Safety Platforms – Choosing the right mobile safety platform

Mobile work platforms come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for a wide range of tasks. While low level work platforms are idea for quick jobs, double sided industrial platforms provide that essential safety and are ideal for use for vehicle maintenance and factory use. However, choosing the right safety platform can be difficult without properly identifying your own needs first.

What height are you working at?

The first thing you need to consider is the height of the product. By looking at the the working height of the tasks you are undertaking you will be able to shortlist a number of products appropriate for the job.

What jobs do you need a safety platform for?

Once you’ve shortlisted products of the appropriate height, you’ll need to pick something suitable for your line of work. If you’re involved in DIY or light trade work, such as light fitting, you will more than likely be suited to a low level work platform such as the Chase Hopstar Folding Work Platform, or the Werner Aluminium Low Level Work Platform.

If you work in a factory or industrial work environment and require a higher reach product with a more durable build, you’ll be best off with something like the Lyte HIPOD PAS250 Podium Steps, or the Zarges Double Sided Mobile Work Platform.

Finally, if you’re working around electricity, you’ll need a work platform made from fiberglass material, as opposed to aluminium. Relevant products include the Zarges Glass Fibre Hop Up Work Platform and the Bratts B-Dek Work Platform.

How mobile do you need your safety platform to be?

Depending on how much use the product will get, you may want to consider how mobile you need it to be. If you need something that you can quickly set up and take down then a heavy-duty option with wheels probably isn’t the best choice. However, if you’re likely to be working from your platform for a long period of time, something more structured and sturdy will probably be your best bet.

When purchasing any work platform it’s a good idea to look out for safety features such as:

• Lockable castors
• Toeboards and guardrails
• Non-slip platform / Non-slip feet
• Durability
• Adequate load capacity

While all these factors won’t be important for all types of platform purchases – for example, low level platforms are unlike to have guardrails; it’s important to keep these factors in mind.

For more information about any of the products mentioned today, head over the relevant product pages on our website.

If you use work platforms and other types of access equipment on a regular basis you might also want to refresh your knowledge of safe working at a height on one of our training courses.

In the meantime, enjoy your Christmas and we wish you all the best for a happy and prosperous New Year!

Have you used any of the products mentioned in today’s blog? If so, leave a review below, or tweet your review to us @BrownsLadders