Order pickers provide a temporary work platform from which persons are able to select stock from an elevated height.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Order pickers consist of a ladder leading to a safe working platform. All order pickers include a safety handrail whilst some also include a safety gate around the platform.
Some order pickers also include an elevating table that allows the products to be placed on a moveable platform and lowered or raised to the desired location, therefore preventing the person from needing to carry loads up and down the ladder.
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a suitable order picker for the workplace including:
- employees abilities
- footprint size of order picker
- frequency of use
- handrail design
- platform area
- platform height
- safety gate—manual or auto close
- type of ladder—fixed or moveable
- work environment.
All order pickers should be checked to make sure they meet Australian Standards prior to use.
References
Backsafe Australia 2008, Access Equipment, Backsafe Australia, Willetton, viewed 26 August 2011, http://www.backsafe-australia.com.au/products/documents/access-equip/Sect03-AccessEquipment.pdf.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2000, Australian/New Zealand Standard- Portable ladders, Part 5: Selection, safe use and care, Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Sydney.
Aluminium Platform Specialists (no date specified), Order pickers, Aluminium Platform Specialists, Melbourne, viewed 26 August 2011, http://www.aluminiumplatforms.com/index.php?section=14.