Skillet Access Platform Steps - Acres Engineering

Scope

Our customer required the access steps to be safe and durable for use in warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities. The steps must provide secure access to elevated areas while meeting safety and compliance standards.

Solution

Project REF: AD-2662-2024-10-1 / 12839-P1

Our Skillet Access Platform Steps are designed for industrial and manufacturing use. It features three anti-slip yellow steps for ergonomic access, a sturdy metal frame, handrails on both sides for stability, and four swivel casters for mobility with locking mechanisms. Common applications include accessing machinery, performing maintenance, or loading/unloading materials, adhering to workplace safety standards.

Skillet access steps with steps are versatile tools used across industries requiring safe and ergonomic access to elevated areas. Key sectors include:

Manufacturing: Maintenance and operation of machinery in industries like automotive and aerospace.
Warehousing: Reaching high shelves and inventory management in logistics and storage facilities.
Aviation: Aircraft inspection and maintenance at airports and manufacturing plants.
Construction: Temporary access for installation or repairs on building sites.
Energy: Maintenance of turbines, pipelines, and renewable energy systems.
Food & Beverage: Accessing processing equipment in plants and breweries.
Transportation: Inspection of vehicles, trains, and cargo systems.
Marine: Repairs and inspections in shipbuilding and maintenance.
Retail: Stocking high shelves in stores and warehouses.

These platforms are essential for ensuring safety and mobility in various work environments.

It is crucial for mobile access platforms (such as mobile scaffolding, elevated work platforms, or mobile lifting platforms) to have a safe working load (SWL) for several important reasons related to safety, efficiency, and legal compliance:

1. Safety of Workers

Prevents Overloading: SWL ensures that the platform is not overloaded beyond its design capacity. Overloading can cause the platform to collapse or malfunction, leading to serious accidents or fatalities.
Structural Integrity: Mobile access platforms are designed with specific load limits to maintain their structural integrity. Exceeding the SWL can cause deformation, failure of components, or tipping over.
Stability: The SWL takes into account the weight distribution and height of the platform. Overloading can affect the platform’s balance and increase the risk of it becoming unstable, especially when elevated.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to Standards: Many countries have specific regulations (e.g., OSHA in the U.S., EU Directives) that require equipment like mobile access platforms to be used within specified load limits. Non-compliance could lead to legal liabilities and fines.
Inspection and Certification: Regular inspections are required to ensure that platforms meet safety standards. If the SWL is ignored, platforms may fail safety inspections and become unsafe for use.

3. Performance and Durability

Prolongs Lifespan: Adhering to the SWL helps prevent undue stress on the platform’s materials, mechanisms, and parts. This prolongs the life of the platform, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Optimises Functionality: By using the platform within its rated capacity, you ensure that it performs optimally. Exceeding the SWL can cause wear and tear, reducing efficiency and performance.

4. Operational Efficiency

Prevents Equipment Downtime: If the SWL is exceeded, it can lead to breakdowns or accidents, resulting in costly downtime. Adhering to the SWL ensures smooth, uninterrupted operations.
Better Planning: Knowing the SWL allows workers and supervisors to plan their tasks effectively, ensuring that the platform is loaded appropriately, minimising risks, and improving workflow.

5. Worker Confidence

Trust in Equipment: When workers know that the mobile access platform has a defined safe working load and is being used within its limits, they feel more confident and secure while working. This boosts morale and promotes a safety culture.

Skillet access steps provide safe, ergonomic, and portable access to elevated areas across various industrial, commercial, and operational settings. They are commonly used for equipment maintenance and inspection, safe access to high work areas, loading and unloading materials, and supporting assembly and production tasks. These platforms are also essential in cleanrooms, temporary elevated work scenarios, and environments requiring strict safety and compliance standards. Their mobility and versatility make them an efficient alternative to fixed ladders or scaffolding, ensuring safety and flexibility in diverse industries. See our information guide below on SWL:

What is load testing? SWL?

Acres have a range of standard products but also support clients with custom machinery and medium-high volume products such as trolleys, stillages etc.

We have manufactured lots of different tables / workstations / workbenches for various industries.

We also manufacture access platforms, jigs and fixtures and many other types of production support solutions / products.

Talk to us today about your requirements: [email protected] / 01332695240 / Contact Us Form

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