25.03.2011

IPAF highlights ground support requirements

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) used Conexpo to introduce the new “Look down before going up” initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the potential dangers from an inadequate assessment of ground conditions and failure to determine if there is sufficient ground support to handle the weight of the equipment being used.

The simple demonstration uses several different sized platforms with weight sensors under each wheel showing the relative weight distribution and how it changes when the ground is not level, or as the boom is moved into various positions. The results were surpising.
Please register to see all images

The new initiative aims to increase awareness of ground conditions

“Aerial work platforms are heavy machines whose weight can exert tremendous load bearing pressure in concentrated areas on the ground,” said Tony Groat, executive vice president of American Work Platform Training (AWPT) the North American subsidiary of IPAF.

“For comparison, a car tyre exerts a ground bearing pressure of about 35 pounds per square inch whereas a typical 60 foot boom lift can generate a pressure in excess of 200 pounds per square inch. This can create a potential tip-over hazard if the ground cannot support the weight of the machine."

"A proper jobsite risk assessment needs to be performed prior to using any aerial device to determine if there are ground areas with uncompacted fill, below ground voids including cellars, basements and sewer pipes, underground services, paved areas, areas where weather factors could have compromised soil conditions, and any other situation where ground stability could be compromised."

"Also, when operating lifts that are equipped with outriggers, spreader pads or outrigger pads should always be used to reduce concentrated ground load pressures.”

“To make the workplace a safer place it is the employer’s responsibility to perform jobsite risk assessments and provide their operators with proper warnings and method statements regarding any known site hazards."

"AWP operators must always perform daily workplace inspections including a review of current ground conditions along with inspecting their equipment to make sure everything is in proper working order prior to using any aerial device."

"AWPs are a safe and effective means to place workers at height and knowing there is adequate ground support under them is essential to their stability and workers’ safety.”