Access in high-rise commercial buildings, for the purpose of both construction and maintenance, is a difficult aspect. Many mechanisms and equipment have been developed to enable such access, of which rope suspended platforms are some of the most commonly used systems. Keep reading to understand exactly what these are, their components, how they work and their benefits and applications in the building industry.
What is a Rope Suspended Platform?
A rope suspended platform, commonly known as a gondola, is an access system built for the purpose of undertaking tasks at elevated heights. These platforms are usually hung with steel wire ropes from a building structure and driven by electric hoists. They find their main application in high-rise building construction, maintenance, and cleaning processes. Rope suspended platforms can be installed quickly and used immediately after installation (unlike traditional formwork). It thus becomes a chosen form of access for the construction and building maintenance sectors.
Since rope suspended platforms can be tuned to any length and the lift capacity can be adjusted to the requirement of the work, they can effectively and safely transport employees and tools for tasks such as painting, cleaning, or installing building facades. By means of secure anchorages, these platforms can be employed for heavier tasks, including heavy industrial constructions and maintenance work at higher levels.
Components of a Rope Suspended Platform
Different parts work together so that the platform can operate efficiently and safely. These parts include:
- Platform: The platform is the flat surface onto which the workers step when they are working. It is made of quite thick aluminum or steel to support the workmen as well as equipment. The platform is generally wide enough to accommodate several workers, tools, and materials at the same time.
- Suspension System: The suspension system is made up of tough steel cables or wire ropes that connect the platform with a very solid structure like a building roof. The ropes are intended to carry the weight of the platform and the elements it will bear. Furthermore, they are designed to have an overload capacity that allows the system to be operable even in case of certain ropes becoming loose or totally broken.
- Hoists: Electric hoists are the most widely used devices facilitating the up and down movements of suspended platforms. Such hoists are equipped with electric motors which ensure the gentle and smooth positioning of the platform. On any hoist, there are control panels that are provided for the operator to move the platform as gently as possible.
- Safety Devices: Safety devices include emergency brakes that stop movement in the event of failure, and anti-tilt mechanisms that restrain the platform from falling over. Fall arrest systems, which are attached to the platform, ensure that workers are securely tethered to prevent falls.
- Control Panel: The control panel allows the operator to control the platform’s ascent and descent, as well as its positioning. Some platforms come with advanced control systems that allow multiple platforms to be operated simultaneously from a central location.
- Counterweights: Counterweights are used to balance the platform and prevent it from tipping. These weights are often placed at opposite ends of the platform to counterbalance the weight of the workers and tools.
How Rope Suspended Platforms Work
Rope suspended platforms are basically moving and lifting systems formed by the combination of mechanical and electrical systems.
- Setup: The platform is built, and the suspension system is principally secured to a stable point, like the top of a building. Then, hoists are added to the platform by which it is moved up or down.
- Suspension: High tensile steel wire ropes are used to suspend the platform. The ropes are pulled through hoists or pulleys and are fastened at one end to the building’s structure, thus providing the freedom to move the platform up and down.
- Operation: A control panel is the means through which the platform’s location and height are managed. As soon as the platform has reached the needed level, the workers can carry out some tasks such as window cleaning or facade inspection. The platform can be shifted by the workers to any part along the building’s wall to get to other parts of the structure.
- Descent: Upon completion of the work, the platform is lowered back to the ground at a steady pace. There are always emergency rules to be followed while the descent is being carried out in order to keep the workers safe.
Applications of Rope Suspended Platforms
Rope suspended platforms are employed across various industries for tasks that require safe and efficient access to elevated areas. These include:
- High-Rise Building Maintenance: Rope suspended platforms are required for the outside maintenance of high rise buildings. People engage in activities like window washing, checking for damages on the facade, and even minor fixing while on these platforms. Even though it is a bit expensive, workers can move on different sides of a building (since RSPs are lighter and less bulky) and have free access that other equipment cannot provide. The versatility of the platforms also allows workers to work near the building and some distance away from the building.
- Construction and Renovation Projects: Such platforms play a crucial role in building skyscrapers. The platform moves up and down, quickly and efficiently transporting workers, materials, and tools. This is especially important in dynamic and large-scale projects.
- Industrial Facilities: In places like power plants and chemical industries, rope suspended platforms are used to maintain high structures like cooling towers, chimneys, and silos. The platforms can be raised and lowered to suit the application, allowing access to areas where reach is difficult, and major inspections and repair jobs can be done in a safe and efficient manner.
- Wind Turbine Maintenance: Wind turbines often require regular maintenance of their blades and other critical components. Rope suspended platforms are deployed to facilitate maintenance work, providing workers with a safe working area on the turbine’s exterior without requiring cranes or other heavy machinery.
- Bridge Inspections and Maintenance: For bridges, especially those with significant height above water or dangerous terrain, rope suspended platforms offer an ideal solution. Workers can be suspended under the bridge deck to inspect, clean, or repair the structure’s undersides without needing a full scaffold setup.
Key Benefits of Rope Suspended Platforms
- Enhanced Safety: Safety is one of the big pros of rope suspended platforms as they are equipped with emergency brakes, fall arrest systems, anti-tilt mechanisms, and other advanced safety features. These systems are designed to prevent accidents due to failures and, therefore, there is a reduced risk of accidents. Furthermore, platforms are frequently checked before workers start using them to ensure that they comply with strict safety regulations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Rope suspended platforms represent a cheaper option compared to traditional forms of scaffolding. Their setup requires fewer materials, and they can be used for a long time without frequent assembly and reassembly. The usage of rope suspended platforms reduces labour expenses as workers are faster and more accurate in their operations.
- Flexibility: The major trump card of rope suspended platforms is their ability to get to areas that are hardly reachable by other methods. Those who work at such platforms are able to jump and run in areas with different heights and slopes, improving accessibility in tight spots.
- Efficiency: Rope suspended platforms ensure that workers can easily carry out activities like cleaning, inspection, and maintenance without much work on rigging and setting-up. This apparatus can be easily adjusted by a user to be able to perform quick tasks in challenging areas.
- Minimal Footprint: Unlike system scaffolding, which occupies large areas of the ground, rope suspended platforms require minimal space. This is particularly advantageous in crowded urban environments or sites where ground space is limited. Their ability to operate above ground level means that construction or maintenance work can continue without disrupting surrounding activities.
Precautions for Safe Use of Rope Suspended Platforms
- Pre-Operation Checks: Before using, check the platform, ropes, hoists, and safety devices in detail. Any broken parts should be replaced immediately to keep the operation safe.
- Training: Each and everyone who is going to operate the platform must be properly trained. He/she must be well-versed with the regulations of safety, emergency procedures, and how to act if one of the units stops working.
- Weather Conditions: In case of bad weather, e.g., strong winds or a thunderstorm, be sure not to use suspended platforms since there is an increased probability of accidents. Always check the weather forecast before the platform is set up.
- Load Limits: The load on the platform should never be more than the maximum load as it is specified. If the platform is overloaded, it can cause the ropes or hoists to break and may lead to hazardous situations.
- Emergency Procedures: Workers should be aware of emergency evacuation processes and they should also know the steps to follow in case of a mishap. Therefore, regular drills should be scheduled to keep workers on their toes and ready to react safely in times of an emergency.
Safety Protocols for Suspended Rope Platforms
- Regular Inspections: Set up a schedule of regular inspections to inspect all parts, including the hoist, wire rope, belt, and safety equipment. Annual checks by a professional would be advisable, in order to verify that the system is working at its best.
- Safety Gear: All workmen should be equipped with safety gear, fall protection helmets and harnesses. These safety systems are necessary to avoid injuries during a fall or equipment malfunction.
- Emergency Training: Training on emergency processes such as evacuation, first aid and how to use safety devices in the time of emergency must be conducted regularly.
- Secure Anchorage: Make sure that all suspension points are secured effectively and capable of supporting the load of the platform and workers. Periodic inspections should be performed to ensure that the anchorage is secure and safe.
- Compliance: Comply with local and international standards to use suspended rope platforms. The standards ensure a safe mode of use and maintenance of the equipment.
Conclusion
Rope Suspended Platforms (RSP) are an essential tool in the modern construction and maintenance industry, safer and quicker than traditional single scaffolding. Industries can enhance productivity and personal safety by understanding what they are made of, how to use them and the approved guidelines to be followed when working with them. As technology improves, so will the design and capabilities of rope suspended platforms, and they will play a greater role in addressing the needs of working at large heights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rope-hung platforms are more versatile and require less time and labour to install than traditional scaffolding. They’re perfect for jobs that call for fast movement and access to some areas of a building.
Rope suspended platforms can be used for various types of buildings, including high-rise buildings if the proper anchorage points are available. But you can’t use them on low-rise buildings unless some internal structure to support the windward side is available.
Platforms should be checked before use each time, with more thorough inspections carried out at intervals in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This helps ensure that everything is in good condition and completely safe to use.
Safe operating features include emergency brakes, mechanical anti-tilt mechanisms, operator training and fall arrester systems to reduce the likelihood of accidents and collapse.
They should not be used in bad weather that includes strong winds, rain or storms as they may not provide adequate safety in such situations.
Apoorva H P Achar