Partner Article

Warren Access on benefits of access platforms

What is classed as ’working at height’?

A place is ‘at height’ if a person could be injured falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.

So, why use an access platform?

Did you know that the average number of people that die each year at work falling from ladders is 12, and over 1200 suffer major injuries. Ladders remain the most common agent involved and account for more than a quarter of all falls from height.

In 2008/09 there were 35 fatalities, 4654 major injuries and a further 7065 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for over 3 days or more, due to a fall from height.

Access platforms can provide a safe way of working at height as they allow you to reach the task quickly, easily and more importantlysafely.

What are the benefits of using access platforms vs. ladders or scaffolding?

Access platforms give you a cost effective, easy and safe solution to working at height. Here are some points to consider when deciding how to carry out your job.

Accordingly to HSE guidelines, you should only use a ladder:

in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes
for ‘light work’ - they are not suitable for strenuous or heavy work
if you are carrying less than 10kg (a bucket of something) up the ladder
where you can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) at the working position

This is not always feasible when carrying out maintenance work on properties. Scaffolding is a safer solution to a ladder, however:

it can be time consuming and expensive to erect
there are potential security issues
there is a risk of unauthorised individuals climbing it and falling
there can be a risk of theft from properties which could lead to subsequent property damage (for example, lead theft from roofs)

In both scenarios, using an access platform allows you to be put accurately and safely into position whilst having the peace of mind that you are also securely harnessed in to the basket.

What type of access platforms and training can Warren Access supply?

Our fleet consists of Van Mounted, Lorry Mounted and Tracked Access Platforms. All of our operators are IPAF qualified and have many years of experience. We also provide self-drive hire for customers who hold the IPAF qualification.

Furthermore, we are an accredited IPAF Training Centre. This training is in demand and helps improve safety in the workplace. We can provide high quality and cost effective training courses across an assortment of areas.

Most legislation covering health and safety obligations and working at height regulations require employers to supply their employees with proper and adequate training in the use of work equipment.

About Us

Warren Access is based in Newcastle upon Tyne and specialises in the hire of vehicle mounted and tracked access hydraulic platforms within the North East, and has over 40 years knowledge and experience of solving problems however awkward they may appear.

Whether you are repairing street lights, cutting down trees, painting a building, erecting a sign, arranging an event requiring access at height or even cleaning a gutter, our service provides a simple approach - to provide you with the right access equipment for the job, at a time you want it and at a competitive price.

Find us at Brunswick Industrial Estate, Brunswick Village, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 7BA

T: 0191 236 7120 www.warrenaccess.co.uk enquiries@warrenaccess.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .