Many accidents in construction places or in companies happen due to incorrect use of the aerial platform. A well-trained operator, following basic safety rules, regular inspection, and maintenance of the machine can prevent many accidents. Keep in mind Universal Skills superior services whenever you need them. This is a company that develops global projects on occupational risk prevention in the entire country, offering advisory services in normative, preventive and procedural matters, both in prevention, occupational health and safety in elevated risk jobs, height, confinement and areas with explosive atmospheres.

Keep the following tips in mind when using a platform.

1. Take a right training course.

Before starting to work with an aerial work platform, it is important to take an adequate training. Increase your security and know the exact type of machine you will use. Review the manual of the machine and become familiar with all the safety symbols.

2. Take into account the norms.

Read, understand and respect all safety regulations. Both the employer or employee, as well as local authorities or the government can impose specific conditions. Make sure you are sufficiently informed about this topic.

3. Inspect the aerial platform and workplace before you begin.

If you receive an error message during the inspection or function tests, analyse the risk before using it and, if necessary, repair the part with the help of a qualified service technician. Always carry out a risk assessment of the workplace before taking the machine to the workplace. E.g. Make sure there are no holes in the surface.

4. Use the proper safety material in case of fall.

A securely fitting safety harness with a fall arrest cord is an essential requirement. Always secure the fall arrest cord to the correct anchor points on the work platform.

5. Raise the platform in the correct circumstances.

• Lift the platform only if it is placed on a level surface.
• Never lift the platform near the high voltage cables.
• Never drive a platform while the basket is raised, unless the machine is designed to do so.

6. Stay inside the platform.

Never sit down, stand or climb on the railing of the platform. Always keep both feet on the floor of the platform. Never leave an elevated aerial work platform basket, unless you are qualified to do so. Never get off a raised platform.

7. Never exceed the established limits.

Always observe the maximum nominal weight or load limit. If you exceed these limits, you risk the platform overturning. Consider the above tips to work safely on an aerial work platform. Also, assess wind speed, which is a factor that should not be underestimated when working at altitude safely.

Tips for performing and controlling works at heights with certified scaffolds

A scaffolding is one of the most important tools when carrying out a construction project. The safety and life of the people who use them will depend on their correct use and assembly. But in many cases this security is overlooked, either by economy or simple carelessness.

The highest rate for work accidents is caused by faults in the scaffolding, (32% of all work accidents in the construction area). The most common accidents in these structures are:

Falls mostly generated by the lack of skirting boards, terraces and some harness system.

Unsafe accessories; poor installation of stairs and handrails.

Electrocution; for lack of attention and bad scaffolding location.

Hits; falling objects or parts of the scaffolding that are detached due to poor installation.

Many times, the lack of attention to scaffolding structures is because a company is not sure of the continuity of a work and therefore do not invest in something that may not be used for a long time.

With good training by some entity in charge of safety to the workers about all the risks and preventions that should be taken, would significantly reduce work accidents.

Whatever the type of scaffolding, (hanging, fixed and mobile) must be designed by experts and in turn its use must be consistent with the needs with which the scaffolding was manufactured, it must be emphasized that not all scaffolds are suitable for any type of scaffolding. type of work should be taken into account when choosing a structure type and condition of the floor, the weight of workers, weight of scaffolding, proximity to electrical structures, possible obstacles, climatic conditions, among others.

The assembly of scaffolds must be carried out by a qualified and certified person for this job, many accidents occur as well, because the personnel that assembles a structure of these is not qualified to do so, leaving the structure very unstable.

From two meters high, it is convenient that the worker uses a harness, in addition to other safety equipment; helmet, boots, suit, gloves and others. They should also be installed on scaffolding skirting boards and rails.

Remember that certified scaffolding is very important for construction but can become a lethal structure if preventive actions are not taken, for this reason there are several companies in the Colombian sector that generally provide this type of training and high quality products.

Keep in mind:

• When assembling a scaffold, first complete each section 100% before continuing with the other, secure the ties very well, as these are the ones that will keep the structure more fixed and stable, monitor the inserts and tighten them very well.
• The stringers are sometimes removed because they can inconvenience the performance of some work, but this involves a great risk to the safety of the scaffolding.
• The crossheads and joints must be fixed, so the scaffolding will be more rigid.

Keep in mind safety rules and avoid calamities. We hope with great commitment and desire that this information is useful for your projects, and even more, that it prevents accidents.

Here at Universal Skills you will find a top team of experts willing to train your employees and ensure they can perform their work excellently. We will make sure all your workers are prepared for the type of work they will be executing at heights.