Access Equipment

Many injuries result from failures or falls involving access equipment which has been incorrectly selected, erected, used or maintained. Access equipment is frequently used for short duration and emergency work without full consideration of a safe method of work. Each task should be assessed, and a suitable means of access chosen based upon an evaluation of the work to be done, the duration of the task, the working environment (and its constraints) and the capability of the person or people carrying out the task. 

There are many different types of access equipment. This section covers the follov/ing  

highly specialised equipment is available, and the general principles will apply to their use. Usually, they have been specially designed for particular tasks and manufacturers information should be used in operator training. 

Accidents using access equipment occur because one (or more) of the following common problems have not been controlled in advance, or was thought to be an acceptable risk under the circumstances  

Faulty design of the access structure itself Inappropriate selection where safer alternatives could have been used 

The relevant legislation is The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations which in Schedule 2 refers to supporting structures , i.e. any structure or device that supports a platform, and includes scaffolding, working platforms, access equipment, etc. However, since scaffolding is used so extensively it will be dealt vdth in some detail. 

38 X 225 mm timber sole plate when standing on soil 

FISG 32 Safety in falsework for in-situ beams and slabs 

HSG 144 Safe use of vehicles on construction sites HSG 150 Health and safety in construction GS28 Safe erection of structures pt 3 Working places and access PM28 Working platforms on fork lift trucks BS 5973 Code of Practice for access and working scaffolds and special scaffold structures in steel 

38 225 mm limber sole plate when slonding on soil 

GS28 Safe erection of structures pt 3 Working places and access 

PM28 Working platforms on fork lift trucks 

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The location of exchangers is the key to maintenance. Usually the back head is kept at a distance of about three meters from the piperack support columns. Access equipment must be able to get in and remove the sheU cover and flange head. Access area must also be provided to handle and remove the sheU cover usually located under the piperack. The tube-pulling or rodding-out area must be kept clear to allow access to the channel end. This space should be at least equal to the tube length and about two meters from the tube sheet location. Tube removal space should be allowed for but is not mandatory if grade-mounted heat exchangers are used and mobile maintenance equipment employed to pick up the entire unit and transfer it to the repair shop. 

Defective tools or access equipment must not be used. All safety mles and regulations must be adhered to. 

The use of access equipment should meet the acceptable standards as laid down in the Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966. 

Items that should be checked on access equipment before use include ... 

Is it the correct access equipment to carry out the task safely For example, is a ladder adequate or should a tower be used ... 

What is the condition of access equipment after inclement weather ... 

This Certificate is issued for the following Authorized Work. No other work may be carried out. Entrance to work area is limited to those authorized. Tools/access equipment etc. must be approved by authorized person prior to them being taken into the work area. 

Overheads (including inspection access equipment and tools for painting)... 

Continue to investigate alternative agent-accessing equipment (alternatives to MDMs will be essential in order to meet overall throughput rates). 

The quantitative analysis using sp>ectrophotometric methods are widely used because have a good sensitivity, low analysis cost, easily handle, accessible equipments, justifying their application and efficiency for utilization in quantification analysis of several compounds. 

Access equipment Do ladders have nonskid surfaces on landings ... 

Access equipment (M) Is correct access equipment available ... 

For most computer workstations, chairs with rolling castors (or wheels) are desirable. They are easy to move and facilitate the postural adjustment of users, particultuly when the operator has to access equipment or materials that are on secondary working surfaces. Chairs should have a five-star base for tipping stability (ANSI 1988). 

Access equipment Is the jack-up access ladder in good condition, secure at the top with adequate hand holds ... 

If your career in the electrical industry is to be a long, happy and safe one, you must always wear appropriate PPE such as footwear and head protection and behave responsibly and sensibly in order to maintain a safe working environment. Before starting work, make a safety assessment what is going to be hazardous, will you require PPE, do you need any special access equipment ... 

Finally, there are sometimes aspects of plant electrical engineering in which the electrical design will interface directly to the process, most commonly in electrolytic processes. Here there is no mechanical equipment intervening between the process and the electrical supply. The flow of information within the project team is different. This must not be allowed to be the cause of error or omission, such as failure to completely specify the electrical characteristics of the cells, the back e.m.f. and its significance under shutdown conditions, and the insulation requirements for busbars and potentially energized and accessible equipment. 

The expert then turned to the trucking industry. Among the lengthy list of standards of the Association of Truck Trailer Manufacturers he found detailed standards for access equipment. The expert relied on the facts of the case and these standards to formulate opinions in the case. 

Outlines the correct use of ladders, scaffolding and other access equipment. 

The provision of temporary supports where required, suitable access equipment and barriers or covers to prevent falls through floor openings and the need to carry out an assessment of the manuai handiing operations are additional factors to be considered. Asbestos, vermin infestation and exposure to lead from paintwork and pipes are possible health hazards and evidence of any of these must also be included in any assessment. 

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