Working safely at height — tips from the experts

State-of-the-art work platforms are designed with a wide range of safety precautions. Their users, however, should be aware that every time the platforms are put into operation, they also bear a great deal of responsibility. Rahsepar- Hashemi has seen a lot and stresses caution: “In general, a work platform is a safe piece of equipment. But its safety, as in many other areas, all depends on the user”. Again and again, Rahsepar-Hashemi is confronted with cases where, for example, personal protective equipment is not used correctly or at all, or where unsuitable working platforms are misused as load handling equipment. Such or similar cases are not only annoying, but they can also be easily avoided.

Stability of working Work platforms are key
Since IPAF started recording accident reports, stability problems and tipping have consistently been among the top five causes of serious injury and death.¹ Rahsepar- Hashemi recommends first being clear about exactly where the working platform will be used. “Height access technology should only be set up where the ground conditions are suitable. If the ground surface is not even, such as clay, crushed stone, sand or similar, the renter should ask the rental company in advance how much supporting force is required for the working platform," says Rahsepar-Hashemi. Underground installations, such as sewer pipes, should also be taken into consideration. When using mobile working platforms, in addition to the ground conditions, you should also pay close attention to the integrated safety mechanisms, such as load limiters and tilt sensors. Tipping over as a result of instability can certainly be avoided when planned correctly and operated safely.

Always keep your eye on the working environment
There are a number of different factors that need to be taken into consideration when working with access equipment and that should be closely monitored throughout the entire time it is in use. Particular caution is required when working at height as well as on the ground. “Special care must be taken with power lines or railway overhead lines. The risk of electric shock from overhead lines is one of the most prevalent accident risks,” warns Rahsepar-Hashemi. Electric arcs that extend from the tip of the device down to the ground can also strike the signaller or ground personnel. This is why special care must be taken by accident responders. In addition to factors that can rarely be influenced, such as weather conditions, special care must also be taken with regard to the dangers of entrapment or collisions with other vehicles. “The right preparatory measures and well-trained personnel help to effectively identify and avoid potential hazards,” emphasises Rahsepar-Hashemi.

The same applies to work platforms: Buckling up saves lives
Since records were first kept, falls from the basket have been the primary cause of fatal accidents in the powered access industry.² The analysis of falls that occur, for example, when leaving the work basket, as a result of the movement of the working platform or as a result of the socalled "catapult effect" – a consequence of unevenness in the ground – clearly shows that the safety of the operator is essential: Properly securing yourself with a full-body harness and lanyard – i.e. putting on your personal protective equipment correctly – prevents you from falling out of the working platform basket. “When we get into our cars, we fasten our seatbelts as a given, and the same should apply when operating working platforms,” warns Rahsepar - Hashemi. Personal protective equipment, which includes a safety harness, fall arrest device and industrial safety helmet, are essential lifesavers and should be worn before entering the basket. “There should be a zero tolerance policy for non-use,” says Rahsepar-Hashemi. In addition, PPE should be inspected for visible damage prior to each use and checked once a year by a competent person. “Otherwise, the insurance company may not accept liability in the event of an accident,” explains the safety expert.

Correct operation is essential
“Every machine has its individual operating manual and operating instructions. They must always be kept with the equipment,” emphasises Rahsepar-Hashemi and explains: "When our working platforms are delivered, we always provide safety instructions for the respective equipment. This includes a demonstration on how to use the equipment correctly and what to do in the event of an emergency. Since the emergency control systems installed in the platforms are not standardised, working platform rental companies have to show how to handle an emergency situation with the respective device during the briefing,” says Rahsepar-Hashemi. And yet: The operating instructions are not only a mandatory accessory: “It is essential to read the operating instructions and manual carefully prior to commissioning”. Visual inspections are another essential measure to avoid the risk of accidents. “A visual inspection is always carried out by the delivery person on handover, but the operator should also inspect the machine prior to each use. A service technician must be notified immediately of any safety-related defects. The machine must not under any circumstances be used until then,” concludes Rahsepar-Hashemi.

Felbermayr offers certified IPAF training courses
In order to reduce the risk of accidents when using lifting work platforms, Felbermayr offers International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) training sessions for safe and effective operation. Felbermayr Transport and Lifting Technology offers training programmes throughout Austria and Germany, which can be held either at the respective Felbermayr rental stations or directly at the customer's premises. After successfully completing the ISO-certified training course, participants receive a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence). This is recognised as international proof of training for the safe and effective use of height access technology. The PAL card is valid for five tears and is accepted as a training certificate in 51 countries.

To protect health, Felbermayr offers personal protective equipment when renting working platforms. In addition, it can also be purchased independently of platform rental in a practical rucksack via the webshop: Get PsaGa now

¹ Source: IPAF Global Safety Report 2022, p.12
² Source: IPAF Global Safety Report 2023, p.10