Precautions to Be Taken For Safe Use of Gondola

Construction equipment used for working at heights is a suspended rope platform also known as gondola machine. It is electric motor driven equipment, which is suspended along vertical surface of the building by steel ropes. This platform is movable with the help of suspension system, which is placed at the top of the building. This platform gives high construction efficiency, as it reduces the time required for project, it is easy to install, and it needs lesser manual labor. Major uses of gondola are, billboards installation, external renovation, window cleaning and painting and plastering jobs. Few of the benefits of using gondola are, it is mobile equipment, easy to install and dismantle. It requires minimum labour power and has a longer life. It also needs minimum repairs and maintenance costs. Gondola has a large size and flexible dimensions with security, to ensure fear-free operation.

Working mechanism and installation of suspended rope platform are very easy. After installing suspended rope platform, it must be ensured that all the safety precautions are taken. Before starting the operation with suspended platform, all the components of the rope platform should be checked. If any of the part is not properly fitted then use of gondola should be avoided. Secondly, check for V grooves in the U-frame which is attached with end stirrup, as this arrangement allows the stirrup to pivot in vertical position in case of tension. It should be made sure that rope is properly placed through pulleys at walk-through stirrup. Also check for proper placing of quick-pins and these are tightly locked. Apart from this, check that the hoist which is opted must fit with the end stirrup and the walk-through stirrup and is properly aligned with the brackets. Rope suspended platforms use guard rails, which should be extended and used for all times. There are cantilevered sections in these platforms and these must be balanced on each side, also ensure the accurate load capacity of the platform. Before making operation with suspended platforms, it must be get inspected from engineers and safety specialists.