Ensuring that access platforms and cranes are as stable as possible is vital if they are to be used safely and effectively. This makes it extremely important that you know how to accurately assess ground conditions and understand what measures to take.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
In this guide, we provide answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about ground conditions.
The short answer is, no! In fact, it is considered good practice to assess the ground conditions, whatever type of platform you are using &#; this could be boom lifts, scissors, mast lifts, vehicle-mounts, or towable lifts. Our advice is that well before you set up or attempt to operate your equipment, you conduct a site assessment, so that you&#;re aware of terrain conditions.
Many self-propelled machines, such as Genie booms, Niftylift booms, Genie scissors and MEC rough terrain scissors can be driven while elevated. If you don&#;t check the terrain before driving over it, you are risking a loss of stability that could result in the platform toppling over. For example, moving from hard ground to much softer ground can cause a self-propelled lift to overturn.
The surface area of the &#;foot&#; of an outrigger is often small, so it is important to spread the load in order to maximise stability. This allows the outrigger to withstand high pressures on gravel, soil and paved areas, without compromising on the safety of the machine.
The spreader plates sold by Outriggerpads help to reduce the pressure to an acceptable level.
IPAF&#;s excellent Spread the Load campaign advises that &#;spreader plates should always be used with boom-type mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) when fully supported on their outriggers.
Spreader plates should be used with all other MEWPs that have outriggers unless a risk assessment indicates they are not necessary&#;.
In addition, very poor ground conditions may require additional foundations, such as ground mats, timber mats, proprietary mats, steel grillages or concrete pads.
The lifting industry prides itself on adhering to best practice. In this instance, best practice is to assess the ground conditions before driving, even if you&#;re only driving the machine in the stowed position. While driving from stowed significantly reduces the risk of toppling, the machine could still easily get stuck in unexpected soft or boggy ground. This can cause delays on site while you wait for your access platform or crane to be rescued &#; and you may end up having to pay recovery costs.
The most common ground condition hazards that you might encounter include the following:
Uncompacted fill
This is the term for soil or other fill material placed into backfilled trench without being compacted. One tell-tale sign is visible cracks along the line of the trench.
Nearby excavations
Industry guidance advises you to avoid positioning mobile cranes or powered access platforms close to the edge of a trench or other excavation, as these are likely to collapse without warning. If the machine needs to be used in such a way that its outriggers or wheels will be close to the edge of such a feature, IPAF recommends that a competent geotechnical engineer carries out an assessment before allowing the platform to be positioned, set up and operated.
Floors, cellars and basements
Many floors, cellars and basements are simply not designed to bear the weight of a mobile crane or a powered access platform. Therefore it is extremely important to take into account the strength of floors and location of cellars/basements before positioning a machine in this type of area.
Paved Areas
Looks can be deceiving! Paved areas can look deceptively strong, but the ground beneath them could well be weak. In particular, you should consider footpaths as suspect, because there is often weaker ground or shallow services hidden below.
Underground Services
Sewers, drains, manholes, and gas and water mains can all be impacted by the weight of a platform. They can even collapse, causing the platform to become unstable or overturn.
Weather Conditions
Wherever you work, the weather can be a major factor. Heavy or prolonged rain can alter ground conditions and cause sinking of outriggers or wheels. If you suspect that the ground supporting a platform is getting softer, you should make regular checks on the machine level and make any appropriate adjustments to outriggers, spreader plates and pads. Also make regular checks when frozen ground is thawing out, since it can appear to be much firmer than it actually is.
The following industry classifications apply:
With competitive price and timely delivery, XINXINGHUAGONG sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Greenfield sites
Areas of high-risk on Greenfield sites include fields next to rivers, estuaries and flood plains. These areas can often have soft ground and high water tables.
Brownfield sites
Because of their nature, there can be huge variables on brownfield sites. In particular, problems could arise from hidden basements and cellars, underground storage tanks, and backfilled pits.
Pavement and roads
Carefully inspect roads and use your judgement. For example, a main road that is regularly used by trucks or heavy plant, without showing any major signs of distress, should be of less concern than a car park, for example, or a route through a housing estate. Footpaths are definitely worth close inspection, as the surface can be thin &#; and there could be services or weak ground beneath. The edges of paved areas are also a weak point and you should take extra care around them.
Town and city centres
The requirements of modern urban living mean that there will be a higher risk of underground hazards. These can include live services, manholes, drains, cellars, basements, sewers, and even poorly backfilled trenches.
Beaches
Beaches can be tricky places on which to work. Patches of sand with low density can easily shift under an outrigger or a wheel. The variable water table can also create challenges.
All modern powered access platforms are fitted with level sensors. Pay attention to the indicators and act immediately if any alerts or warning lights are activated. If the level indicator tells you that you are exceeding the machine&#;s operating limits, then you should immediately stop, lower the platform, and reset the machine until the indicators confirm that it is in a level position. If you are on soft ground and fear that outriggers or stabilisers could sink during operation, make regular checks and adjust accordingly.
The IPAF website has a superb resource library, including advice on assessing ground conditions:
http://www.ipaf.org/en/publications/technical-guidance-notes/
Outriggerpads provides a comprehensive range of ground mats, outrigger pads and spreader plates for powered access platforms, cranes and other mobile plant:
https://www.outriggerpads.co.uk
The Outriggerpads calculator also helps you to work out which spreader plates are most suitable for your fleet:
http://calculator.outriggerpads.co.uk/
For detailed advice on assessment of ground conditions, calculation of bearing pressure and selection of spreader plates, read Crane Stability on Site, C703, , published by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).
You can also find additional guidance in the British Standards publication
BS : Safe use of MEWPs &#; Code of practice.
By Lisa Hobbie
Finding the best jack or outrigger pads is an important part of planning to ensure that an outrigger load is equally distributed over a work area. These outrigger pads provide a strong foundation on which heavy outrigger-enabled equipment can operate. Everything from an RV, crane, backhoe, or other heavy load-carrying construction equipment can do damage to the surface beneath and even cause the ground to shift or become displaced. This could eventually cause the equipment to tip over and cause major damage, serious injury, or both.Greatmats offers the best in outrigger pads, with different options to suit the needs for use with various types of equipment in a variety of settings.The Safety Tech Outrigger Pad is a lightweight option manufactured in the USA. It is a high-load capacity crane pad with a vertical load-bearing capacity of anywhere from 55,000 pounds all the way up to up to 135,000 pounds. It features a safety textured surface tread and is designed to support vehicles like lift bucket trucks, boom trucks, and cranes with no warping or delamination. The highly durable, proprietary engineered thermoplastic material they are made of is non-conductive, non-magnetic, and resistant to temperature, chemicals, water, and oils.The recovery memory characteristics ensure the Dicas pads will return to the normal shape after bending. They are designed to support the heaviest of equipment without warping, splintering, or bending. They feature safety orange rope handles to optimize maneuverability, and they come in various sizes and thicknesses depending on safety and other OSHA requirements, as well as the equipment being operated on the outrigger pads.In addition to traditional outrigger pads, Greatmats offers a number of ground protection mat options with a design to protect the grounds of work sites, lawns, and more.If you&#;re looking for a ground protection mat that will easily support up to 120-ton loads from tree service or other heavy equipment and leave turf smooth, even in the softest conditions, these rugged ½-inch thick recycled polyethylene mats will do the job. The mats are ideal for building a temporary roadway or working platform in minutes. With a diamond plate tread mat design, the temporary roadway mats provide maximum traction and the highest quality. They are accompanied by a Lifetime Warranty and competitive pricing.Another excellent ground protection mat that will withstand 120-ton loads, these 3x8 foot mats come in two practical clean designs - one for walking and one for vehicle traffic. These mats are easily locked together with Turn-A-Links or EZ links and are accompanied by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.Available in black or clear and a variety of other sizes, these mats feature a flat tread on one side to permit pedestrians to walk on a temporary sidewalk, and the other side features the same diamond plate slip-resistant tread the AlturnaMats do for vehicle traction.The smooth side is also a great surface for turning skid loaders. It allows the loader to turn more easily without overly gripping the tread surface. When used on the underside, the smooth side will also not dig into more delicate surfaces such as all-weather tracks and thinner concrete.If you need outrigger pads or protective ground mats that will allow grass to grow and stay greener, clear mats are an excellent option.These mats will prevent the weight of a skid steer, bucket truck, grapple truck, or four-wheeler from causing ruts and other damage to the yard. Instead, they will leave turf smooth and undamaged. Like many other ground protection options at Greatmats, these come with a Lifetime Warranty!Scout ground protection mats are an excellent heavy equipment pad option when needing to support loads of up to 175,000 pounds. They are perfect for areas where the ground is soggy and the concern for rutting and damage done by weight is present.They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a uniquely engineered composite surface texture. This texture allows for reduced slippage, minimal mud, and enhanced forward traction.These mats do not conduct electricity, and they are made of chemically inert material that helps prevent cross-contamination from heavy machinery. They are also weatherproof, waterproof, and are nearly indestructible.Regardless of the outrigger pads or ground protection mats you need for your mobile construction or work site, the products available at Greatmats will not disappoint. From excellent manufacturing and composition to top quality and affordability, the options at Greatmats are second to none. Reach out to the knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff for samples, suggestions, and other information that will help you make the best decision for your project or company.
Ensuring that access platforms and cranes are as stable as possible is vital if they are to be used safely and effectively. This makes it extremely important that you know how to accurately assess ground conditions and understand what measures to take.
In this guide, we provide answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about ground conditions.
The short answer is, no! In fact, it is considered good practice to assess the ground conditions, whatever type of platform you are using &#; this could be boom lifts, scissors, mast lifts, vehicle-mounts, or towable lifts. Our advice is that well before you set up or attempt to operate your equipment, you conduct a site assessment, so that you&#;re aware of terrain conditions.
Many self-propelled machines, such as Genie booms, Niftylift booms, Genie scissors and MEC rough terrain scissors can be driven while elevated. If you don&#;t check the terrain before driving over it, you are risking a loss of stability that could result in the platform toppling over. For example, moving from hard ground to much softer ground can cause a self-propelled lift to overturn.
The surface area of the &#;foot&#; of an outrigger is often small, so it is important to spread the load in order to maximise stability. This allows the outrigger to withstand high pressures on gravel, soil and paved areas, without compromising on the safety of the machine.
The spreader plates sold by Outriggerpads help to reduce the pressure to an acceptable level.
IPAF&#;s excellent Spread the Load campaign advises that &#;spreader plates should always be used with boom-type mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) when fully supported on their outriggers.
Spreader plates should be used with all other MEWPs that have outriggers unless a risk assessment indicates they are not necessary&#;.
In addition, very poor ground conditions may require additional foundations, such as ground mats, timber mats, proprietary mats, steel grillages or concrete pads.
The lifting industry prides itself on adhering to best practice. In this instance, best practice is to assess the ground conditions before driving, even if you&#;re only driving the machine in the stowed position. While driving from stowed significantly reduces the risk of toppling, the machine could still easily get stuck in unexpected soft or boggy ground. This can cause delays on site while you wait for your access platform or crane to be rescued &#; and you may end up having to pay recovery costs.
The most common ground condition hazards that you might encounter include the following:
Uncompacted fill
This is the term for soil or other fill material placed into backfilled trench without being compacted. One tell-tale sign is visible cracks along the line of the trench.
Nearby excavations
Industry guidance advises you to avoid positioning mobile cranes or powered access platforms close to the edge of a trench or other excavation, as these are likely to collapse without warning. If the machine needs to be used in such a way that its outriggers or wheels will be close to the edge of such a feature, IPAF recommends that a competent geotechnical engineer carries out an assessment before allowing the platform to be positioned, set up and operated.
Floors, cellars and basements
Many floors, cellars and basements are simply not designed to bear the weight of a mobile crane or a powered access platform. Therefore it is extremely important to take into account the strength of floors and location of cellars/basements before positioning a machine in this type of area.
Paved Areas
Looks can be deceiving! Paved areas can look deceptively strong, but the ground beneath them could well be weak. In particular, you should consider footpaths as suspect, because there is often weaker ground or shallow services hidden below.
Underground Services
Sewers, drains, manholes, and gas and water mains can all be impacted by the weight of a platform. They can even collapse, causing the platform to become unstable or overturn.
Weather Conditions
Wherever you work, the weather can be a major factor. Heavy or prolonged rain can alter ground conditions and cause sinking of outriggers or wheels. If you suspect that the ground supporting a platform is getting softer, you should make regular checks on the machine level and make any appropriate adjustments to outriggers, spreader plates and pads. Also make regular checks when frozen ground is thawing out, since it can appear to be much firmer than it actually is.
The following industry classifications apply:
Greenfield sites
Areas of high-risk on Greenfield sites include fields next to rivers, estuaries and flood plains. These areas can often have soft ground and high water tables.
Brownfield sites
Because of their nature, there can be huge variables on brownfield sites. In particular, problems could arise from hidden basements and cellars, underground storage tanks, and backfilled pits.
Pavement and roads
Carefully inspect roads and use your judgement. For example, a main road that is regularly used by trucks or heavy plant, without showing any major signs of distress, should be of less concern than a car park, for example, or a route through a housing estate. Footpaths are definitely worth close inspection, as the surface can be thin &#; and there could be services or weak ground beneath. The edges of paved areas are also a weak point and you should take extra care around them.
Town and city centres
The requirements of modern urban living mean that there will be a higher risk of underground hazards. These can include live services, manholes, drains, cellars, basements, sewers, and even poorly backfilled trenches.
Beaches
Beaches can be tricky places on which to work. Patches of sand with low density can easily shift under an outrigger or a wheel. The variable water table can also create challenges.
All modern powered access platforms are fitted with level sensors. Pay attention to the indicators and act immediately if any alerts or warning lights are activated. If the level indicator tells you that you are exceeding the machine&#;s operating limits, then you should immediately stop, lower the platform, and reset the machine until the indicators confirm that it is in a level position. If you are on soft ground and fear that outriggers or stabilisers could sink during operation, make regular checks and adjust accordingly.
The IPAF website has a superb resource library, including advice on assessing ground conditions:
http://www.ipaf.org/en/publications/technical-guidance-notes/
Outriggerpads provides a comprehensive range of ground mats, outrigger pads and spreader plates for powered access platforms, cranes and other mobile plant:
https://www.outriggerpads.co.uk
The Outriggerpads calculator also helps you to work out which spreader plates are most suitable for your fleet:
http://calculator.outriggerpads.co.uk/
For detailed advice on assessment of ground conditions, calculation of bearing pressure and selection of spreader plates, read Crane Stability on Site, C703, , published by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).
You can also find additional guidance in the British Standards publication
BS : Safe use of MEWPs &#; Code of practice.
By Lisa Hobbie
Finding the best jack or outrigger pads is an important part of planning to ensure that an outrigger load is equally distributed over a work area. These outrigger pads provide a strong foundation on which heavy outrigger-enabled equipment can operate. Everything from an RV, crane, backhoe, or other heavy load-carrying construction equipment can do damage to the surface beneath and even cause the ground to shift or become displaced. This could eventually cause the equipment to tip over and cause major damage, serious injury, or both.Greatmats offers the best in outrigger pads, with different options to suit the needs for use with various types of equipment in a variety of settings.The Safety Tech Outrigger Pad is a lightweight option manufactured in the USA. It is a high-load capacity crane pad with a vertical load-bearing capacity of anywhere from 55,000 pounds all the way up to up to 135,000 pounds. It features a safety textured surface tread and is designed to support vehicles like lift bucket trucks, boom trucks, and cranes with no warping or delamination. The highly durable, proprietary engineered thermoplastic material they are made of is non-conductive, non-magnetic, and resistant to temperature, chemicals, water, and oils.The recovery memory characteristics ensure the Dicas pads will return to the normal shape after bending. They are designed to support the heaviest of equipment without warping, splintering, or bending. They feature safety orange rope handles to optimize maneuverability, and they come in various sizes and thicknesses depending on safety and other OSHA requirements, as well as the equipment being operated on the outrigger pads.In addition to traditional outrigger pads, Greatmats offers a number of ground protection mat options with a design to protect the grounds of work sites, lawns, and more.If you&#;re looking for a ground protection mat that will easily support up to 120-ton loads from tree service or other heavy equipment and leave turf smooth, even in the softest conditions, these rugged ½-inch thick recycled polyethylene mats will do the job. The mats are ideal for building a temporary roadway or working platform in minutes. With a diamond plate tread mat design, the temporary roadway mats provide maximum traction and the highest quality. They are accompanied by a Lifetime Warranty and competitive pricing.Another excellent ground protection mat that will withstand 120-ton loads, these 3x8 foot mats come in two practical clean designs - one for walking and one for vehicle traffic. These mats are easily locked together with Turn-A-Links or EZ links and are accompanied by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.Available in black or clear and a variety of other sizes, these mats feature a flat tread on one side to permit pedestrians to walk on a temporary sidewalk, and the other side features the same diamond plate slip-resistant tread the AlturnaMats do for vehicle traction.The smooth side is also a great surface for turning skid loaders. It allows the loader to turn more easily without overly gripping the tread surface. When used on the underside, the smooth side will also not dig into more delicate surfaces such as all-weather tracks and thinner concrete.If you need outrigger pads or protective ground mats that will allow grass to grow and stay greener, clear mats are an excellent option.These mats will prevent the weight of a skid steer, bucket truck, grapple truck, or four-wheeler from causing ruts and other damage to the yard. Instead, they will leave turf smooth and undamaged. Like many other ground protection options at Greatmats, these come with a Lifetime Warranty!Scout ground protection mats are an excellent heavy equipment pad option when needing to support loads of up to 175,000 pounds. They are perfect for areas where the ground is soggy and the concern for rutting and damage done by weight is present.They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a uniquely engineered composite surface texture. This texture allows for reduced slippage, minimal mud, and enhanced forward traction.These mats do not conduct electricity, and they are made of chemically inert material that helps prevent cross-contamination from heavy machinery. They are also weatherproof, waterproof, and are nearly indestructible.Regardless of the outrigger pads or ground protection mats you need for your mobile construction or work site, the products available at Greatmats will not disappoint. From excellent manufacturing and composition to top quality and affordability, the options at Greatmats are second to none. Reach out to the knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff for samples, suggestions, and other information that will help you make the best decision for your project or company.