It’s all-too common to see a farmer up in the air, working at height in either a potato box or on a bucket. But these items are dangerous and don’t meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) criteria.
That’s why the HSE warns farmers against using anything but a “purpose-built non-integrated working platform” (man cage to most of us) when carrying out work on buildings.
HSE document PM28 lays out the standards that need to be met for bought-in machines and DIY items alike. There is a free downloadable 15-page version at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/pm28.pdf that gives details on what you can and can’t do.
You can make your own working platform for non-routine usage, but it needs to be done properly.
It’s not intended for big projects – these need professional equipment.
Do I have to attach it in a particular way?
⁕ If the platform is forklift-mounted the forks should ideally extend fully into the fork pockets, or a minimum of 75% of the way.
A positive locking system must be used – for example, behind the heels of the fork arms – so that the basket can’t accidentally fall off. Carriagemounted platforms with a securing system count as positive locking.
How big does it have to be?
⁕ The platform should be as small as possible, but still suitable for the maximum number of people it is designed for. It must not exceed the width of the machine it is mounted on by more than 250mm each side.
Does the floor have to be specially designed?
⁕ It needs to be of “adequate” strength, slip resistant and designed to prevent the build-up of liquid. Any opening in the floor, such as mesh, should be less than 1.5cm.
The floor must also be capable of coping with 1,471kg/sq m evenly distributed, or 125kg over an area of 40x40cm.
Can I adapt a grain bucket?
⁕ You could, but it would be difficult because all the platform edges, including the front, would have to be guarded by:
⁕ A top rail, with the upper surface between 1m and 1.1m from the platform floor
⁕ A toe-board with a minimum height of 15cm
⁕ At least one intermediate rail, equally spaced between the top of the toe board and the underside of the top rail.
The HSE does accept other means of guarding between the top rail and floor, such as robust wire mesh, panelling or safety glazing.
Can I lean out of the platform to trim trees?
⁕ You can, but a professional harness should be worn and there must be an anchor point on the platform to attach it to. This needs to be capable of taking three times the weight of whoever is attached.
How do I talk to those on the ground?
⁕ Most accidents are caused by poor communication. The key thing is that the operator must remain at the controls of the forklift or tractor while the platform is raised.
WHAT’S ON THE MARKET?
⁕ If you’re looking to buy a ready-made platform, make sure it fully complies with the PM28 criteria.
Albutt
Albutt’s five models, in a range of sizes, are supplied with a mandatory SWL test certificate. Prices range from £785-£2,017.
Cherry Products
The three different size models from Cherry Products are all based on the same design, and include a tool shelf and completely galvanised platform. Prices are £1,010 for both oneand two-man models.
Oxdale
Oxdale makes a single type of platform, suitable for one person, that costs £630.
Suton
Gurney Reeve sells a Suton platform with prices from £995 for 1.5m-wide model to £1,395 for the 2.3m version.
Stronga
Hertfordshire manufacturer Stronga also manufactures access platforms.