Health & safety bulletin
Work platforms
29th September 2006
All Xmo Strata crews have now been issued with Sherpascopic or Sherpamatic Work Platforms. These are purpose made working platforms designed to replace stepladders.
After an initial trial of the work platforms, they have been purchased for all crews and it is now company policy that normal stepladders must not be used.
The working platforms are fully toe-boarded, and guard railed for protection whilst using the platform, and the outriggers provide stability. The Sherpascopic work platform has an adjustable height by the use of telescopic legs. They fold flat for transportation and storage.
When in use the outrigger must always be used, except when the platform is positioned against a solid object such as a wall where the one outrigger can be folded away to enable the platform to be moved closer to the wall.
When in use, the gate on the platform must always be securely closed to ensure a complete barrier around the user. The only acceptable position to work off is the platform, do not use the access steps, the support beams or the guard rails as a working platform.
Prior to use, the Sherpascopic / Sherpamatic platform must be inspected to ensure all moving parts are correctly positioned and locked, and that there is no damage to any part of the system. Report any damage to your supervisor immediately.