Depending on the design and the purpose it is meant for, forklift safety cages, also known as non integrated working platforms or man baskets, can be utilized to do a variety of activities in a warehouse or industrial setting. This may be the best option for you if utilizing a ladder alone is insufficient and scaffolding takes too long to set up to stop workers from using dangerous techniques when working at heights.
In this article, I'll go over the various applications for forklift work platforms with a focus on safety and what to look for.
WHY IS A FORKLIFT SAFETY CAGE REQUIRED?
With so many different kinds of baskets used for various jobs, forklift platforms have a wide range of uses. Making informed purchasing decisions and ensuring correct implementation after your basket arrives at your facility or work location require knowledge of each item's usage and safety precautions.
They shouldn't typically be utilized for prolonged periods of time. They are intended to be a temporary fix for reaching or doing repairs in high spots.
These forklift cages are ideal for the job when it becomes essential to raise people without the use of a crane, which happens rather frequently. Personnel safety is of vital importance because working at heights is dangerous.
TEMPORARY CIRCUMSTANCES COMMONLY USE FORKLIFT WORK PLATFORMS FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE:
- Construction
- Building and structure inspection
- Warehouse picking
- Farm work
- Changing the high ceiling lights
THINGS TO KNOW PRIOR TO BUYING
The capacity, or the number of people it can hold, is one of the key characteristics that distinguishes each basket. Remember that the total weight of the persons, safety gear, and tools employed is included in the maximum capacity. Also, there are other ways to enter, such through a font gate, a side gate, or a bar that rises up.
Some key characteristics to watch out for are:
- That the forklift and platform are compatible
- Risk evaluated and in compliance with HSE guidance note PM28.
- The number of people it can hold
- Non-slip surfaces with drain holes to avoid water accumulation
- Automated safety gates (they automatically lock when the platform is raised)
- Back guards made of grilled mesh to safeguard limbs and fingers
- With a kick rail along the bottom, tools won't fall out.
- Anchors for safety harnesses and hand rails for safety
- Securing to the forklift safely
- The maximum fork width and size
Your forklift's hydraulic system needs to be constructed so that, in an emergency, the lifting mechanism won't descend more quickly than 135 feet per minute.
WHAT DANGERS DO FORKLIFT WORK PLATFORMS REPRESENT?
Although these cages are appropriate for jobs like maintenance, routine use is not allowed. Due to the fact that these cages do not offer as many specialized safety features as purpose-built apparatus, they should not be utilized frequently for the same task.
Normally, these non-integrated work platforms shouldn't be used unless there are no other options, such ladders or scaffolds.
In a forklift safety cage, employees run the risk of:
- coming into contact with power lines
- touch with the forklift's moving parts that are not protected
- interaction with obstacles like racks or shelves
- becoming erratic in inclement weather
- slipping off because a safety practice wasn't followed
- getting hurt if the driver swerves the truck abruptly
HOW SHOULD A WORK PLATFORM BE USED SAFELY?
Making sure that everyone engaged in its operation is properly taught on how to handle the equipment and is aware of what to do in an emergency is the most crucial aspect of employing one.
The forklift driver and the employee who will be in the cage must be able to communicate clearly. The best approach to accomplish this is by using hand signals. While each worker must focus on their own safety measures, it is crucial that they watch out for one another and make sure that they are following the rules.
Operators of forklifts:
- They must have forklift operator training or be under an instructor's supervision.
- If none of the safety features are functioning properly, do not operate.
- Verify that the area has been cleaned up and is enclosed with cautionary barriers, lights, or signage.
- Do not move the truck when a worker is high in the cage; doing so could put them in risk.
- Always test a lift to ensure the person being lifted can reach the object they are working on safely.
- Have overhanging shields to prevent flying debris
- The platform must always remain horizontal and centered, while the mast must remain vertical.
- While in use, the tilt and sideshift controls need to be locked.
- Do not allow anything to hinder the person in the basket's fall-arresting device.
- Never leave a person in the safety cage unattended while in use; always remain at the controls.
- Make sure no one climbs on the forklift's components.
Those confined in a safety cage:
- Before entering, confirm that the fork truck is on a stable, level surface and that the cage has guardrails.
- Make that the forklift driver is operating it safely and smoothly.
- Protection gear, such as a hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothes, and a harness or lanyard, should be provided.
- When inside the safety cage, never stand or climb on anything else to get higher.
- Never climb out of the cage or stand on the rails without a harness or lanyard.
- Keep the cage tidy and only stock it with what is absolutely essential.
- Always enter the cage from the ground level
A trained individual should conduct safety inspections, and the equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure that it is in perfect working condition.
Also, it is more convenient if the cage has lettering on it indicating which forklift trucks it may be used with.
SUMMARY
A safety cage is a crucial piece of gear if you already possess a forklift since it offers greater stability and convenience than alternative approaches to operating at height. Although they are practical, safety cages must be used with care and personnel must be properly trained and certified. We provide a selection of forklift safety cages in our online store, and we can assure you that they have been thoroughly examined and certified to meet the most recent health and safety guidelines. They are designed to fit snugly over the forks of a forklift truck so you may do emergency working at height tasks without running the danger of injury. Visit our online store to view our selection of forklift safety cages.