Checklist

Here is an example checklist used when testing suspended access equipment.

“This checklist should help users ensure that the more vulnerable parts of a cradle or suspended access platform continue to be reliable for each days work. It assumes that the equipment has been properly installed by competent people and is suitable both for the work to be done and the environment in which it will be carried out. Equipment manufactured by different companies may need some variations to this list and this should be clarified with the supplier, before the equipment is used.

Thorough daily checking will save lives and is therefore very important. It is therefore essential that all persons working on the platform have been properly trained in the correct use of the equipment and can competently carry out the daily safety checks listed on these pages.

General

Check that there are no new obstructions from the building, which would prevent the free vertical movement of the platform and make sure any buffers and rollers are securely in place and free to move.
Ensure there are no services in the work area, especially electrical, with which the equipment can become entangled.
Check that adequate warning notices are displayed around the site and there is restricted access where necessary, beneath the cradle.
Check that the occupiers of the building know what daily work is to be done from suspended platforms, each day.
Make sure the weather conditions are suitable for the platform to be used safely.
Check that the anchorage points for safety harnesses are identifiable, in test and are suitable for securing the harness lanyard and for the work to be done.
Check the ground around the platform and its last position if it has been moved, to see if there are any signs that vital parts from the platform have fallen off.
Secure access to the roof, so that intruders cannot tamper with equipment during and at the end of the day.

Suspended Platform

Check that the floor of the platform is not damaged, both when viewed from above and below. Also check that the supporting members are not damaged.
Check that the floor of the platform is sitting properly on its support members and is firmly secured to them.
Ensure that all bolts or fixings used to secure the floor are in place and securely tightened, e.g. drop noses should be properly secured in the pins and where bolts are used; ensure the nuts are all fully tightened. Where secondary nuts are used, some thread should still be showing.
Ensure that the floor of the platform is clear from debris.
Check that all toe boards are fixed firmly in position.
Check that all the handrails and side protection are not damaged and are properly secured.
Check that the load about to be placed in the platform (including people), does not exceed the safe working load of the cradle and that it is evenly distributed.
Ensure that all hand tools are secured in the platform and cannot fall out.

Winches

Check that the winch motors or hauling ropes are properly secured in place and that the winch controls are clearly visible and are not covered by items of spare clothing or other equipment etc.
Check that all the controls, especially all safety devices, are operational and any cables feeding power to the motors are properly secured.
Check that their electrical cables have not been damaged and are not in a position where they may be damaged by the platform as it moves.

Roof Rig

Check that the anchorages on the jib for the ropes, are properly in place and the ropes are not fraying at all.
If traversing rails are used, make sure there is a secure stop at either end.
Check the roof rig to see if anything may have dropped off the equipment or worked loose.

Ropes

Check that any wire ropes do not have areas which are flattened, kinked or have strands of wire protruding.
Check that ropes are reeved properly onto drums and run correctly over pulleys and guides.
Check that fibre ropes do not have areas which are chafed, appear powdery or are discoloured, other than by deposits of paint etc.

If the daily inspection reveals a shortcoming in any of the checklist items, the platform should not be used. Only use it when a competent person has verified that it is safe.”