Guide to Safe Material Handling on Access Platforms

Does your job require you to load and unload materials at high elevations? If so, you could greatly benefit from access platform hire in Manchester. However, when working on an access platform, it is essential to handle materials safely to avoid potential accidents or damage to property. Given below are some practical ways to ensure safety in your material handling operations:

• Choose the right lifting equipment.

Selecting an appropriate lifting machine is one of the first and most essential steps for ensuring safe material handling. As different MEWPs come with different lifting capabilities, ensure your access platform hire choice in Manchester suits your weight capacity requirements. Besides, consider the weight of the material you would be lifting, its dimensions, and the limitations of your worksite, such as potential access issues, etc.

• Permanently close the gates after loading the platform.

To prevent mishaps like falls, ensure your access platform's gates are always shut once loaded. Sometimes, bulky materials on the platform can prevent the gates from closing correctly. Thus, it is essential to properly organise these materials so the gates can be shut entirely before continuing the operation. Often, operators fasten gates open for easy access, thinking that it will enable faster movement on/off the platform. However, fastening gates open only compromises the safety mechanism of the access machine, thereby escalating the risk of accidents.

• Do not rest the load against the guardrail.

Use the machine correctly when you opt for access platform hire in Manchester. For instance, place the load only on the platform's floor rather than resting it against the guardrails, which aren't designed for supporting loads. Using guardrails to support loads compromises safety, resulting in accidents and equipment damage. So, always follow proper loading procedures to ensure a safe work environment.

• Secure the materials properly.

Properly securing the materials on the access platform is necessary to prevent them from shifting or falling during the equipment operation. You can use chains, straps, and other restraints to secure the platform's materials. Additionally, all the fastenings must be tight and checked many times during the operation. Securing the materials properly helps maintain the balance and stability of the platform, thereby mitigating the risk of accidents.

AFI Rentals - A one-stop-shop for access platform hire in Manchester

For expert assistance with finding a suitable access platform for your material handling needs, contact AFI Rentals. The company has provided reliable and cost-effective access platform hire solutions in Manchester for 20 years. In their extensive rental fleet, you can find Push-Around Verticals (PAVs), boom lifts (articulating booms, stick booms), telehandlers, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, truck & track mounts, spider lifts, van mounts and mast lifts with heights up to 75m. Visit https://www.afi-rentals.co.uk/ or call 01924 601 566 today for more information.