Platforms elevatable: new ministerial directives

The Ministry of Labour has issued a circular, No. 7 of 12 September 2024, on safety issues related to the use of elevating work platforms (AWPs).

piatforms-elevatable

The circular takes into account data collected over the last decade, from which a worrying picture emerges: in fact, it appears that it is not the older machines that cause the most concern, but many of the most serious accidents have occurred on rather recent platforms.

The survey and the critical issues that emerged

The analysis focused on accidents that occurred in the last decade and revealed that structural failures are the main cause of these accidents. These are not simple malfunctions, but real collapses of crucial parts of the structure. These events not only put the lives of operators at risk, but also raise fundamental questions about the inherent safety of these machines, even when they are relatively new.

The investigation basically revealed critical issues such as structural failures in machines with less than 10 years of service and other problems such as fatigue phenomena, buckling and non-compliant welds.

What to do

In order to improve security, attention is drawn to the importance of the following aspects:

  • complete documentation: preservation of all documents relating to the machine (certificates, manufacturer’s instructions and verification reports),
  • control register: Mandatory implementation of a detailed register to document all control and maintenance activities,
  • critical attention areas: identification of areas most prone to structural failure, including joint areas, telescopic arms and stabilisers,
  • responsibilities of the actors involved:
    • manufacturers: to ensure safety standards in accordance with harmonised standards,
    • users: to ensure strict adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions,
    • verification bodies: to assess the state of preservation of the machine,
    • supervisory bodies: to verify that periodic inspections are carried out and that they are properly maintained.

This implies on the one hand an increase in maintenance and inspection costs, but on the other hand the potential reduction of accidents and associated costs in the long run. Furthermore, the training needs for operators and technicians must be reconsidered.

This is what the circular tells us, but as far as how to improve the safety of AWPs is concerned, the solutions can be varied. One can think about integrating IoT (Internet of Things) into platforms with early warning systems for potential failures and sensors for monitoring structural stress. In addition, interactive maintenance guides and virtual training guides with risk simulations can be realised.

In addition to this, autonomous and semi-autonomous AWPs can be upgraded with GPS, proximity and obstacle sensors and software to allow autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation around the site by optimising routes. but safe by detecting obstacles. Communication of these types of platforms should be in real time with a central site safety management system.

Conclusion

The Ministry has announced a forthcoming publication of a technical guidance document, which will provide further details on prevention and control procedures. This document will be crucial for the effective implementation of the new security measures.