Requirements for Hydraulic Work Platforms

Hydraulic work platforms are commonly used in construction and maintenance operations. These devices are used to provide access to areas of height by means of adjusting the platform horizontally, vertically and rotationally. Only authorized and trained personnel are allowed to operate hydraulic work platforms.

Significance

• According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, critical mechanisms of the work platform hydraulic system are required to have a bursting strength exceeding the force of four times the rated workload. Non-critical mechanisms are required to have a bursting strength safety rating of at least two to one. The hydraulic cylinder assembly must be equipped to prevent free descent in the occurrence of a hydraulic line failure. The minimum rated weight of the platform must not be less than 250 pounds.

Considerations

• Daily inspections for hydraulic leaks, loose wire connections and other defects or malfunctions must be performed prior to the hydraulic work platform being used. All unsafe items must be immediately reported and corrected before use.

Warning

• The hydraulic work platform operator must look in the direction of travel, observe ground conditions and maintain a safe distance from obstacles at ground level and overhead. The operator must maintain a safe speed, and stunt driving is forbidden. The disabling of safety devices is also prohibited.