator View and vision aids Rated capacity Reach Suspension and tyre choice FOPS ROPS Weather protection Lighting Warning systems
FOPS on FLT
Falling object protective structure
ROPS on FLT
Roll-over protective structure
FLT Hazards
1) Instability of the truck
2) Falling loads
3) Hazards associated with propulsion systems
4) Truck falling from loading bays or good vehicles
5) Collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles
6) Collisions with structure, warehouse racking etc.
Issues affecting Longitudinal Stability of counterbalance FLT
Overloading
Loads to far forward on the forks
Travelling forwards downhill
Travelling with a raised load
All are made worse by heavy braking!
Issues affecting Lateral Stability of counterbalance FLT
Unevenly balanced loads Moving loads Turning too fast Turning with a raised load Travelling across a gradient Uneven ground or pot holes Suspension or tyre faults
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - Batteries
Quiet and may not be heard by pedestrians
Battery charging releases hydrogen gas
Battery acid is corrosive
Changing batteries requires manual or mechanical handling
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - Diesel/Petrol
Fuel storage and fuel handling
Exhaust fumes
Heat from the exhaust system
Noise
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - LPG
Fuel storage - Tank or cylinders
Manual handling of LPG cylinders
Exhaust fumes
Specified additional hazards associated with FLT
Suitability for carrying passengers
Unauthorised start up
Overrun of speed
Overheating
Contact with wheels and tracks
Contact with other moving parts, drive shafts, power take-off shafts etc.
FLT Hazards - Suitability for carrying passengers
Should only be in a suitable seat or on a suitable working platform
FLT Hazards - Unauthorised start up
Should be fitted with a device to prevent, such as removeable key or keypad with unique pin number.
Keys should be controlled and issued by a responsible person to an authorised operator.
FLT Hazards - Overrun of speed
Occurs typically when driving down steep slopes, can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle
FLT Hazards - Overheating
Can happen due to friction of overworked bearings or brakes. Hot surfaces can present an ignition risk in flammable atmospheres or can burn people on contact.
FLT Hazards - Contact with wheels and tracks
People must be kept away from moving parts.
Achieved by position of the cab and fitting suitable barriers such as guard rails and fenders
FLT Hazards - Contact with other moving parts
Appropriate safeguards should be provided to prevent people coming into contact.
PTO shafts and drive shafts should be fitted with guards of good design and well maintained.
Safe storage and parking of FLTs
Returned to designated parking area
Parking should be on firm level ground and in a safe position
Truck should be left with mast tilted forward and forks resting on the floor.
Controls should be in neutral and the parking brakes applied.
FLT Attachments
Crane Jib Boom Hydraulic Hopper Paper and Reel Clamp Double Drum Clamp Rotator and Clamp Side Shift Carriage Fork Positioner
FLT as working platforms
Used to lift/move people safely. Not as safe as a MEWP but sometimes safer than an ladder for access
Integrated Working platforms
Higher level of safety than non-integrated.
Controls that are linked to and isolate the truck controls so that only the person in the platform can control the lift height and truck movements
Non-integrated working platforms
No controls in the platform. All movements controlled by FLT operator
Permissioning Control working platforms
Non-integrated platform with hold to run controls that link to and nullify the trucks lower or lift controls
Examination periods for FLT used to lift people
Every 6 months
Precautions for Working platforms - Dimensions
As small as possible
Precautions for Working platforms - Floor of platform
Adequate strength, horizontal when attached to the truck and slip resistant.
If mesh floor, holes less than 15mm diameter
Precautions for Working platforms - Rails and Toe Boards
All platform edges guarded by top rail, at least 1 intermediate rail and a 150mm toe board
Precautions for Working platforms - Overhead Protection
Needed if there are risks from falling objects or overhead hazards
Precautions for Working platforms - Gate
Should open inwards, upwards or sideways and automatically return to the closed position.
Self locking or inter-lock to ensure it cannot be opened when platform is raised
Precautions for Working platforms - Hand Holds
Suitably sized to accommodate a gloved hand. Should be provided within the confines of working platform
Precautions for Working platforms - Safety harness anchorage
Work restraint anchorages should be included on the platform. Should be of sufficient strength and marked as wr anchorages that are inappropriate for the use of fall arrest equipment
Precautions for Working platforms - People on the platform
Platform positioned to prevent need to lean out
Precautions for Working platforms - Method of securing
Properly locked onto the forks or carriage
Precautions for Working platforms - Prevent access to moving parts
Screens or guards should be fitted to prevent risk of trapping or crushing