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Industrial platforms are classified mainly by their structure, where each type is unique, depending on the structure and nature of work, potential hazards, and required reach. The following are some of the most commonly used types.
These are temporary structures used to support workers and materials in the construction of buildings. They are made of metal and wood, though modern scaffolding is mainly made from steel. Due to their strength and versatility, scaffolding platforms are ideal for construction and maintenance, where workers need height and stability. They are easily assembled and disassembled but need to be secured properly for safety.
The AWP is also known as elevating work platforms (EWP). They are mechanized platforms used when the work is at a height. They are powered through electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatic means. They offer greater mobility than scaffolding as they can be moved to different locations. Different types of AWP include boom lifts, cherry pickers, and mast lifts.
These are permanent or semi-permanent structures used in warehouses and factories. Mostly, these platforms are constructed with steel, and here, the platform is supported over the floor to enable storage and movement of goods. These platforms provide efficient use of vertical spaces, such as warehouses handling materials. A raised platform is ideal for low-height work.
These platforms consist of platforms that hang from cables or ropes, usually used in high-rise construction, painting, and window cleaning. Commonly, these platforms are made with light material, such as aluminum composites, due to their ease and flexibility during construction. During their use, the platforms are raised through pulleys and motors, and work on them requires proper safety precautions.
The platforms mentioned above are only a few examples. Each category further has subcategories based on power sources, mobility, and specific features. Familiarizing with these types is important in selecting the right platform, especially in industrial applications, ensuring
Efficiency, safety, and durability are key considerations when choosing industrial work platforms. Depending on the type of platform, different materials are applied in their construction, giving them varied uses.
Steel platforms are ideal for heavy-duty applications due to their high tensile strength. Mild and stainless steel are the most commonly employed metal types, with mild steel being cost-effective and easy to weld. Stainless steel is used where better corrosion resistance is needed.
Wood is one of the oldest and most commonly used materials for scaffolding platforms. Wood is inexpensive and easy to work with, but because it is weak and can easily rot, it is mostly suitable for short-term work.
These platforms are usually constructed using steel, wood, or even reinforced aluminum.
Concrete work platforms, however, are difficult to move and take time to install, so they are mostly used in permanent situations where the platform must withstand heavy impacts, such as in construction and before foundation work.
The most common materials for these platforms are aluminum alloys, which support great strength and light weight. Due to its properties, aluminum is highly used in building suspended platforms due to easy use, resistance to corrosion, and convenient transportation.
Some of the key design elements include load capacity, platform height, and stability. In designing the platform, the estimated load to be supported, including the workers, tools, and the materials, should be calculated. The platform height must be determined by the nature of work, as this gives a guideline to reach required working heights. Only a stable base prevents accidents, and this is done by securing or anchoring the platform and using proper materials.
Work platforms are useful when they provide safety and efficiency for the various jobs required, whether at great heights or on the industrial floor. The following are common cases where they are commonly used.
Heavy-duty raised platforms are extensively applied in warehouses for storage and inventory management. They enable the use of vertical spaces and help fork lift trucks and other heavy machines reach stacks of goods. In these places, platforms provide order, easy movement of materials, and safe working conditions.
Scaffolding and suspension platforms are primarily used in building works to support workers when carrying out various tasks at height. Besides painting, repairing, and cleaning windows, the suspended platforms provide a solid base for working on the outside of tall buildings. They ensure safety on the job and enable workers to perform tasks quickly.
In manufacturing industries, work platforms provide easy access to machines and overhead piping and electrical wiring. The platforms are rated for different loads and are designed to cater to the specific needs of such facilities.
Both suspended and AWP platforms allow workers to perform tasks on the sides and at the top of ships while constructing or repairing them. These platforms are built to withstand harsh weather conditions since the platforms will be used outside.
AWP and aerial platforms are primarily used by film crews to capture aerial shots and provide lighting and other equipment on top of buildings. These platforms are good for making a movie or doing TV shows because they give the film crews the angles they want while keeping the actors safe.
Aerial work platforms are frequently employed by utility companies for power lines or tree trimming. These platforms ensure that workers can safely access hard-to-reach areas while maintaining an appropriate level above ground.
The selection of a work platform in industrial applications has many benefits: safety, more work done, easy access to heights, and optimum use of spaces. The following are key factors that must be considered for the optimum performance of work platforms.
Selecting a work platform based on the load capacity that is required is easier said than done. The platform should be able to support not only the weight of the worker but also that of the tools and other types of equipment that may be used. Exceeding the planned platform load will result in greater risks and structural failures.
The type of platform needed varies according to the height of the work to be done. Scaffolding or suspension platforms are required for tasks that need considerable working heights. For small height adjustments, AWP might be sufficient.
Work platforms for external and internal works are designed for different conditions. Most platforms are raised indoors or used for low-level jobs inside factories and warehouses, while external platforms are enclosed and designed to cope with weather conditions. Platform materials should be selected according to the type of environment in which they will be used, either corrosive or non-corrosive.
The work platform's stability is crucial to ensure safety. Platforms must be stable when in use, but some may also require the ability to move them easily from one location to another. Examples of such stability include locking casters and leveling outriggers.
Some platforms are more easily assembled and disassembled than others. This may be particularly important for temporary work platforms, such as scaffolding, that need to be put in and taken out all the time. Choosing the right platform for a specific industrial application depends on these five key factors.
While scaffolding provides a stable platform for multiple workers over a long period, AWPs offer mobility and are more suited for short-term tasks at height.
Raised platforms optimize vertical storage, allowing forklifts to stack materials, thus improving inventory management and space utilization.
Safety features like emergency brakes, guard rails, and proper anchoring are vital to prevent accidents when using suspended platforms.
Assessing load capacity, height, environment, stability, and assembly ease will help determine the right work platform for specific tasks.
