Suspended access platforms, commonly known as cradles, provide access to building facades for maintenance, inspection, and installation work. They are suspended from the roof by wire ropes and raised or lowered using electric hoists. Equipment failure, overloading, or wind can cause the cradle to tip, swing, or fall. This talk covers the essential safety controls for using suspended access platforms on UK construction projects.
Key Hazards
Platform fall from wire rope failure or hoist malfunction
Workers falling from the cradle due to missing or damaged guardrails
Cradle swinging into the building facade in high wind conditions
Overloading the platform beyond its safe working load capacity
Control Measures
Ensure the cradle has a valid LOLER thorough examination certificate before use.
Check that all wire ropes, hoists, and safety devices are inspected before each use.
Wear a full body harness connected to an independent safety line, not to the cradle structure.
Do not exceed the safe working load displayed on the cradle's rating plate.
Monitor wind speed and stop operations when conditions exceed the manufacturer's stated limit.
Ensure the roof-mounted davit arms or track system are correctly installed and load-tested.
Brief all operators on the cradle controls, emergency lowering, and communication signals.
Establish an exclusion zone at ground level below the suspended cradle throughout the works.
Ensure at least two trained persons are on the cradle at all times during operation.
Emergency / Rescue
If the cradle becomes stuck or tilts, stop all movement and contact the supervisor. Do not attempt to free a jammed cradle. If evacuation is needed, use the emergency lowering device. Call 999 if anyone is injured or trapped.
Remember
The cradle must have a valid LOLER thorough examination certificate before any use
Wear a full body harness connected to an independent safety line at all times
Never exceed the safe working load shown on the cradle's rating plate
Stop operations when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's stated safe limit
Establish an exclusion zone at ground level below the cradle throughout the works
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 · LOLER 1998 · PUWER 1998 · BS EN 1808 (Suspended Access Equipment)