Industrial Supplies and Other Stuff

If you are preparing for at-height renovation or maintenance work, you will require elevated work equipment, like a boom lift, for the project. The platform will reach the areas which are otherwise inaccessible, ensuring that your workers can perform their tasks with efficiency. Typically, these elevated machines are designed and built to support specified loads during operation. However, this capability can be compromised by some factors, reducing the amount of weight that can be safely borne. It is essential to understand these issues to minimise risks and ensure safety for your workers. Here are some of the factors which have a negative impact on the load rating values. 

Equipment Condition

The condition of the equipment can compromise the amount of weight that the elevated platform can support safely. In simple terms, if the lift is not in a good state due to wear, damage or even ageing, the performance will decline significantly. Therefore, you should consider this aspect before the commencement of any project. It is imperative to choose booms, lifts or platforms which are in excellent condition. They should be free of damage and wear, and they should be well-maintained if they are old. If your equipment is in an unfavourable state, you should consider renting, leasing or purchasing an alternative for the safety of the users.

Poor Supporting Ground

The condition of the ground will influence the performance. In general, when the manufacturer tests and notes the load rating values for elevated work platforms, the assumption is that the work surface is stable and safe. Therefore, if the equipment is placed on soft ground or surfaces with potholes and other irregularities, the lifting capability will be lower. In most cases, the platform becomes unstable; placing loads could increase the risk of the equipment toppling because of the higher centre of gravity. Therefore, you should be cautious about this aspect of at-height projects. Ensure that the platform can be placed on a stable surface for optimal results.

Adverse Weather

Finally, you should note that the weather can have an impact on the load-bearing capacity of an elevated work platform. When preparing for a process that requires aerial access, you should evaluate this aspect before commencing. For instance, if there are high or rough winds or storms in the local area, you should think about postponing the work. While lifting platforms are resilient, the force of the wind could cause a little loss of stability, and the user could be in danger. Caution will minimise risk and ensure project success.