Forklift Trucks - Work Platforms to Elevate Personnel

What is a forklift work platform?

• context A forklift work platform is a unit or cage that is integrated (built in), or designed to be supported on the forks of a lift truck.
• context Work platforms that are used to elevate (lift or raise) workers must provide appropriate support and safety measures. Generally speaking, these platforms are either commercially manufactured, or designed and certified by a professional engineer for this specific purpose.

What steps should be taken when a work platform is used to elevate personnel?

Always make sure that:

• context all persons involved are appropriately educated and trained for the tasks assigned, and the industrial lift trucks are operated by a competent person.
• context platforms used for elevating personnel are built according to the appropriate design requirements. CSA Standard B335-15 Safety standard for lift trucks recommends meeting American National Standards Institute/Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks, or ANSI/ITSDF B56.6-2011, Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks, as applicable.
• context guardrails or travel restraint systems are in place and properly used to prevent falls. Travel restraint systems for workers must meet applicable legislation and/or CSA standards.
• context toe boards are present. Toe board stop small items from falling off the platform.
• context a screen or barrier is present to prevent the person on the platform from coming in contact with the lift mechanism itself.
• context the fall arrest systems are readily available and are properly used. Fall arrest systems must be designed, installed, and used according applicable legislation and/or CSA standards.
• context the platform is attached as outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions, and that the platform is securely attached to the forks.
• context the forks are secured using any necessary devices and are set at the correct width apart.
• context the lifting mechanism operates smoothly throughout its entire lift height, both empty and loaded.
• context all lift limiting devices and latches are functional, where provided.
• context personnel are protected from any moving parts.
• context overhead protection is provided where needed.
• context constant voice and other hand or signal communication is maintained with the lift operator.
• context appropriate personal protective equipment is worn, such as hard hat, hand protection, footwear with ankle and toe protection, clothing suitable for weather conditions, high visibility apparel, full body harness, and/or lanyard.
• context when using full-body harness, to secure the harness to designated anchor points recommended by the manufacturer or an engineer on the work platform.

What steps should operators of the forklift platforms take?

• context Make sure you have the appropriate education and training to do the job safely.
• context Before elevating personnel, mark or cordon off the area with safety cones or other devices to warn others of the work being done.
• context Make sure the lift truck is on a flat, level surface, and has firm, level footing.
• context Make sure the platform is attached securing to the forks or mast as directed by the manufacturer.
• context Make sure that the platform is horizontal, and centered. The platform should not be tilted forward or rearward when elevated.
• context Make sure that the combined weight of the platform, load, and personnel equals one-half of the capacity as indicated on the nameplate of the lift truck, or one-third of the capacity as indicated on the nameplate of the rough terrain lift truck.
• context the work platform will reach the area where the task is to be done,
• context the mast is vertical or the boom travels vertically,
• context there is adequate clearance between work platform and truck, and any surrounding items such as a the building, any overhead obstructions, storage rack, scaffold, or energized electrical wires and equipment.
• context Perform a test or trial lift before raising personnel in the work platform to make sure
• context Place all travel controls in neutral and set the parking brake.
• context Make sure the personnel working on the platform follow all requirements for fall protection.
• context Lower the platform to floor level for entry and exit of personnel.
• context Make sure that personnel is lifted and lowered smoothly, with caution, and only at their request.
• context Keep hands and feet clear of controls other than those in use.
• context Always lower the platform before moving the lift truck when you need to adjust or reposition.
• context At all times, stay at the controls of the truck when in use.