PNRC 30 / ADV 11 - Suspended Working Platforms
Table of Contents
Introduction
This article would introduce the content of PNRC 30 / ADV 11 – “Suspended Working Platforms”.
In addition, safe use and operation for the use of suspended working platform would also be introduced by making reference to below material (also recommended by ADV 11 to AP/RSE/RGE):
Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platforms) Regulation.
A Guide to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platforms) Regulation.
Code of Practice for Safe Use and Operation of Suspended Working Platforms.
Guidance Notes on the Inspection, Thorough Examination and Testing of Suspended Working Platforms.
Definition of Suspended Working Platforms by PNRC 30
A “suspended working platform”, also namely gondola, is a working platform suspended from a structure by means of lifting gear, and being raised or lowered by lifting appliances.
BD submission for Suspended Working Platforms
When would BD approval and consent for building works is required / not required?
As per cl.14(1) of Buildings Ordinance, no work shall commence without approval and consent from BA.
However, as per cl.41(3) – (Exemption) under Buildings Ordinance, building works do not involve the structure of the building are exempt from cl.14(1).
As per Code of Practice for Safe Use and Operation of Suspended Working Platforms recommended by ADV-11, the anchorage and suppport of a suspended working platform affecting the structure of the building should be submitted to BA.
Configuration for the suspended working platform
As per cl.8(a) of SWPR (Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platforms) Regulation), the configuration for suspended working platforms as shown below shall be fulfilled:
440mm wide with sufficient length to allow persons using it.
Toe boards placed at a height not less than 200mm.
Top guard-rail = 900mm to 1150mm & lowest guard-rail not more than 700mm above the top of the board.
Except for drainage, the working platform shall be closed plated 鋪密.
#As per Cap. 59I Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations, width of any working platform shall not less than 400mm while for movement of materials shall not less than 650mm.
Safety Devices for SWP
Working wire ropes are used for raising, lowering and suspension for the SWP. In addition to the two suspendsion ropes, each suspension point shall be attached with a safety rope having an automatic safety device (safety lock). – regulation 14(1) of the SWPR
Function of Safety Lock
Safety lock is an independent mechanical device.When working wire rope breakage or suspended platform tilting to the limited values or fast falling, the safety lock will automatically lock the safety wire rope.
Its working principle is just like below:
While you working,the working wire rope is tightly against the roller of swing arm,which making rope clamp opened, so safety rope can smoothly pass.
And while suspended platform is tilted to the limited values or working wire rope is breaked, the pressure on the working rope against the arm of safety will be weakened or disappeared.
Then with the action of torsion spring and the friction between the rope clamp and safety wire rope,the rope clamp of safety lock will rapidly close and lock which stopping the suspended platform continuously tilting or falling. Then the operator will be safe.
Counter-weights / FOS for bolts for SWP
Where a suspended working platform is counterbalanced by counterweights, the counterweights on any outriggers should not be less than 3 times the weight necessary to balance the load.
The bolts fixing the supports to the structure shall also provide a holding force to achieve a factor of safety against overturning of at least 3.
Workers on Suspended Working Platforms
At least 18 years old and
Obtained a certificate after having undergone training which is either recognised by the Commissioner for Labour
Every worker should wear a safety harness
Test and Examination
123
Notice on the SWP
123
THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.