A work platform is a piece of equipment that allows workers to do certain tasks at height. It may be mobile or fixed. It may be used indoors or outdoors. It may be equipped with safety features. It can also be augmented with tools and other equipment to perform more complex jobs. It is often used by maintenance and construction workers, but it can also be useful in a number of other industries. A work platform is a great alternative to ladders, stepladders and staging, but it should still be used with appropriate caution because working at height remains dangerous even with the use of proper fall prevention equipment.
The most common type of work platform is an aerial work platform (AWP). It moves up or down by using a series of linked supports in a criss-cross X pattern that can be expanded and shortened to reach different areas. This type of work platform can be driven from a control panel on the machine itself or from one at its base.
Some work platforms are equipped with safety measures such as locking mechanisms, serrated edges, and handrails to prevent users from falling or becoming injured. These platforms may also be designed to meet specific industry needs, such as a high capacity or ability to move over uneven surfaces. For industrial environments with corrosive chemicals, work platforms may be built from stainless steel or coated with an anti-corrosion coating.
Many workplaces have regulations governing the use of work platforms, and these regulations may include requirements for training or certification for workers who need to operate them. These regulations usually require that the employer or supervisor must be present to monitor the use of a work platform and supervise any workers who are performing work from it.
Some workers who do platform work are classified as independent contractors instead of employees, but the European Commission has proposed a new directive that will change this classification. The proposal specifies five criteria that must be met for a platform operator to be considered an employer, and it will make it easier for workers who perform platform work to get their status reclassified as employees.
If a worker needs to stay on a work platform for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to add a chair or other seating to the platform. In addition to providing ergonomic support, a comfortable seat can help the worker concentrate on their work. Some work platforms are designed with ergonomic features such as a handle on the side to facilitate easy movement and a built-in seat.
Work platforms can be used in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aviation, and construction. They are available in a range of sizes and materials, from aluminum to stainless steel, so it is important for an operation to determine what features are most important when purchasing one for the facility. The aesthetic of the facility must also be taken into account, as some work platforms can be painted or hot dip galvanized to match the look of other machines and equipment. Piattaforma lavoro