What to consider when using CantiDeck loading platforms

While our CantiDeck loading platforms undoubtedly provide a safer solution to vertical logistics and building load-out, there are a few points worth considering when using them. These include, working at height, project lift plans, installation and relocation procedures, and the ‘right’ training.

Using CantiDeck crane loading platforms?

CantiDeck crane loading platforms are an efficient method of loading-out building structures with materials and equipment during construction. With offsite construction driving an increase in quantity and size of loads, these temporary platforms are essential for crane time efficiency and safety on construction sites.

While CantiDeck platforms offer safety and efficiency when slinging loads and loading out at height, it is of upmost importance that these crane loading platforms are installed and used by trained and competent operators in a correct and safe manner.

What are the key considerations?

As with any operation or piece of equipment on a construction site, there are many considerations that must be taken into account and planned for, to keep all site workers and members of the public safe at all times.

We’ve highlighted some key considerations that should be thought about for anyone that is using or wants to use CantiDeck on site. These considerations relate to, but are not limited to:

01 / Working at height
02 / Lift plans for the entire project
03 / How to install & relocate
04 / Getting the ‘right’ training

01 / Working at Height

When working at height, all workers must be aware of recommended safe practices and correctly inducted in line with the main contractor’s best practice for the individual project, which should take into consideration the methods and risks associated with that project.

When using a CantiDeck loading platform for loading out it is common that site operatives will require access to the loading platform, and they will therefore be working at height, so it is essential that the edge protection on the leading edge of the building is fitted right up to the side of the platform and that suitable harnesses and other relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided.

02 / Lift plans for the entire project

Any logistics manager will tell you that when planning materials and personnel movement around site it is important to look at the holistic logistics site schedule and come up with a plan for all stages of a project.

CantiDeck loading platforms protrude from the edge of a structure when in use* so this can cause a potential hazard when used around other lifting equipment, these could include, but are not limited to:

  • personnel lifts and hoists
  • personnel access scissor lifts
  • temporary cranes
  • crawler and tower cranes

*The only exception is the Super Roller CantiDeck which is the only loading platform in the UK that can be fully retracted within the building structure. These are often used on a project where space is restricted and there must be a method in place to ensure they are retracted if other lifting equipment is in operation near the platform.

03 / How to Install & Relocate

To achieve maximum efficiency and productivity from a CantiDeck crane loading platform, contractors will choose to relocate it multiple times during the project, after the initial installation. This may be relocating to a higher level as the structure is built or just to different faces of the building, to increase speed of loading-out.

When choosing a location (for the platform) it is important that this is done as a collective decision, involving all relevant lifting personnel and representatives from any subcontractors who may be using the platform or working in the vicinity.

Conquip offer an installation and relocation service by trained on-site engineers, but we can also provide necessary training to ensure that all site lifting personnel are competent with relocation and installation.

When choosing a location (for the platform) it is important that this is done as a collective decision, involving all relevant lifting personnel…who may be using the platform or working in the vicinity.

04 / Getting the ‘right’ training

As highlighted in the ‘Lift Planning’ section it is so important that all lifting personnel are properly briefed on what equipment is in use on site so they can identify the potential risks and limitations that may bring.

Our on-site engineers offer on-the-job familiarisation training to: Appointed Persons (APs), Lifting Managers and Slinger/Signallers. We can offer tool-box talks or awareness training to other personnel on site, including Logistics Managers and Project Managers. It is possible to train anyone about CantiDeck loading platforms but to carry out a relocation or installation, the individual must have a slinger/signaller ticket, at the very least.

We cover many aspects in the training, including how to carry out daily checks to the condition of the loading platforms, how to install and relocate a platform, how to get the highest productivity from your platform and all the safety considerations you will need.

Our on-site engineers have a lot of practical experience and training and will offer you best practice knowledge on the use of CantiDeck loading platforms. It is important that you then use this knowledge to carry out a lift plan and RAMS for the individual project, in line with the main contractor’s guidelines.

CantiDeck Solutions

CantiDeck crane loading platforms can either be fixed or fully retractable. The fully retractable Super Roller CantiDeck option is ideal when installed in a stacked configuration, ensuring moving goods between floors is very efficient.

This reduces down-time for relocating the platforms between levels and reduces the need to do so many lifts and installations. Also, when used in conjuction with the CantiCrane, you can remove the need to rely on the tower crane other than the initial installation of the platforms and the CantiCrane.

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CantiDeck in use