What Is A Safe Working Platform

Using a safe working platform is a requirement when working at height. Since work at height comes with high risk, a safe working platform should be considered to carry out all height jobs safely.

A working platform according to the “Work at Height Regulations 2005“, is defined as any surface from which work can be carried out, or as a means of access to or egress from a place of work.

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Safe Working Platform

A safe working platform is a platform that is protected from or not exposed to danger or risk. Working platforms are termed “Safe working platforms” when they pose zero risk to their users. It possesses the following characteristics:

Must have safe access and egress
Must be fully planked with no open holes
Guard rails should be installed
It must be set on a stable floor
If it has tyres, the tyres must be locked
The platform must be secured to a stationary structure, etc.

Types of working platforms

Scaffold
Cradles
Roofs
Floors
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
Trestles
Gangways
Gantries
Stepladders and stairways

Qualities Of A Safe Working Platform

For the working platform to be safe, it must:

Be of sufficient size to allow safe passage and use of equipment and materials.
Must be free from trip hazards or gaps.
Must be clean and tidy
Must be suitable for the task at hand
Must be fitted with handrails and toe boards where necessary.
Must not be overloaded
Must be erected on firm-level ground to ensure that equipment remains stable.
Must have safe access to and egress from the platform

Many serious injuries have been reported which were caused by persons falling from work platforms where the distance of fall was less than 2 meters. This is one of the reasons the 2 metre rule has been revoked and protection must be provided for persons working in any place where a fall could cause injury.

When considering a safe platform, it may go beyond the general qualities as highlighted above, there may be other qualifications based on the type of the working platform; hence the choice of working platform is very important.

Safety Measure To Be Adopted When Working On A Work Platform

Ensure that all working platforms are inspected always before use.
Never alter any component of the working platforms, like the guard rails, toe boards, floorboards, etc.
Never try to extend to areas not covered by the working platform.
Do not use an auxiliary means to extend the height of the working platform, except it is certified safe to do so.
Never use the guard rail to climb onto the platform, use approved means of access.
Never position on an unsafe location of the platform to work.
Do not use the platform outside the purpose it was designed for.
Use the right platform for the right job – Do not use a ladder when the job requires a scaffold; do not use a scaffold when the job requires an aerial lift (like MEWP).
Ensure that the platform is well secured in cases of scaffold.
Ensure adequate planking in case of scaffolds and trestles.
Ensure that only trained operators operate the powered MEWP; MEWP risk assessment and MEWP rescue plan should also be in place.
Use adequate PPE – Like your oil/water resistant safety boots, personal restrain system, hard hat, etc.
Always keep the working platform tidy, and never overload the working platform.