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Suspended Work



What should you do when working on a suspended platform?

  • Ensure that platform is installed and maintained according to job requirements, safety regulations, standards and the manufacturer's specifications.
  • Inspect all equipment before erecting and before each shift.
  • Use a separate safety harness attached to an independent life line for each worker. Maintain lanyard attachment at highest point possible.
  • Ensure that suspended platform roof beams and attachments are secure.
  • Ensure that the roof or parapet wall is structurally sound to support either outriggers or cornice hooks.
  • Check for kinked or damaged ropes.
  • Secure all ropes at anchor ends.
  • Ensure that all safety equipment, stops, override switches and brakes function properly.
  • Prevent contact between welding or grinding equipment and wire safety or suspension ropes.
  • Secure hand tools to the platform.
  • Ensure that power source is secured and properly grounded.
  • Secure platform when not in use.
  • Ensure that guardrails and toe boards are in place.
  • Extend suspension ropes completely to the ground or terminate with wire rope clips to prevent the stage from running off the end of the ropes.
  • Test by raising the fully loaded platform a few feet off the ground before going aloft.

What should you not do?

  • Do not exceed platform load capacity.
  • Do not enter or leave the platform other than at ground level or at other safe access points.
  • Do not allow electric cables or connections to lie in gutters or other areas where water can collect.
  • Do not work near exposed electrical circuits or equipment.
  • Do not join platforms unless they are designed for this purpose.
  • Do not use damaged or defective equipment.
  • Do not alter, substitute or remove components of platform.
  • Do not use life line for raising or lowering tools or materials.

Document last updated on December 17, 2002

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