BIG DEBATE – SPREADER PLATES This is not just about working on soft soils,
though. Many materials such as paving and asphalt may look strong enough to cope, but outriggers can sink into any surface without sufficient foundations and there is always the question of what services are hidden beneath the surface. For this reason, the campaign is not simply
suggesting that spreader plates should be used, but that operators and managers should also consider which type and size of spreader to use. Incorrect selection can lead to instability,
so those planning the use of access equipment should consider how to identify poor ground conditions, how to assess the load bearing pressure of the ground and how to calculate the correct size of spreader for the situation. There has been no specific legislation
relating to the use of spreader plates with access equipment, although it is partially covered under a number of other regulations. “It comes under the Work at Height
regulations really, and the risk assessment planning side of those regs which lead to all of these installations being fully planned,” explains the HSE’s Paul Thomas. “And then there is the Provision of
Use of Work Equipment Regulations [PUWER], but again there is no specific
regulation relating to spreader plates.” Peter Walker, from the BCSA adds: “CDM
[Construction Design and Management regulations] also talks about planning and design of construction work.” Planning is perhaps the most important
factor in any work at height operation, and that planning or risk assessment must take account of ground conditions and of potential risks below the ground. Walker reports that BCSA members
consistently ask the question of the main contractor concerning the ground conditions and preparation before arriving on site to install steelwork. “It’s always an issue for us,”
and not viable for use on every site with powered access. “On a construction site a structural
engineer should assess the conditions,” says Leicester. “But it is not really the construction sites that are the problem. For a utility company a local authority should take responsibility.” IPAF is preparing a guidance document
that shows the relative strength of different materials. Even here any guidance must be easily understood by operators on site and clearly identified on the machines in a consistent manner. There is a good guide available to lorry
“I’D RATHER SEE THE MAIN CONTRACTOR DOING HIS JOB PROPERLY AND PROVIDING SUITABLE GROUND FOR THE JOB”
he says, “and it’s always about a service that we didn’t know about on site. Contractors must tell our members where the drains are and where the previous works have been. “I’d rather see the main contractor doing
his job properly and providing suitable ground for the job.” Assessing ground conditions is not easy,
because the solidity of material can change with the weather. A number of measurement devices are available, but they are expensive
loader operators, for instance, but it is 68 pages long and few operators on site are going to spend the time working through something like that. It is important that companies include
guidance in their everyday operation, in daily toolbox talks on site. By getting a clear message across, reinforcing the idea that spreader plates should be used every time, it is hoped that it will become the normal method of operation.