Different Types of Lifting Equipment to Help Reduce Strain
Many workers can suffer from physical strain when lifting materials. Different types of equipment can help reduce the strain.
Smart lifting solutions enable you to achieve two objectives: increase worker health & safety and improve productivity.
If your work WORKMATES pallet truck requires adding raw materials (such as flour, surfactants or oils) from bags to drums or buckets, or tipping reels during production, using the right lifter is quicker and more accurate.
Aerial Work Platforms
Aerial work platforms, also known as AWPs or cherry pickers, allow workers to reach overhead areas more securely than ladders. They are commonly used for a wide variety of tasks including overhead maintenance, cleaning and hanging signs or decorations.
These mobile machines can be driven to outdoor job sites, making them the most versatile option for aerial at-height jobs. They have a jib and rotator attached that increase their reach capabilities for the most difficult-to-reach projects.
Straight boom lifts, or telescopic boom lifts, have a long arm that extends out of the base of the machine and sits on a turntable. Unlike articulated boom lifts that can bend and maneuver around obstacles, straight boom lifts can only access areas directly above or at a direct angle from the ground. They are often used for electrical repair, window washing and other maintenance jobs that require maximum reach capability.
These specialized pieces of equipment can be priceless time-saving assets when they are used properly, but they can pose serious hazards when operated by inexperienced individuals. Make sure your staff receives comprehensive training prior to using this type of equipment. Also, be sure that all employees tie off safely to the rigging system and that they use the shortest lanyard possible while working above ground level. Always assess whether a swing fall could occur and ensure the rigging is rated to withstand the forces of such an event.
Articulating Boom Lifts
The most common type of AWP, articulating boom lifts also called knuckle boom lifts, offer the versatility to maneuver in tight spaces and around obstacles. These machines are ideal for performing tasks that require you to work up or over something — ceiling joists, warehouse shelves and more. These types of aerial work platforms are also great for reaching over other equipment and people on busy construction sites or in crowded public areas.
The articulating arms of these lifts have multiple pivot WORKMATES pallet truck points, which gives them more maneuverability than other types of AWPs like scissor lifts. This flexibility enables the operator platform or bucket to be moved in a number of directions to perform the desired task, regardless of location on the work site. They can even extend horizontally by adding a jib extension for greater reach ability.
This maneuverability allows you to work with a team in the same area while maintaining safe distances from each other and the ground. In a busy environment, this can significantly improve productivity and efficiency. These lifts are available in a variety of models including diesel, hybrid and electric powered units. They can be equipped with a range of stabilization mechanisms to work on uneven or unstable surfaces, depending on the make and model you choose. The best articulating boom lifts include improved traction, four-wheel drive and oscillating axles for maximum agility on rough terrain.
Forklifts
A forklift is a very common type of plant machinery, allowing work to be done that would otherwise require manual efforts. They are used in a wide range of workplace environments, including warehouses and distribution centres, to move materials that would be difficult or impossible to carry by hand.
To select the right forklift, it’s necessary to accurately evaluate weight and size as well as determine necessary lift height. This enables the forklift to safely and efficiently perform lifting tasks without compromising safety or capacity. It’s also important to assess whether a forklift requires specialized attachments. This allows for the addition of accessories like clamps, fork positioners and rotators to make your machine more functional.
A forklift work platform is a mechanical attachment that slides onto the tines (forks) of a forklift and is designed to hoist workers. It has railings to prevent people from falling off and brackets for attaching a full-body harness. Before operating a forklift work platform, ensure that workers are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes hard hats, safety eyewear, boots with good grip, high visibility clothing and, where required, a full-body harness and lanyard. Also, make sure that personnel don’t operate the forklift while on the work platform unless they have been trained and certified to do so. This could compromise the safety and security of everyone involved.
Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift is a small platform that extends vertically to allow workers access to overhead areas. These machines are ideal for a wide variety of tasks. For example, they work well in delivery trucks and busy rail hubs by allowing workers to reach high spaces to load or unload cargo. They also help with warehousing, as they can move pallets and boxes quickly across warehouse floors.
Choosing the right scissor lift depends on many different factors, including terrain conditions and power supply. A power source will affect how fast the lift can travel on a surface, and the terrain will determine whether you need an electric or gas model.
Other considerations are the height at which you need to work and the platform size. The latter can be important if you need to carry a lot of equipment. A pneumatic scissor lift uses air pressure to move up and down, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option. Alternatively, a diesel or gas powered scissor lift can handle heavier loads and have a larger working height.
Regardless of which type of lift you choose, all models will require operator training and safety precautions. Check the manual for specifics. In addition to these guidelines, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the controls and take time to test your equipment before use.