Planet Platforms, part of the Kee Safety Group, is regularly tasked with designing, making manufacturing access platforms and installing safe work at height systems for other manufacturing companies. From the production line to individual raised platforms and steps, each aims to improve safety and productivity.
Companies that manufacture their products will be unique to them. It is this individuality that stands them out from the crowd and gives them a competitive advantage. This distinctiveness means that we don’t have a one size fits all solution when making manufacturing access platforms, or the system that we will eventually design, manufacture, and install; this will be wholly bespoke. Designed using the latest Autodesk® Inventor software, these models can be imported into our clients virtual working environment, confirming compatibility before we put the platforms into production.
Complete assemblies start as individual components and naturally get bigger, as more components are added. With some of our customers, these can quickly become substantial pieces of kit and will need access equipment to build them safely.
The picture below illustrates this, as this component is part of a larger transformer assembly.
Production on an assembly line is a common way of working, as semi-finished assemblies pass from workstation to workstation when new parts are added. When this production line is on the move, it presents more challenges when providing a safe access solution. Henry Ford designed the first moving assembly line in 1913 for the Model T Ford and became the benchmark for mass production methods around the world.
The image below shows a bespoke platform designed for this type of moving production line. Manufactured from lightweight aluminium, the simple double-side step platform attaches to the wheel hub, giving space for two workers to stand. Set on two self-adjusting sliders on either side, the steps automatically adjust to any fluctuations in floor level. Furthermore, brush strips gather any debris that would hinder the castor movement.
Providing the right platform from which to work safely, is always going to make the task easier for the operative to perform. Making manufacturing access platforms, simply brings with it an increase in productivity, output and return on investment. For example, the right platform will ensure personnel do not have to overreach to perform a specific job, improving posture and physical wellbeing. Increase the surrounding working area, enables personnel to have the space in which to work. Augment a platform with electrics and/or compressed air, can remove trip hazards from trailing cables and allows for illumination at the point of operation. These small yet tangible features all bring better productivity.
Some advanced settings when making manufacturing access platforms require a safe access solution that is not only bespoke, but equally as advanced as the equipment it is serving. The AIRdeck® system in the picture below, was developed for one of the world’s leading jet engine manufacturers and is a great illustration of cutting-edge access equipment design.
Three pairs of hydraulically height adjustable platforms guide the jet engines through their final stages of manufacture. Capable of working at any height on the engine, in either a vertical or horizontal plane, pneumatically controlled fingers extend to closely profile the side of the engine, thus removing any potential fall from height hazard.
First and foremost, it will ensure that your personnel are safe when working at height. Don’t assume that this only applies to situations when working several metres from the floor. The law states that falls from any height must be considered where someone could be injured. You don’t have to fall far to land hard.
Finally, why wouldn’t you adopt a system that improves productivity and output, bringing visible improvements to your bottom line?
