Industrial maintenance work often requires access to spaces, controls and machinery at high levels. For workers to reach and maintain these areas safely, a form of elevation is essential, but ladders can be notoriously unstable and restrict free movement. Safety access platforms solve this problem, letting one or more team members reach high levels and complete their work with safety and confidence. Our guide will explain what safety access platforms are and why your company needs them for industrial maintenance.

Industrial Safety Access Platforms: Definition and Uses

Safety access platforms are mobile or fixed elevated surfaces that allow industrial workers to climb or step up to a high work area. They can vary in size, but all have a non-slip square or rectangular platform at the top of steps, ladders or a boom hinge unit that raises workers to the required height. Safety rails on strategic sides help prevent slips and falls during industrial maintenance. The increased surface area of safety access platforms means multiple workers and tools can operate in the same space.

There are several variations of access platforms available for industrial use. Here is a roundup of those on offer at Bend Tech Group, Australia:

  • Fixed Plant Platforms
  • Mobile Equipment Maintenance (MEM) Platforms
  • Adjustable Height Platforms
  • Conveyer Platforms
  • General Purpose Platforms
  • Light Vehicle Platforms
  • Wharf Platforms
  • Railtrack Platforms

The above selection enables industrial workers to maintain equipment in the manufacturing, aerospace, defence, mining and many other heavy industries.

Safety access platforms consist of premium industrial materials such as heavy-duty stainless steel and aluminium to ensure an effective strength-to-weight ratio. Load-bearing capacities dictate how much an access platform can hold safely, and equipment inspections are essential to ensure your company complies with Australian health safety regulations.

The Role of Safety Access Platforms in Industrial Maintenance

The benefits of safety access platforms for industrial work mean they have a high return on investment (ROI). Your team will be able to work more efficiently, and accidents at work will be minimised, boosting worker morale and reducing costly incidents. Unlike mezzanine floors, which count as a building storey above certain dimensions, there are fewer size restrictions affecting the use of safety access platforms. Large surface areas in both mobile and fixed variations are available for your company’s benefit.

Safety access platforms have several features that maximise worker safety at raised heights. Robust construction is vital to safe operation in demanding industrial environments, but the design of the best safety access platforms tailors their form to suit each type of task. Specify your intended use when you search for access platforms to maximise operability. Key features include the following:

  • Durable Stairs or Ladders – Two steps to ten steps may be enough for some industrial maintenance tasks, but height-adjustable platforms let workers reach areas beyond this range. Stairs or steps must be durable, load-tested and designed to function with safety platform guardrails.
  • Non-Slip Platform Materials – Rough or perforated materials with an industrial tread pattern to minimise slip and fall risks are mandatory. Manufacturers apply slip-resistant coatings, diamond patterns, and serrated open textures or grids to maximise grip.
  • Secure Locking and Failsafe Mechanisms – Elevating and height-adjustable access platforms require a robust locking mechanism to maintain a fixed height. Pressure-blocking valves prevent drops in the event of a hydraulic failure.
  • Safety Rails and Swing Gates – Rails and gates must comply with Australian regulations and offer sufficient protection at height. Adjustable screws, bolts and fixtures enable precise adjustments to suit any workspace. Chains also feature on access platforms to restrict access to certain areas.
  • Wheel Casters – Once workers have moved the platform into position, casters and weight supports prevent unwanted movement once work begins.

These elements highlight the benefits for workers when at high elevations but this list also gives you an idea of the features to enquire about when you order your safety access platforms.

How to Maximise Safety When Working at Height

Providing professional tools designed with safety at the forefront helps keep your workers safe. Offering a range of access platforms for specific tasks and work environments increases the benefits to health and safety. There are a few principles that companies should follow to ensure safety access platforms are used correctly.

  • Regulations and Compliance – The Australian Work and Safety Act 2011 states regulatory requirements for completing industrial work at height. Over two metres above the ground puts workers in the “at height” range. Dependable safety access platforms help mitigate many risks when properly maintained and responsibly designated.
  • Training and Certification – Accredited training centres across Australia provide industry-specific courses to employees and managers. Courses like the Work Safely at Heights (RIIWHS204E) are recognised by the Australian government as sufficient training in safety protocols for workers elevated from the ground. 
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Workers at height must be provided with PPE for impact, slip and fall protection. Minimum PPE consists of non-slip reinforced footwear, impact-resistant helmets and fluorescent vests. Higher levels of PPE may include fall-prevention devices such as ropes and harnesses.
  • Regular Professional Inspections – Enlist the help of certified companies to make sure your safety access platforms and overall work areas maintain safety standards. Inspectors will test for load capacity, surface stability, overall condition, PPE quality and other physical factors. Stay up to date to stay compliant.

Informing your workers of safety protocols, as well as investing in equipment and training courses, help maintain safety standards for everyone involved. It could be beneficial to review your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) at intervals to ensure new equipment and processes are accounted for before work commences.

Equip Your Team With Reliable Safety Access Platforms

Safety access platforms give workers and managers peace of mind when working at height, helping all parties complete tasks to the highest standards. Consider your intended use, required height, load capacity, level of portability and specific safety demands. Our team at Bend Tech Group will be happy to help you select the right safety access platforms for your project. We have provided products, services and solutions to industrial sectors worldwide for over 30 years. Request a quote today.