Trailer Access Platforms

Wed 30th Jan 2008

The task of loading and unloading of steelwork requires an operative to climb onto the trailers to manoeuvre the steelwork into place. With the height of the steelwork on the trailer being as much as 3.3m above the floor, this poses a significant risk to the person loading/unloading materials. This hazard had to be addressed to comply with the HSE "Working at Height Regulations 2005".

A set of retractable platforms were developed by Peers Designers to provide access to the trailers on 3 sides at the same level as the trailer bed, whilst the materials were being loaded/unloaded. Various ideas were looked at but these were too heavy to be moved by hand or generally impractical for the available space. Two sets of three platforms were commissioned at a cost of £9000 per set. One for the unloading of the steel and one for the loading of finished fabricated items.