A mobile plant is self-propelled equipment which is run by an expert operator. It finds usage on the construction sites, both commercial and residential. These machineries are designed to carry heavy loads and move the loads from one place or position to another. There are various categories of mobile plants. While these machines are important for efficient and safe construction, they also carry a lot of risks. These are heavy equipment and hence demand regular upkeep and maintenance. Mobile plant risk assessment is an integral aspect of creating a safe working environment in the construction zone. Even the slightest of mistake can be hazardous.
Mobile plants find application in all varying industries, including construction, mining, agriculture, transport, forestry, retail, electricity, water and gas supply, etc. There are multiple areas of use, and hence, these machinery need to be efficient all the time. Regular assessment ensures that mobile plants are in good condition.
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| Mobile Plant Risk Assessment |
Types of Mobile Plants
Before heading further to understand why it’s necessary to have mobile plant risk assessment, here is a quick look at the various categories of mobile plants:
- Manufacturing- You will find many mobile plants at manufacturing units, such as forklifts, cranes, lift trucks, elevating work platforms, etc.
- Construction- At the construction sites, you can find machines like excavators, cranes, forklifts, loaders, ditch diggers, dumpers, pile-drivers, skid-steer loaders, which are all types of mobile plants.
- Mining- Bulldozers, mobile cranes, excavators, power shovels, backhoes, etc. are mobile plants used for mining
- Transport- Forklifts, elevating work platforms, telehandlers, mobile cranes, etc. are common transportation related to mobile plants.
Advantages of using mobile plants
These plants increase the work effectiveness, and at the same time put a lesser burden on the workmen. Apart from that, there are several other advantages which these have to offer:
- They reduce or limit certain risks
- Timely completion of work
- One can safely work at heights without fear
- Workmen can easily handle heavy loads and move it from one place to another
- It can dramatically increase the work productivity
- They are mobile, hence they can be quickly taken to the site of construction.
- No need for installation.
- These are self-propelled machines
- Save additional labour cost
Mobile Plant Risk Assessment: Why It Is Necessary?
Mobile plants are important for efficient workflow. Irrespective of the industry, these machines find application almost everywhere. However, these gigantic equipment pieces carry certain risks with them too. These machines can undergo wear and tear which may make them hazardous. Regular upkeep and check are important to ensure the safety of the operators and the ones who are present around them.
There are certain parameters that need to be followed to ensure that these machines are working as per the safety standard set by the law. The parts of machines should be regularly checked, repaired and replaced if required.
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| Mobile Plant Risk Assessment |
Mobile plant risk assessment involves the following:
- Checking the working environment
- Trained workforce driving the mobile plant to limit the risk is also a part of mobile plant risk assessment
- The load lifted by the mobile plant. The machine should not be overloaded, as it can prove dangerous.
- Other hazards like powerline, underground service must be checked.
- Ground stability
- Limiting the load and reach of a mobile crane. It involves the development of engineering computations
- Licensed and trained workmen to ensure safety at the site.
- Workmen can be trained on the site for safety measures
- In case there is machinery which is having a problem, notifying the same to other workers and owners.
Conclusion
Mobile plant risk assessment is not just about having the most advanced machinery working. Instead, it is about ensuring the safety of the people working around it. A safe site of work and regular upkeep is a part of mobile plant risk assessment. It guarantees a safe site of work for all.